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named as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Apart from the tall building, several other places to visit near Qutub Minar can be seen in the vicinity and give insights into the social, cultural, and architectural history of Delhi. Every place has its appeal, and exploring Delhi of the past and the present is always an exciting ride. So the next time you find yourself at Qutub Minar do not restrict yourself to the minaret.
12 Places To Visit Near Qutub Minar
Here are twelve places to visit near Qutub Minar that could interest you around the area.
1. Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons
Probably one of the most underrated places to see near Qutub Minar, Mehrauli Archaeological Park is situated just a few kilometres from the minar. Spread over a sprawling 200-acre area, this park contains numerous tombs, mosques, and stepwells, making it an excellent place for a historical sojourn. The park contains various interesting places like Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Rajon Ki Baoli, which is a stepwell, and the Tomb of Balban. This park is of great interest to historians and photographers.
Location: Mehrauli, New Delhi
Timings: 5 AM – 6:30 PM
2. Alai Darwaza
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons
Famous for being in the complex of Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza is a gateway constructed by Alauddin Khalji in 1311. This magnificent carved gate was built in Indo-Islamic architectural style and is an excellent example of craftsmanship. It has a red sandstone building with a white marble exterior and interior detailing with arabesque and calligraphy work. As a part of the Qutub complex, it bears significance and also gives ideas about the architectural innovations during that period.
Location: Qutub Minar Complex, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
3. Iron Pillar Of Delhi
Photo: Dhruvaeng / Wikimedia Commons
Another fascinating monument located within the complex is the Iron Pillar of Delhi. This 7-meter-high pillar belongs to the 4th century with an incredible ability of its material to resist rust. The pillar is supposed to be dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu and is considered an architectural marvel of the ancient Indian civilisation. It has attracted many visitors to the city because of the myths associated with it being hard-wearing and rust-resistant.
Location: Qutub Minar Complex, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
4. Tughlaqabad Fort
Photo: Anupamg / Wikimedia Commons
Approximately 8 km away from the Qutub Minar, Tughlaqabad Fort is a large ruined fort constructed by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, who established the Tughlaq dynasty. The fort has semi-circular bastions with rough walls and gives a picture of the medieval military architecture of Delhi. The huge area contains partly preserved royal buildings, mosques, and basements. Located on a high plane, one can get a panoramic view of the surroundings, and this makes the fort a popular spot for lovers of history and photography.
Location: Tughlaqabad, New Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
5. Hauz Khas Village
Photo: Kumarssp / Wikimedia Commons
Hauz Khas Village, about 4 km from Qutub Minar, is a representation of history coupled with modernity. It contains a water tank from the 13th century and a tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq with greenery around it. The village also houses many café joints, art galleries and boutique stores making it a favourite hang-out zone for the youth of Delhi. Whether one is a bit of an explorer, in quest of monuments, or a pub-hopping enthusiast, Hauz Khas Village caters to all.
Location: Hauz Khas, New Delhi
Timings: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (varies from shops and cafes)
6. Garden Of Five Senses
Photo: Kprateek88 / Wikimedia Commons
The Garden of Five Senses has been designed in a manner that provides a sense of touch, feel, smell, sight and taste through different types of plants, water bodies and sculptures. Stretched over twenty acres, the garden is zoned into various parts such as the Mughal Garden and its Khas Bagh with fountains and pavilions. It is one of the perfect places to visit near Qutub Minar Delhi for a stroll, a family day out and even a romantic dinner.
Location: Said-Ul-Ajaib, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, New Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹10 for children, ₹15 for senior citizens
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM (April to September), 9 AM – 6 PM (October to March)
7. Qila Rai Pithora
Photo: Anupamg / Wikimedia Commons
Qila Rai Pithora was a fortress occupied by Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu king of Delhi. This is not as well preserved as other monuments but is still an important part of history. It is an ancient site that forms part of the defence wall of Delhi and provides insight into the pre-Muslim era of the city. It is undoubtedly one of the popular tourist attractions near Qutub Minar.
Location: Saket, New Delhi
Timings: 24*7
8. Dilli Haat
Photo: Ekabhishek / Wikimedia Commons
If you wish to indulge in some shopping and get a feeling of the multicultural side of India, then you should visit Dilli Haat. This bazaar presents an incredible number of products of folk and artistic crafts, fabrics, and other traditional items from different states of the country. You can also taste regional specialities at food outlets. Dilli Haat is highly recommended for those who are looking to buy a few souvenirs and savour the authentic flavour of Delhi at the same time.
Location: INA Market, New Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹10 for children, ₹10 for senior citizens
Timings: 10:30 AM – 10 PM
9. Chhatarpur Temple
Photo: Manjeet Bawa / Wikimedia Commons
Chhatarpur Temple is one of the largest temples, situated about 6 km away from Qutub Minar. This temple is devoted to Goddess Katyayani and contains a mixture of both the north Indian and south Indian temple structures. It is a vast building which is beautifully carved and provides an environment of spirituality and serenity. The temple is most colourful during festivals like Navratri where it is well decorated and hundreds of devotees throng the premises.
Location: Chhatarpur, New Delhi
Timings: 4 AM – 11 PM
10. Lotus Temple
Photo: Matthew TenBruggencate / Unsplash
The Lotus Temple is another famous and unique structure of Delhi located at a distance of nearly 12 km from the Qutub Minar. This Bahá’í House of Worship is notable for its architecture which has a flower-like design and its tranquil environment. It is made of white marble and is also called the “Temple of Unity” as it invites people of all castes and religions to meditate and pray. Gardens surrounding it also complement the calming aura of this place.
Location: Kalkaji, New Delhi
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM, closed on Mondays
11. Sanskriti Museums
Photo: Abhishekjoshi / Wikimedia Commons
Sanskriti Museums are three museums situated in a complex nearly 5 km from Qutub Minar and devoted to Indian traditions and handicrafts. It is currently home to the Museum of Everyday Art, the Museum of Indian Terracotta, and the Museum of Indian Textiles. All these museums are a representation of India’s diverse culture and traditions, right from the utensils we use in our homes to the complicated designs on textiles. It’s an educational and enriching experience for anyone interested in the Indian arts and crafts.
Location: Anandagram, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, New Delhi
Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for students and senior citizens
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM, closed on Mondays
12. Ahinsa Sthal
Photo: Harjeetsinghnarang / Wikimedia Commons
Ahinsa Sthal – a relatively small park located 2 kilometres away from Qutub Minar – is devoted to the principle of non-violence that is characteristic of Jainism. The place is best recognised by the impressive statue of Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara in the posture of meditation. Being located in a relatively secluded area covered with vegetation, Ahinsa Sthal provides a quiet and calm setting perfect for meditation.
Location: Mehrauli, New Delhi
Timings: 5 AM – 7 PM
A visit to Qutub Minar not only introduces you to the history of Delhi but also to a treasure trove of history and culture lurking all around within its precincts. The nearby areas of Qutub Minar are also teeming with numerous sites, including monuments, temples, markets, and beautiful gardens. Plan a trip to Delhi with TripXL and unveil the mysteries of the capital city.
Cover Photo: Cool sneh13 / Wikimedia Commons
