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The Qutb Minar is a 73-meter tall minaret located in the Mehrauli area of New Delhi, India.

Visual Characteristics

Constructed primarily from red sandstone and marble, the Qutb Minar features five distinct stories. The first three stories are fluted, while the fourth and fifth are smooth. Intricate carvings and verses from the Quran adorn its surfaces. The base diameter is approximately 14.3 meters, tapering to 2.75 meters at the top.

Location & Access Logistics

The Qutb Minar is situated in South Delhi, approximately 15 kilometers south of Connaught Place. Access is via Mehrauli-Badarpur Road. Ample parking is available on-site. The nearest metro station is Qutub Minar (Yellow Line), located about 1 kilometer from the complex. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Qutb Minar began in 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, and was completed by his successor, Iltutmish. It was intended as a victory tower and a minaret for the adjacent mosque, Quwwat-ul-Islam.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the detailed architecture of the minaret and the surrounding Qutb complex, which includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar, and the Alai Darwaza. Photography is permitted. Entry to the minaret itself is restricted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the complex. Shaded areas are limited, primarily around the mosque ruins. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good. Food vendors are located outside the main entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight and crowds. The optimal months for visiting are from October to March, when the weather is cooler and drier.

Facts & Legends

The Iron Pillar, located within the complex, is famous for its rust-resistant composition, a metallurgical feat that has puzzled scientists for centuries. Local legend suggests that if a person can encircle the pillar with their arms while standing with their back against it, their wish will be granted.

Nearby Landmarks

• Adham Khan's Tomb (0.3km Northwest)
• Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb (0.8km West)
• Mehrauli Archaeological Park (1.2km West)
• Sunder Nursery (4.5km Northeast)
• Humayun's Tomb (5.0km Northeast)