The Qutub Minar is a famed structure that stands tall in the capital city of India, Delhi. This minar is approximately 240 meters tall and has got five storeys with a staircase which spirals all the way to the top. A fun fact about this minaret is that the first three storeys were built in red sandstone, while the other two were built using marble and sandstone at a different period of time. This architectural delight attracts tourists from around the world and has stood testament to important milestones in the city’s history.
The Story of Qutub Minar’s Storeys
Qutub Minar was never finished by just one ruler. The ground floor storey was built by the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, Qutb Ud Din Aibk, after whom the minar was named. His successor, Shamsuddin Iltutmish, had completed three more storeys and the top storey was destroyed by the lightening. You can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site by booking a Bagdogra to Delhi flight. Firoz Shah Tughlaq replaced its damaged storey and added one more. However, an earthquake destroyed the minaret which was then renovated by Major Robert Smith of the British Indian Army.
The influences of design and architecture of this minaret were taken from one in Jam, Afghanistan. The tower has five storeys in total with a spiraling staircase of 279 steps. The first three storeys consist of cylindrical hilts of red sandstone which are separated by rims and balconies. The fourth storey is made from pure marble and the fifth one has a mix of marble and red sandstone with the qur’anic texts engraved along with some beautiful motifs.
Qutub Minar is open on all days from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm with a minimal entry fee. You can reach this place using the nearest metro station standing at Qutab Minar. You can also book tickets to visit this monument online which can help you avoid wasting time to get tickets for this minaret.
Aside from the important historical notions this minar holds, it has a myriad of structures that you can visit inside its premises. You get to witness the iron pillar of Chandragupta II, which never rusts, as well as the Quwwat-ul Islam Mosque. You will also find the tomb of Iltutmish, who was the second ruler of the Delhi sultanate, along with the tomb of Imama Zamin, who was a Turkestani Cleric. Allaudin Khilji’s tomb along with a madrasa is also there for you to see.
However, you must remember that Qutub Minar does not have much shade and the heat in summer can sometimes get unbearable. The best time to visit this place is during the months of November through March to avoid the heat. However, you can also come early morning to beat the heat.
Remember to carry a camera, so you can click some amazing photographs and frame them once you go home on your flight from Delhi to Bagdogra.
