Alai Darwaza - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 15 km from New Delhi Railway Station, Alai Darwaza is a magnificent gateway situated north of Qutub Minar in the Qutub Complex.

The Alai Darwaza was built by Aladdin Khilji in 1311 AD with exquisite inlaid marble decorations and latticed stone panels. The Alai Darwaza was a part of Aladdin Khilji's extension of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. It was one of the four grand gateways built by the Sultan; the other three could not be completed because of the death of Ala-ud-din in AD 1316.

This is the main gateway from southern side of the Mosque. It highlights the remarkable skills of Turkish and local artisans who worked on it. It is considered to be one of the most important buildings built during Delhi Sultanate period. Alai Darwaza is follows the traditional Islamic architectural style. It was built using red sandstone while white marble was used on the exterior walls.

Square in plan and with a large dome on top, Alai Darwaza follows principles of symmetrical construction. Its exterior length is 17.22 meters, its walls are 3.3 meters thick, and the interior length is 10.6 meters. The dome is very plain and contrasts with the elaborately carved walls. The northern arch of the Alai Darwaza is seen built in a semicircular shape, however, the other arches have the typical horseshoe Islamic design. The entrance gateways are decorated with inscriptions from the Quran and floral motifs in white marble and red sandstone.

Imam Zamin tomb is situated near the Alai Darwaza. Imam Zamin came to Delhi during the 15th century and was the imam of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.

Entry Fee (Qutub Complex): Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 250 for Foreigners.

Timings: 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM.