Qutub Minar, India´s UNESCO World Heritage Site that was sued

Last updated: November 1, 2026

We visited Qutub Minar when a lovely, peachy, cloudy dawn was breaking over Delhi. The air was fresh and creamy white frangipanis glistened with dews. The previous evening we had arrived too late and apart from an unscrupulous guide who attempted to fleece us, there was nobody who could have sold us tickets or let us in. It was a bit of a pity because that night the moon was big and white and the beautiful Qutub Minar was resplendently lit up. However, the next morning we were the first persons to arrive and for nearly a quarter of an hour, the entire complex was left to us. We spotted squirrels, owls, eagles, and a lone peacock apart from the regular strays of dogs and cats. Owing to the lack of crowd, the animals did not take notice of us and we explored this beautiful archaeological complex in peace.

History of Qutub Minar

Located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, the Qutub Minar is one of my favourite archaeological complexes in the city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 73-meter-tall tower looms over the city and it is very popular among local and international tourists. Made of red sandstone and marble, Qutub Minar was originally meant to be a victory tower. It was commissioned by the founder of the Mamluk Dynasty in Delhi, Qutb ud-Din Aibak in 1192 and the project was completed by his successor and son-in-law Iltutmish in 1220. Qutub Minar has five storeys with five different architectural designs. The first three are made of red sandstone while the fourth and fifth are constructed of marble and sandstone. The tower was twice hit by lightning in 1326 and 1368 and was repaired by the rulers of the day, Muhammad-bin-Tughluq (1325-51) and Firuz Shah Tughluq (1351-88). Subsequent rulers of different dynasties carried out various restorations and enlargements thus making the complex a treasure trove of architectural delights. These include the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Tomb of Iltutmish, the Alai Darwaza, the Iron Pillar of Delhi, Sanderson’s Sundial, and the Tomb of Imam Zamin.

Why Qutub Minar was sued?

Many claim that the iron pillar in the mosque compound was brought from somewhere else in India. It bears a Sanskrit inscription from the 4th century AD describing the exploits of a ruler named Chandra. It is believed to be an ode to the Gupta King Chandragupta II (375-413). Interestingly, this led to a massive hue and cry recently and the poor Qutub Minar complex, the glory and pride of India and its capital city found itself in court. The reason is that this fortified complex housing the minaret has a checkered history of pillage and pilfering. Evidence points out that twenty-seven Hindu and Jain temples that were located on the site before the construction of the minar were demolished and their materials were used to construct Delhi’s first mosque. As you can imagine, in contemporary India, the poor UNESCO World Heritage Site complex was of course guilty of a triple crime. First, it demolished temples; then it dared to be constructed of their debris, and third, and most, unforgivable, it built a mosque at the site. The sturdy minar managed to survive more than 800 years and two lightning strikes, and recently found itself wrestling in courts in India against a plea seeking the restoration of 27 temples in the complex.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Thankfully, in November, a civil court rejected the petition saying that India had been ruled by several dynasties and wrongs committed in the past “cannot be the basis of disturbing peace of our present and future”. Archaeologists are clear about the status of the complex, which is a protected monument under federal law. They say its character is “irreversible and frozen”. ´´Much ado over nothing´´. A thing of beauty is to be enjoyed and cherished, don´t you agree? Anyway, take a look at a photo essay of this beautiful architectural icon of India and how it looks at dawn.

Qutub Minar Travel Tips

The best time to visit

Visit either in the morning or late in the evening. Avoid public holidays and weekends.

Location and How to Reach

It is located in Mehrauli in south Delhi and is easily accessible by public transport. Take a taxi or an autorickshaw. Alternatively, go there by the metro rail. Qutub Minar has its metro station. It lies on the yellow line connecting Samaypur Badli to HUDA City Centre. There are other three metro stations located close to the Qutub Minar namely Saket Metro Station, Chattarpur Metro Station, and Hauz Khas Metro Station. These are at a distance of 1.8 km, 3 km, and 3.7 km respectively from the monument. Most people take an autorickshaw from outside the metro station to reach the complex entrance gate. You can also walk it in around 20 minutes.

Opening Times and Ticket Prices

Qutub Minar is open daily from around 7 am to 5 pm (last entry about 4:30 pm). Ticket prices at the time of this update (they are revised from time to time, so check the ASI ticket website before you go):

• About Rs 35 per person for Indians and SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors
• About Rs 550 per person for foreign tourists
• Free for children below 15 years
• Cashless/online tickets are usually a little cheaper than cash at the counter

What to see inside the Qutub Minar complex

Qutub Minar is surrounded by many other historical monuments and the most impressive ones are as follows:

• Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque – It is one of the oldest mosques and many scholars believe that the Qutub Minar was constructed as a prayer-calling tower for this very mosque. It has beautiful carvings.
• Tomb of Iltutmish – Iltutmish was the successor and son-in-law of Qutub-ud-din Aibak. He was very powerful and his tomb was stunning.
• Ala’i Minar – Inspired by the Qutub Minar but longer in height, the Ala’i Minar was never completed, and even today, you can see the wonderful structure standing right next to the Qutub Minar.
• Tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq – This is another extremely beautiful monument dedicated to Firoz Shah Tughlaq, is scion of the Tughlaq Dynasty, which had a significant reign in India.
• Zafar Mahal – Although in partial ruins, it was built to be the summer castle of the Sultan and has a grand scale.
• Hauz-i-Shamsi – This water reservoir that was built by Iltutmish in the 13th century still survives today and is in the same spot.

