The Majestic Qutub Minar

As soon as you get out of the Qutub Minar Metro Station (which is on the Yellow line of the large DMRC Network), you will be chased after by a mob of autowallas offering you a ride to the monument. Just hop inside one of the auto rickshaws and the moment the 'rikshaw chalak' gets his 'chaar sawaris' (on a sharing basis), he'll turn the ignition on and you'll be off towards your destination.

The Qutub Minar (QM) Complex is approximately 2 kms away from the metro station. So the sharing auto will just take around 10-15 minutes for this short ride. You can also go by DTC bus no. 539/715 ((low frequency, why to wait?)) or book a personal auto/cab ((wanna spend more?)) or you may just choose to walk ((which is not at all a wise option)). Anyhow you'll reach the QM complex gate, where you'll need to stand in the very long queue if you don't reach early and if it's a holiday/weekend.

For tickets, visitors can choose different mode of payments and stand in the respective queues (pre-booked online/Cash/Card). You'll find shorter queues for the 'online booking' and 'by card' ticket counters ((oh well Digital India!)). Now you can deposit your bags at the baggage counter situated on the left of the ticket counter. It's not very safe though, so not recommended. Now if you get tired after all this, there are a number of lemonade thelas to charge you up ((truly, a glass of shikanji is the best escape)). Let's get inside now!

As you get through the security, you will finally enter the monument and there it is! The Qutub Minar which one always sees from the air while sitting inside the flight over Delhi is made of red sandstone and marble. You will definitely be amazed to see the tallest brick minaret in the world standing tall at a height of 72.5 metres. The tower has five distinct storeys each with projecting balconies. The architecture of the the Minar and the surrounding archaeological area is splendid ((get a photoshoot done here!)). It was established along with Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. The mosque complex is one of the earliest that survives in the Indian subcontinent. Also, you will find the infamous Iron Pillar (or Ashoka Pillar) here which stands at a height of 7.2 metres. It is widely famous due to the non-corrosive nature of the iron used in its making. It has attracted many researchers across the world who cited many theories about its long lastedness but alas! none of them could make the curiosity to know the reason behind its magical property any less ((Believe the facts, it has stood for almost 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing and still standing high)). The history of Qutub Minar and it's monuments is quite interesting to know. You can get a brief of its history on the various ASI description stones spread all around the premises.

In my opinion, 2.5 hours should be enough to spend at the QM complex. This historical place is truly picturesque. I'm sure your portfolio will only be more complete with some of your pictures clicked here.((Its worth taking a photographer along)) After stepping out of the place, another glass of 'nimbu paani' will make you feel just fine and fresh. You can eat at the many eateries situated across the road going with the similar name as the monument ((with no taste, I must say!)). Again, you can find a dozen autowallas shouting with their pitch highest than ever to get you in their autos for your way back to the metro station. ((Wait for the auto to get filled with its destined 'chaar sawaris' though :P))

QM timings: 7am - 5pm (open all days)

Ticket rates:
₹30 pp (Indian >= 15yrs)
₹500 pp (Foreigners >= 15yrs)
₹25 each (Still/ Video camera)
Free for kids <= 15yrs