One of the top things to do in Delhi is visit Qutub Minar.

Along with many ruins and structures, the site is especially recognized for its distinct minar which measures 72.5 meters in height.

Entrance to Qutub Minar for foreigners is 250 Rupees, which is quite expensive largely because it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Make sure you count your change when you pay for your ticket.

Just like at the Taj Mahal, this is one of the numerous places in India where I paid with a large bill and was shorthanded change.

Luckily at Qutub Minar I immediately counted my change, realized the ticket vendor had given me a few hundred Rupees short and went back to the counter where he handed over the correct change.

Make sure you count your change!

Built in the late 1100’s, Qutub Minar is an ancient complex that has numerous layers of history. The structure is mostly constructed of red sandstone and many of the walls are covered in verses from the Qur’an.

Throughout its many years of existence, the minar has been struck by lightning a few times, and built upon a number of times as well.

Before walking all the way up to the minaret, I decided to walk into the garden and get an overall perspective.

The walls of Qutub Minar surrounding the minar were covered in intricate stone carvings, a true masterpiece of Mughal Islamic craftsmanship.

The fine details, the sky reaching tower, and the ancientness of the complex make Qutub Minar an incredible attraction.

The minar was used as a watch tower, and I’m sure the view from the top is amazing. Too bad they don’t allow anyone to go inside the minar anymore.

I was quite happy to view it from the ground. Like in all of Delhi (video), I was amazed at the amount of birds which filled the air, flying from pillar to pillar in huge flocks and chirping along the way. It really set the mood for a historical attraction like Qutub Minar.

Apart from the minar itself, some of the other ruins around Qutub Minar are not extremely well preserved. Some of the carvings looked like they had been repaired. Thankfully that didn’t take away from the original beauty of the complex.

On one of the corners there’s a structure that houses a number of tombs, and it happens to be a popular spot where many local Indian’s were taking photos.

The carvings in this area looked to be original and very well preserved.

Qutub Minar, while attracting plenty of foreign tourists, is also a huge attractions for local Indians. Perhaps because I went on the weekend, there were plenty of families out for a day of sightseeing and lots of school groups as well.

These guys were extremely happy to have their photo taken!

Qutub Minar is located in South Delhi, and it’s easiest to get there by taking the Delhi Metro to Qutub Minar station. Unfortunately the station is not right next to the monument, so it’s best to hop in an auto rickshaw for a quick ride to the entrance gate.

Open hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily
Address: Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030, India
Price: 250 Rupees, but make sure you count your change, I was shorthanded, and had to return for my correct change!

For more info and tips check out my Delhi travel guide!