Other Travel Tips

• The Delhi weather can be quite harsh in summer. Wear comfortable clothes, hats, and sunglasses. Carry enough water and try to go there early to avoid the harsh mid-day sun.
• Qutub Minar is open and operational on all public holidays.
• Carry your official ID card to buy tickets on site. OCI and POI cardholders need to present their original IDs to avail of the Indian ticket price.
• Day entry ends around 5 PM. Evening visiting hours have been offered at times, so check the current ASI timings if you want to see the minar lit up.

Information Credit – BBC

Why Was Qutub Minar Sued? The Story in Brief

In 2021–2022 a petition in a Delhi civil court asked for the restoration of 27 Hindu and Jain temples whose materials were used to build the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque inside the complex, and for the right to worship there. The court dismissed the plea, noting that past wrongs cannot be the basis for disturbing the peace of the present and the future. The Archaeological Survey of India also argued that the complex is a protected monument whose character cannot be changed. The case is why you may see the “Qutub Minar was sued” headline – the monument itself remains open to all visitors.

What to See at Qutub Minar: Iron Pillar, Alai Darwaza and Alai Minar

• Iron Pillar – a 7-metre pillar from the Gupta period (around the 4th–5th century AD) that has barely rusted in over 1,600 years. It is fenced off, so you can no longer hug it for luck.
• Alai Darwaza – the red sandstone and marble gateway built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311, one of the earliest examples of true arches and domes in India. Great light for photos in the morning.
• Alai Minar – the unfinished stump of a tower Alauddin Khalji planned to be twice as tall as the Qutub Minar.
• Tomb of Iltutmish – richly carved interior with Quranic calligraphy.

Qutub Minar Photography Tips

Arrive at opening time for soft light and empty lawns. The classic shot is from the lawns beside the Alai Darwaza with the minar framed behind it. Use a wide-angle lens or the 0.5x phone camera to fit the full 73-metre tower, and look up from the base of the minar for the carved bands of calligraphy.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELING-BECAUSE I CARE

FAQs

What is the ticket price of Qutub Minar?
At the time of this update, entry costs about Rs 35 for Indian and SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors and about Rs 550 for foreign tourists, with free entry for children under 15. Prices are revised from time to time, so check the ASI website.

What are Qutub Minar timings?
Qutub Minar is open every day from around 7 AM to 5 PM, with last entry about half an hour before closing.

Which metro station is nearest to Qutub Minar?
Qutub Minar metro station on the Yellow Line is about 1 km away. Take an auto-rickshaw or walk for about 15–20 minutes.

Why was Qutub Minar sued?
A petition asked a Delhi court to restore 27 Hindu and Jain temples whose materials were used in the mosque within the complex. The court dismissed the plea, and the site remains a protected monument.

What are the best attractions in Qutub Minar, Delhi?
Don’t miss the towering Qutub Minar itself, the mysterious Iron Pillar with its 4th-century Sanskrit inscription, and the surrounding archaeological complex of ruins and mosque structures.

Is Qutub Minar, Delhi worth visiting?
Yes — as one of Delhi’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it combines striking Indo-Islamic architecture with a genuinely layered, historically debated site.

How much time should I spend in Qutub Minar, Delhi?
About 1.5 to 2 hours is enough to explore the minaret, the Iron Pillar, and the surrounding ruins at a relaxed pace.

What is Qutub Minar, Delhi famous for?
Qutub Minar is famous for being the tallest brick minaret in the world, and, more recently, for the historical debate over temple materials believed to have been used in parts of its surrounding complex.

Is Qutub Minar, Delhi tourist-friendly?
Yes, it’s well connected by Delhi Metro — it even has its own station on the Yellow Line — and has clear opening hours and ticket prices.

I’m planning a trip to Qutub Minar, Delhi — what should I prioritize seeing and doing there?
Prioritise the minaret itself, the rust-resistant Iron Pillar, and a slow walk through the surrounding ruins to take in the site’s layered history.

Can you give me an honest, first-hand take on what Qutub Minar, Delhi is actually like to visit?
Arriving right at opening genuinely transforms the experience — with the complex nearly empty, it’s just you, the ruins, and local wildlife like peacocks and squirrels.

What’s the best time of year to visit Qutub Minar, Delhi, and why?
Early morning or late evening is best, both for cooler temperatures and, if you arrive right at opening, for having the complex largely to yourself.

What should a first-time visitor to Qutub Minar, Delhi know before they go?
Entry costs around Rs. 30 for Indians and roughly Rs. 500 for foreign visitors, it’s open 7am to 8pm, and the Qutub Minar metro station on the Yellow Line makes it very easy to reach.

How does Qutub Minar, Delhi compare to nearby destinations for someone deciding where to go?
Compared to Humayun’s Tomb or the Red Fort, Qutub Minar’s complex carries a more contested history, with some surrounding structures believed to incorporate materials from temples that stood on the site before it.