Delhi is packed with several options when it comes to a night walk. Be it a romantic walk at the India Gate when the monument showers in colorful lights or walking across the busy lanes of Chandani Chowk for some gastronomic affairs; there is always something for everyone. A new addition to night walks in Delhi is Qutub Minar. Yeah, no wonder we all know about Qutub Minar, so what’s so special about it? Well, the special, the interesting is that Qutub Minar in the night is illuminated with hundreds of bulbs. Now, you can visit Qutub Minar at night and enjoy a romantic walk in the light.
You must have already visited Qutub Minar in the day but trust me, visiting Qutub Minar at the night is a different experience which you may have not experienced before in Delhi. This new experiment was done to boost up tourism. However, due to the COVID situation, the experiment couldn’t do much but I hope that someday everything will be under control and we will be free from this fear which we have right now.
Light shows in monuments were already happening in the city. I have heard a lot about the night shows at Old Fort and Red Fort though I never got a chance to visit. Even there is a night show at Taj Mahal which I haven’t experienced even after visiting Taj Mahal thrice. There are several other monuments where you can experience the night light show.
Around 4 Crore INR were spent to illuminate Qutub Minar. It was a joint project of ASI and NBCC India (National Building Construction Company). According to an NBCC official, all the LEDs that are used to light Qutub Minar in the night produce warm light which won’t impact the monument’s architectural features. Also, these LEDs won’t attract any insects and are safe. Other than the main monument, all the other places, structures, pathways, etc. in the complex are also lit in the night.
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It is estimated that around 16000 INR electricity bill will be generated every month by 358 LED bulbs which will light up Qutub Minar at the night. I got to visit Qutub Minar after the dark this year in January. However, I remember going to Mahrauli in a bus back in 2017 and watching the illuminated monument in the evening but back then, the monument wasn’t open for tourism. Also to my mind, only the monument used to be lit not the entire complex.
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Old Fort, Safdurjung Tomb, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort, etc. have already been lit. Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and Safdurjung Tomb are now open till 9 PM for the public for the night show of these monuments. I have previously visited Qutub Minar thrice. Once with a friend from Gurgaon which was during college days if I am not wrong. The second time was in 2015 with Shiva, whom I met at a seminar conducted by Indiblogger on July 11 the same day at Striker Pub and Brewery in Sector 43 Gurgaon. The third time I visited Qutub Minar was in 2018 when I went there along with Bernard Lee, whom I met during Rajasthan Kabir Yatra. Lee stayed with me for two days and we visited Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Mosque other than Qutub Minar.
Is it worth visiting Qutub Minar after the dark?
It’s totally worth it. Trust me. And I am someone who had already visited Qutub Minar twice in the day before roaming here in the night. The monument has been a matter of wonder for everyone for centuries due to its architecture and construction. If you are looking for a nice romantic walk in the night in Delhi, consider this place on your list. Just walk along the pathways, sit and stare at the monument lit up with hundreds of bulbs, and let it amaze you.
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When I visited here, it wasn’t much crowded. I visited there in January and everything got shut down in lockdown due to COVID by mid-March. So, I didn’t get a chance to visit it again. Moreover, I came home (Mahendergarh) on 28th June. But I am looking forward to be visiting more.
Tickets for Qutub Minar’s Night Entry
You can either book a ticket online or you can buy the ticket from Qutub Minar’s ticket counter. Also, you can use the QR code to buy Qutub Minar’s night ticket. The QR code is put on a standee at the entrance gate. The night ticket of Qutub Minar costs 40 INR if you buy it from the counter. You will get a 5 INR discount if you buy it using the QR code so that way, you will pay 35 INR for the same ticket. Kids have free entry. The tickets for foreign tourists should be between 500 INR to 600 INR.
Night Timing of Qutub Minar
The timing for visiting Qutub Minar at the night is from 7 PM to 10 PM. You can reach here around this time and buy a ticket. The nearest metro station is Qutub Minar Metro Station on Yellow Line which is around 2 KM away. You can take a shared auto-rickshaw at 20 INR or you can book, online or offline.
