Alai Minar

Delhi


In the 14th century, Sultan Ala-ud-din made additions to the Qutab Minar Complex, which included an ambitious plan to erect a second tower of victory, twice as high as Qutab Minar. Construction got as far as the first level before the sultan died; none of his successors saw fit to bankroll this extravagant piece of showboating. The 27m-high plinth can be seen just north of the Qutab Minar. Admission price is to the whole Qutab Minar Complex.

Transportation

  • metro: Qutab Minar

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Delhi attractions

1. Iron Pillar

0.06 MILES

In the courtyard of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid is a 6.7m-high iron pillar that is much more ancient than any of the surrounding monuments. It hasn't…

2. Qutab Minar

0.08 MILES

The Qutab Minar that gives the complex its name is an unmissable, soaring Afghan-style victory tower and minaret, erected by sultan Qutb-ud-din in 1193 to…

3. Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid

0.09 MILES

At the foot of the Qutab Minar stands the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over the east gate states that it was built with materials…

4. Qutb Minar Complex

0.15 MILES

If you only have time to visit one of Delhi's ancient ruins, make it this. The first monuments here were erected by the sultans of Mehrauli, and…

5. Mehrauli Archaeological Park

0.34 MILES

There are extraordinary riches scattered around Mehrauli, with more than 440 monuments – from the 10th century to the British era – dotting a forest and…

6. Hijron ka Khanqah

0.7 MILES

At this seemingly long-forgotten yet immaculately maintained site, 49 hijras (eunuchs) are buried in simple white tombs. The more elaborate grave,…

7. Garden of the 5 Senses

1.01 MILES

For a restful stroll, these landscaped gardens are filled with intriguing contemporary sculptures, wind chimes and lily ponds, and are popular with…

8. Haus i Shamsi Tank

1.03 MILES

This 12th-century reservoir was formerly larger. The pavilion at its edge was once in the middle, and supposed to cover the hoofprint of a horse, ridden…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "india/delhi/greater-delhi-gurgaon-gurugram/attractions/alai-minar/a/poi-sig/1308904/1341133",
      "destination": "Delhi",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "India",
      "city": "Delhi",
      "position": "superzone"
    }