From the Kailash Colony side of south Delhi, Qutub Minar makes a history-focused outing to a landmark tower and the remains around it. Set in Mehrauli, New Delhi, the sandstone minar stands within a complex of mosques, gateways and other structures.
- Location: Mehrauli, New Delhi
- Nearby area: Kailash Colony
- Opening pattern: Open daily
- Tickets: published prices also differ; buy through authorized ASI channels
What to see at the Qutub Minar complex
The Qutub Minar complex brings together the tower, mosque remains, gateways, tombs and an unfinished minar.
Start with the Qutub Minar itself, then look around the grounds for the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, northeast of the tower. Qutbu’d-Din Aibak built the mosque in AD 1198. To the south of it stands Ala’i Darwaza, constructed in AD 1311 as the mosque’s southern gateway.
The unfinished Ala’i Minar offers a striking contrast with the completed tower. Alau’d-Din Khalji began it intending to make it twice the size of Qutub Minar; its surviving first storey is 25 m high. The complex also contains a madrasa, graves, tombs, a mosque and architectural members.
History and architecture of the monument
Qutub Minar is a red-and-buff sandstone tower that rises 72.5 m above Mehrauli.
The District North, Government of Delhi describes the tower as 14.32 m in diameter at its base and about 2.75 m at the top. Qutbu’d-Din Aibak laid its foundation in AD 1199 and built the first storey. His successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish, added three more storeys.
Later repairs form part of the monument’s history: Firuz Shah Tughlaq and Sikandar Lodi repaired the minar, followed by Major R. Smith, who repaired and restored it in 1829. The changing phases of construction and repair help explain why the tower sits among structures from different periods.
Official tickets, hours and visitor access
Government of Delhi pages give conflicting hours and entry prices for Qutub Minar, so confirm the current details before setting out.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00–17:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Published hours vary from 7:00 am–5:00 pm daily to sunrise–8:00 pm. Admission prices range from ₹30 to ₹50 cash or ₹35 online for Indian citizens, and ₹500 to ₹600 cash or ₹550 online for other categories; one price page labels its ₹600/₹550 category “Others: Indian.” Children up to 15 years enter free.
ASI guidance says to enter ticketed monuments with a valid ticket and buy only at ASI counters or kiosks, through its online portal, or with an available QR code. Follow security checks and posted rules. Food and beverages other than water are prohibited; use designated pathways and respect cordoned-off areas. Check the official site before you go.
How do you get from Kailash Colony to Qutub Minar?
From Hotel Atithi, Kailash Colony station is about 5 minutes on foot. Take the Violet Line to the Yellow Line for Qutab Minar station, which serves the monument and the Garden of Five Senses, according to Delhi Tourism’s metro itinerary. Hotel Atithi offers rooms at Hotel Atithi for a visit to Qutub Minar.
Qutab Minar station is on the Yellow Line, while Kailash Colony is on the Violet Line.
ASI also advises visitors to hire only government-authorized guides and photographers, checking their identity cards, and to use approved audio guides or information booklets if available. Avoid photography in restricted areas containing sensitive artwork or artifacts, and follow posted filming and videography rules.
Allowing time for a south Delhi visit
Keep the visit centered on the monument complex, then consider adding another south Delhi stop if your schedule allows.
Delhi Tourism pairs Qutab Minar station with the Garden of Five Senses in its metro itinerary. For a broader route around the area, a one-day plan around Kailash Colony and South Delhi can help you think through how to combine local stops.
Inside the complex, follow designated pathways and stay outside cordoned-off areas. Check the current opening information before you leave, since the published hours differ between Government of Delhi pages.
FAQs
Is Qutub Minar the same place as Qutab Minar?
Both spellings are used for the Delhi landmark. Qutab Minar is also the name used for the metro station serving the site.
What else is inside the Qutub Minar complex?
Alongside the tower, the complex includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Ala’i Darwaza, the unfinished Ala’i Minar and other historic remains.
Can you bring food into the complex?
ASI visitor guidance prohibits food and beverages other than water. Follow the posted rules and use designated pathways.