Though the monument closes at 10 PM, it remains lit till 11 PM. Qutub Minar night walk is something you shouldn’t miss if you are in or around Delhi. I was living in Gurgaon when I visited Qutub Minar at the night. January was the last month I visited any monument in Delhi; though I did get to visit Chandani Chowk one night with someone and we went to Kake di Hatti.
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FAQs on Qutub Minar at Night
Q1. What are the visiting hours for Qutub Minar at night?
Qutub Minar is open to visitors at night from 7 PM to 10 PM, with the monument being illuminated until 11 PM. This special night access is part of a heritage lighting initiative by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to enhance the beauty of this historical site. The lighting transforms the monument into a stunning spectacle that highlights its intricate architecture, making it an unforgettable experience for nighttime visitors.
Q2. Can we visit Qutub Minar at night?
Yes, you can visit Qutub Minar at night. The monument is open from 7 PM to 10 PM, providing a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur of the minaret under the soft glow of its heritage lighting. The night view offers a romantic and serene atmosphere, ideal for photography, leisurely walks, and soaking in the architectural beauty in a peaceful setting.
Q3. Is there a ticket for night entry to Qutub Minar?
The ticket for visiting Qutub Minar at night remains the same as the daytime ticket. There’s no additional charge for nighttime visits. You can purchase your ticket online via the ASI’s official website or from the ticket window at the monument. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons, to avoid any delays.
Q4. Is Qutub Minar fully lit at night?
Yes, Qutub Minar is fully illuminated during its nighttime hours. The heritage lighting project, which was initiated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), ensures that the entire monument is beautifully lit between 7 PM and 11 PM. The lighting brings out the delicate carvings and intricate details of the minaret, offering visitors a mesmerizing visual experience that’s perfect for evening photography.
Q5. Is it safe to visit Qutub Minar at night?
Yes, it is safe to visit Qutub Minar at night. The area is well-secured, with regular patrolling by ASI security personnel and local police to ensure the safety of visitors. The lighting also adds to the overall security of the area, making it an inviting and safe environment for tourists. As always, it’s recommended to stay in well-lit areas and be mindful of your surroundings.
Q6. What’s the best time to visit Qutub Minar at night?
The best time to visit Qutub Minar at night is between 8 PM and 9 PM. This allows you to enjoy the stunning view of the monument as it transitions to being beautifully lit at night. For a more peaceful experience, try visiting on weekdays when the crowd is usually smaller. Avoid weekends or public holidays if you prefer a quieter, more intimate visit.
Q7. Are other monuments open near Qutub Minar at night?
Qutub Minar is one of the few monuments in Delhi that offers night access with official heritage lighting. While nearby attractions like the Mehrauli Archaeological Park or the Tomb of Adham Khan are fascinating, they are not part of the night-illumination program and typically close after sunset. Visiting Qutub Minar at night gives you a rare chance to see this historical site illuminated, setting it apart from other nearby monuments.
Q8. Can I take photographs at Qutub Minar at night?
Absolutely! Qutub Minar is an excellent spot for nighttime photography. The monument is beautifully lit, and the surrounding gardens provide a picturesque setting. Photographers often flock to the site to capture the majestic minaret under the soft, warm lights. Just be mindful of the crowds, and avoid using flash, as it can affect the ambiance of the lighting.
Q9. Is there any food or refreshment available near Qutub Minar at night?
While there are no food stalls directly inside the monument complex, you’ll find several cafés and eateries around the Qutub Minar area that remain open in the evening. From traditional Indian snacks to international cuisine, there are plenty of options for a quick bite before or after your visit. Some of these cafés also offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy a meal after exploring the monument.
Q10. Is it crowded at Qutub Minar at night?
The Qutub Minar area is generally less crowded at night compared to the daytime, especially on weekdays. While the weekend evenings may attract more visitors, it’s still a much more peaceful experience than during peak daylight hours. The serene lighting, combined with fewer tourists, creates a tranquil environment perfect for taking in the beauty of the monument and enjoying some quiet time.
