New Delhi Attractions

Venue: Qutb Minar    When: Daily

The buildings in the Qutb Minar complex date from the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of early Afghan architecture. The Qutb Minar itself is a soaring tower, nearly 73 metres high.

The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. An earthquake destroyed the original cupola in 1803 and an Englishman replaced it with another in 1829 (which was later removed).

The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest in northern India, built of materials reused from 20 Brahman temples.