Although the city is home to a plethora of illustrious museums and some of the country’s most recognizable landmarks, none dominates its landscape more than the sky piercing Qutub Minar tower. Pleasantly situated in a complex of ancient Hindu temple ruins, the 72.5 meter high tower is the tallest brick minaret in the globe.  Built as far back as 1193, this red hued monument is also one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture in existence.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Qutub complex comprises of a number of medieval buildings and ruins which surrounds the minaret. Attracting nearly 4 million tourists from across the globe the minaret even beat the Taj Mahal as one of India’s most frequented monuments. Three hundred and seventy eight steps lead visitors to the summit of the monument whose base diameter is 14.3 meters and 2.75 meters at the top most point. Exquisite examples of Indian artwork that dates back to 1193 encircle the structure. The red sandstone remnants of a second tower – the Alai Minar is also visible alongside its sky scraping predecessor. The top storey of the Alai Minar was made of gleaming white marble by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

Built under the patronage of Qutbuddin Aibak, the premier islamic sovereign of Delhi, the Qutub Minar minaret aspired to be a structure similar to that of the Jam in Afghanistan. Similar to Ghurids and Ghaznavids towers, the Qutub consists of cylindrical shafts held up by Muqarnas corbels and divided by balconies.  Constructed of red sandstone with quotations from the Quran, elaborate carvings cover the surface of the tower. Built on the former site of the Lal Kot, the Qutub Minar is constructed from the debris of the 27 Hindu temples.

The sacred message engraved on the tower states “Shri Vishwakarma prasade rachita” which translates to “Conceived with the grace of Vishwakarma”. Believed to have been built to call the faithful to prayer in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the view from the top of the minaret is unrivalled as it is breathtaking. Famed landmarks that can be viewed from the summit include the Humayun’s Tomb and the walls of Firoz Shah Kotla, Tughlaqabad, Jama Masjid and Purana Qila while the Hauz Khaz is also visible.

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With the aim to restore and properly maintain the heritage (old) structures, properties of natural importance etc., UNESCO has designated a number of sites across the world as Heritage sites. An ancient land, India has a 5,000 years old history and has been ruled by various dynasties and rulers. Over the centuries the rulers had erected a number of interesting structures across the country. Today those rulers are no more, but the old structures provide a glimpse of the bygone era. For proper maintenance and promoting the sites, UNESCO has designated a number of sites as World Heritage Site. Besides, the places of cultural importance, UNESCO has listed a number of natural properties in heritage list. India has 27 World heritage sites which draw tourists from across the world.

Agra Fort (Agra, Uttar Pradesh – 1983) – Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century, the massive fort is located close to world famous Taj Mahal. Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, the fort houses a number of magnificent structures within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls. Some of the important structures inside the fort are Jahangir Palace, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and two very beautiful mosques.

Ajanta Caves (Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 1983) – Ajanta Caves, the first Buddhist cave monuments date from the 2nd and 1 st centuries B.C. However, with the time during the Gupta period ((5th and 6th centuries A.D.) and ahead many more richly decorated caves were added. The sculptures and painting at Ajanta are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

Ellora Caves (Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 1983) – Situated close to Ajanta caves, the Ellora complex is home to 34 monasteries and temples dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. With its series of monuments dating from 600 A.D to 1,000 A.D, Ellora Caves bring the civilization of ancient India to life. Ellora houses

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh – 1989) – The monasteries at situated 40 kms from Bhopal on a hill overlooking the plain. The site comprises of a group of Buddhist monuments (monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries) dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi is the oldest Buddhist site in existence and it was a major Buddhist centre in India until the 12th century A.D.

Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park (Panchmahal, Gujarat – 2004) – The site is dotted with unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties including prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites, a hill fortress of an early Hindu capital, and remains of the 16th-century capital of the state of Gujarat. The site also houses fortifications, palaces, religious buildings, residential precincts, agricultural structures and water installations, from the 8th to 14th centuries.

Churches and Convents of Goa (Old Goa – 1986) – Once the capital of the Portuguese, Old Goa is home to a number of churches and convents. The heritage sites include the Church of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb of St Francis-Xavier – illustrate the evangelization of Asia.

Elehanta Caves (Kolaba, Maharashtra – 1987) – Set on an island close to Mumbai, the Elephant caves a fine collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. At Elephanta caves the Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, which can be seen on the huge high reliefs in the main cave.

Fatehpur Sikri (Agra, Uttar Pradesh – 1986) – Fatehpur Sikri meaning the City of Victory was build during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar. The town was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The deserted town houses complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, including the Jama Masjid.

Great Living Chola Temples (South India, 1987) – Built by the great Chola rulers, the temples stretch all of South India and the neighbouring islands. The site includes three massive 11th- and 12th-century Temples including the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.

Group of Monuments at Hampi (Bellary, Karnataka – 1986) – Hampi was the last capital of the last Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Its princes built Dravidian temples and palaces which attracted travellers between the 14th and 16th centuries and still draw people from far and near.

