Qutub Minar, Mehrauli and an evening at Hauz Khas

The Qutub Minar was begun around 1200 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and finished by the rulers who came after him. At about 73 metres it is one of the tallest brick minarets in the world, and the complex around it holds the iron pillar, a mosque and a number of unfinished ambitions.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar station on the Yellow Line is a short ride from the gate. Look closely at the bands of carved script on the tower; each storey was added by a different hand. The iron pillar in the courtyard has stood for more than fifteen hundred years with very little rust, and nobody is allowed to hug it any more.

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Across the road, the archaeological park is free and mostly empty. Paths wind between tombs, step wells and the remains of a mosque, and you can spend an hour without seeing more than a few dog walkers.

Hauz Khas

The reservoir at Hauz Khas dates from the fourteenth century, and the madrasa and tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq look out over it from the eastern bank. Climb the ruins for the view of the water, then walk down to the lake path as the light goes.

Hauz Khas Village, beside the ruins, is lined with cafés and small shops. It is busiest on weekend evenings. For a quieter dinner, go on a weekday.