Is Qutub Minar Open at Night

No, the Qutub Minar is not open at night. The monument is open weekly from 7 am to 8 pm for public entry, which is the standard time for most historical sites in India.

However, in an effort to boost night tourism, the government is planning for viewing the Qutub Minar at night. You will be able to visit the monument for night viewing from 8 pm to 10 pm. During this time, the Qutub Minar will be illuminated with special LED lights, which are said to create a breathtaking atmosphere.

Qutub Minar Timing

Monday	7 am–8 pm
Tuesday	7 am–8 pm
Wednesday	7 am–8 pm
Thursday	7 am–8 pm
Friday	7 am–8 pm
Saturday	7 am–8 pm
Sunday	7 am–8 pm

Qutub Minar Entry Fee

The Qutub Minar, the second most popular monument in India after the Taj Mahal. It is a remarkable masterpiece that will undoubtedly awe you with its unmatched grandeur. The Qutub Minar entry fee to explore varies based on your nationality.

• Indian citizens: ₹ 40 (Indian Rupees)
• Foreign nationals: ₹ 600 (Indian Rupees)

There’s no charge for children below the age of 15. Also, cloak room is also available here to keep your bags.

Qutub minar nearest metro station

The nearest metro station to Qutub Minar is Qutub Minar Metro Station located at Mittal Garden, Sainik Farm, New Delhi, Delhi 110030, India. It is the most convenient way to reach Qutub Minar. The nearest metro station, Qutub Minar Metro Station,  is located on the Yellow Line and is approximately 2 kilometers away from the monument. Once you reach the metro station, you have the option to either hire an auto-rickshaw or simply walk to reach your destination.

How to Reach The Qutub Minar

Nearest Metro Station	Qutab Minar Metro Station
Nearest Railway Station	Old Delhi Railway Station
Nearest Bus Stand	AKashmiri Gate Bus Stand
Nearest Airport	Indira Gandhi International Airport

Best Time to Visit Qutub Minar

Between October and March provides relief from the intense heat of Delhi. The favorable climate during this time is perfect for sightseeing the monument. It is advisable to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to steer clear of the harsh midday sun. Check other places to visit in Delhi

Monsoon	August To September
Summer	Starts in early April and peak in May & Temperature is 32°C (avg)
Winter	Starts in November and peaks in January & Avg Temperature is 12 to 13°C
Recommended Season to Visit	November to March

Who Built Qutub Minar?

Qutub Minar stands as a symbol of Delhi’s history, showcasing a narrative unlike any other monument. It is a key component of the Qutub Complex, which includes various structures such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Ala-ud-din’s Madrasa and Tomb, Iron Pillar, Tomb of Imam Zamin, Sanderson’s Sundial, and Major Smith’s Cupola. This tallest brick minaret globally is believed to have been inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan.

The Qutb Minar complex comprises monuments from the Delhi Sultanate. It is located at Mehrauli in Delhi, India. Qutub Minar was initiated by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi of the Mamluk dynasty (Gulam Vansh). Shamsuddin Iltutmish, the successor and son-in-law of Aibak, accomplished the construction of three additional stories. 

Evolution of Qutub Minar

In 1369, the fourth level underwent repairs following a lightning strike on the minaret. Next Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq decided to downsize the fourth level during the restoration process.

In 1505, an earthquake caused damage to the Qutub Minar, which was subsequently repaired by Sikander Lodi. Also, Sher Shah Suri introduced an entrance, and this addition took place while the Mughal emperor Humayun was in exile. 

Smith’s Folly Story

Once more a significant earthquake on September 1, 1803 resulted in severe destruction. Major Robert Smith from the British Indian Army oversaw the restoration of the tower in 1828, adding a pillared cupola to the fifth story, effectively creating a sixth. However, in 1848, The Viscount Hardinge, who served as the Governor General of India at the time, ordered the cupola to be removed. It was later reinstalled at ground level to the east of Qutb Minar, where it stands today. This structure is now famously referred to as “Smith’s Folly.”

Numerous rulers, such as the Tughlaqs, Alauddin Khalji, and the British, contributed additional structures to the complex. Apart from the Qutb Minar and the Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque, other notable structures within the complex include the Alai Darwaza gate, the Alai Minar, and the Iron pillar. The tombs of Iltutmish, Alauddin Khalji, and Imam Zamin can also be found within the complex.

Shams-ud-Din Itutmish (A.D. 1210–35) and Ala-ud-Din Khalji undertook the expansion of the mosque, erecting a grand arched screen. Additionally, they enlarged the mosque to enhance its grandeur. Within the courtyard, there stands the Iron Pillar, which bears an inscription in Sanskrit written in the Brahmi script from the fourth century A.D. This inscription reveals that the pillar was erected as a Vishnudhvaja, a sacred shrine of the god Vishnu, on the hill known as Vishnupada. It was dedicated in memory of the mighty king named Chandra.

Presently, the surrounding area, which is home to various ancient monuments including Balban’s tomb, has been developed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as the Mehrauli Archaeological Park.The complex is also the venue for the annual ‘Qutub Festival’, held in November–December, featuring performances by artists, musicians, and dancers over a span of three days. It was added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1993.

Also, check nearby places to Delhi

FAQs

Who built Qutub Minar and why?
The construction of the Minar was initiated by Qutbu’d-Din Aibak in AD 1199, with the purpose of providing a platform for the mu’azzin to make calls for prayer. The first storey was built by Aibak. Later his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36), added three more storeys to the structure.

Is Qutub Minar free entry?
Qutab Minar entry fee is INR 30 for Indian citizens and INR 500 for foreign nationals, while children under 15 years old can enter free of charge.

On which day is Qutub Minar closed?
Qutub Minar remains open on all days of the week, and the Qutub Minar timings are from 7 am to 8 pm.

What is the height of Qutub Minar?
Qutub Minar height is 72.5-metre

Why is Iron Pillar famous?
Pillar has drawn the interest of archaeologists and materials scientists due to its exceptional resistance to corrosion, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship of ancient Indian iron smiths in iron extraction and processing.