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (Chingleput, Tamil Nadu – 1984) – Founded by the Pallava Kings, the monuments in the 7th and 8th centuries, this site is known especially for its rathas (chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (Bijapur, Karnataka – 1987) – Ruler by the Chalukyas in the 7th and 8th centuries, the monuments are known for architectural forms from northern and southern India. Here one can see an impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary.

Humayun’s Tomb Delhi (1993) – Built in 1570, the tomb is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. In fact, the tomb later inspired several major architectural innovations, including the construction of the Taj Mahal.

Khajuraho group of monuments (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh – 1986) – Constructed by Chandella rulers between 950 and 1050 A.D, the temples are known for their erotic sculptures. Originally there were around 86 temples, but now only 20 temples categorized into three distinct groups and belong to Hindus and Jains.

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya (Bihar – 2002) – One of the four holy sites related to the Lord Buddha, the Mahabodhi temple complex houses temples and the tree where Buddha supposed to took enlightenment. Mahabodhi Temple Complex draws Buddhists from across the globe.

Mountain Railways of India (West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, 1999) – The heritage site includes the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in West Bengal state and Nigiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu State. Built by the British, the railway passes through winding treks in mountains. Mountain railway was highly significant in facilitating population movement in the British colonial era and still today serve as a convenient mode of transport to hill stations.

Qutub Minar and its monuments (Delhi – 1993) – Built in the early 13th century, the Qutub Minar is 72.5 m high, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base. The tower is surrounded by structures of archaeological importance such as funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu’l-Islam, built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples.

Red Fort Complex (Delhi – 2007) – Situated in the heart of Old Delhi, the Red Fort Complex was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad. Named for its massive red sandstone enclosing walls, the fort is home to a number of magnificent structures including Diwan – I – Khas and Diwan – I – Aam.

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh – 1993) – Set in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains, the Rock Shelters are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the 21 villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings.

Sun Temple, Konark (Puri, Orissa, 1984) – Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the Sun temple is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya’s chariot. Built in the 13th century, the sun temple is one of India’s most famous Brahman sanctuaries. Its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses.

Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 1983) – One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is a picturesque mausoleum of white marble. Built in between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India.

Kaziranga National Park (Assam, 1985) – Situated in the heart of Assam, this park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human presence. Kaziranga is known for the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur, Rajasthan, 1985) – Once the duck-hunting reserve of the Rajput Maharajas, Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds. Here you can see some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane. The national park is also known as Bharatpur National Park.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam, 1985) – One of the important wildlife parks of India, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is known for the good population of one-horned rhinoceros. Manas sanctuary is also home to a great variety of wildlife, including many endangered species, such as the tiger, pygmy hog and Indian elephant.

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (Uttarakhand, 1988) – Nestled high in West Himalaya, in the state of Uttarkhand, Valley of Flowers National Park is noted for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. This park is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. Set amidst rugged mountain Nanda Devi National Park also provides shelter to a variety of floral and faunal species. Both these national parj together encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya.

Sunderbans National Park (West Bengal, 1987) – World’s largest delta, the Sundarbans covers 10,000 kms of land and water (more than half of it in India, the rest in Bangladesh). Sunderbans is renowned for housing world’s largest area of mangrove forests. Here you can spot a number of rare or endangered species including tigers, aquatic mammals, birds and reptiles.

The Qutub Minaris 72.5 metres high (237.8 ft) and requires 399 steps to get to the top, although it has not been possible for visitors to ascend the tower for some years, due to safety reasons. The diameter of the base is 14.3 metres wide while the top floor measures 3.8 metres in diameter.

Qutb-ud-din Aybak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced construction of the Qutub Minar in 1193; but could only complete its basement. His successor, Iltutmish, added three more storeys and, in 1368, Firuz Shah Tughluq constructed the fifth and the last storey. The development of architectural styles from Aybak to Tughluq are quite evident in the minaret. Like earlier towers erected by the Ghaznavids and Ghurids in today’s Afghanistan, the Qutub Minar comprises several superposed flanged and cylindrical shafts, separated by balconies carried on Muqarnas corbels. The minaret is made of fluted red sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur’an, and is built on the ruins of Lal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillika. The minar was said to have been built to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Ghori, the invader from Afghanistan, over the Rajputs in 1192 and Qutb-ud-din Aybak was inspired with the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan and wanted to surpass it in all aspects.

The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of 4th century AD, according to which the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja (standard of Lord Vishnu) on the hill known as Vishnupada in memory of a mighty king named Chandra. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it.

The Tomb of IItutmish (AD 1211-36) was built in AD 1235. It is a plain square chamber of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the entrances and the whole of interior. Some of the motifs viz., the wheel, tassel, etc., are reminiscent of Hindu designs. Ala ‘i- Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Alau’d-Din Khalji in AH 710 (AD 1311) as recorded in the inscriptions engraved on it. This is the first building employing Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation.