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Qutub Minar Delhi

Qutab Minar is the second highest minar (tower) in India. An impressive 240 feet (73 metres) of red sandstone and white marble, it was commissioned by the first Sultan of Delhi in 1193, who sadly never got to see it in its full glory, as it took almost 200 years to complete. The tower has 349 steps. It is no longer open for the public to climb, but is a fantastic place to visit and photograph. Qutub Minar was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, by the founder of Slave Dynasty and later completed by his son-in-law and successor Iltutmish. The Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Built exclusively in red brick and sandstone this minaret in Delhi is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Today, Qutub Minar is an eminent member of the World Heritage Site community and has managed to stand firm despite the ravages of time. Qutub Minar of Delhi is surrounded by a lush green manicured garden, which is a much favored leisure spot for Delhi locals. You can see tourists and locals loitering around the whole winter afternoons here and there inside the tower.

Qutub Minar at Delhi is a 5 storied tower. Each tower of the famous Qutub Minar has unique designs. It was hit by lightening twice. Due to this hazard, there was major damage in the structure. But during the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, the king repaired the ensuing damage. Again during the reign of Emperor Feroze Shah Tughlaq, when the top most storey of the Qutub Minar was destroyed, the king repaired the floor and elevated the Qutub Minar to another level. Inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan the Qutub Minar is an interesting mix of architectural styles. The base of the Qutub Minar at Delhi measures 14.32 meters and the top of the structure measures 2.75 meters. The first 3 stories of the Qutub Minar has different designs. While the base has alternate angular and circular flutings, the second one is round. The third storey of the Qutub Minar has only angular flutings. The balconies projecting out of the Delhi Qutub Minar heightens the beauty of the Minar.

The iron pillar is the main attraction in the spacious Quwwat-Ul-Islam Masjid courtyard. It weights over 6511kg. It dates back to 4th century, at times when the World's knowledge about making iron from ore was still a complicated idea. It is amazing to notice the smoothness of the pillar which indicated the purity of iron. Events like Photography, painting and musical exhibitions takes place from time to time in association with the Archaeological Survey of India. The Qutub festival which takes place in the month of November or December is a three days long cultural and musical event where artist and singers come together to perform. Qutub Minar is one of the oldest monuments in Delhi still in very good shape. It dates back to the time before the Lodis and the great Mughals.

A Visit to the Historical Monument
The monument complex located in Mehrauli, Delhi, India, remains open to visitors all day from sunrise to sunset. Entry fees per person for Indian citizens is Rs. 30/- and for foreigners is Rs. 500/-. Entry is free for children up to 15 years of age. Although visitors were allowed to climb the staircase inside the minaret to reach its top, a severe accident on December 4, 1981, that killed 45 people and injured several others led authorities to restrict such access to general public. A masterpiece of the medieval age India, the Qutub Minar has over time remained one of the most popular tourist spots in Delhi, India and a recent collaboration with Archaeological survey of India has made it possible to have a 360o walkthrough of the tower.

How to Reach Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is located in Mehrauli region of Southwest Delhi. You can easily find cabs and autos from any part of the city. You can easily reach the monument via local bus and metro. The nearest metro station is Qutub Minar station. During tourism season, you can choose to ride the hop on hop off sightseeing bus tour provided by tourism department.

Best Time to Visit Qutub Minar
The monument is less untainted with season. The Qutub Minar is at prime beauty throughout the year. Delhi has very harsh summer, which is dehydrating and very humid. Thus, it is better to avoid summer season, which starts in March and ends in June. The monsoon is pleasant but the city receives heavy rainfall making sightseeing, very uncomfortable. Thus, avoid monsoon season, which starts in July and ends in September. The winter season starts in October and ends in March. The climate is pleasing and it is the tourism season of the country. This is the best time to visit the monument.

List of Tourist Attractions in Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, is built on the banks of the River Yamuna and is a beautiful blend of a historical past and a vibrant present. Be it its culture, vibrant nightlife, bustling markets or tourist attractions, the city never fails to hypnotise people with its irresistible charm. Below described are the most sought-after tourist attractions in this great city. Humayun's Tomb is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture that still stand tall in the city. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it is a mausoleum, which was built to house the corpse of Humayun. Red Fort is another marvellous monument accredited to the Mughals. While here, you can admire the inlaid work on the marble and pietra dura in different sections. Another grand fortress, Purana Qila was built by Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, but claimed to be originally constructed by Yudhishthira. Sher Mandal and Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque are its two main highlights. Most New Delhi packages come with a visit to the magnificent India Gate. This imposing 42-metre-high stone arch was built to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers during the First World War. You can pay tribute to the soldiers at the eternal flame, Amar Jawan Jyoti. Another site, which holds immense historical significance, is Qutb Minar. Built by Qutb ud din Aibak, this sandstone minaret is renowned for its Arabic calligraphy. Your trip to New Delhi would be incomplete without a visit to Rajghat, a memorial, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Close to Rajghat are the memorials of other Indian leaders like Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri that are worth a visit.

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