VISITING QUTB MINAR

(Red Tower Delhi)

While the Taj Mahal commands all the attention of buildings to visit in India, there are buildings in Delhi that are just as mysterious and facsinating.

The world's tallest brick tower Qutb Minar is a must visit if you are in Delhi. Despite the incredible red tower known as Dhruv Stambh attracting most attention the entire site is very beautiful.

Many rulers after the initial tower was built added buildings to the site including the British. The tower has also been added to over the years and has also been repaired several times after storm damage. There are buildings that defy the era they were built in and this is one of them. Construction was started in 1199 and the tower was only finished being added to in 1828 after the british army added a final dome section on top. This was eventually taken down and installed elsewhere. The detail and geometry of the tower has to be seen. Each level appears to take on a new shape and the width of the base is gigantic to support the incredible weight of the tower. The narrow staircase now closed to the public takes you to the top.

The tower tapers from its 14.3 meter base to 2.75 meters at the top. 379 steps take you to the top.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site shows how advanced and complex construction was in Asia many many years ago. As a minaret it is only now surpassed by modern towers built from modern materials.

The site is large enough that you can get away from the sometimes large crowds that can descend upon the site. Head off to some of the quieter sections to explore the many other buildings, some are now in ruins but the level of detail and care during construction is still visible. The arches and ceilings display carvings and details that would have taken many hours to complete.