The Lesser-Known Minar: Discovering Delhi’s Mini Qutub

Delhi has always delighted history buffs, culture vultures, and inquisitive travellers—a city of many layers and innumerable tales. While the Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Red Fort usually top every traveller’s bucket list, some quiet corners of the city still hold echoes of a forgotten past.

One such gem is located in West Delhi — the Mini Qutub Minar in Hastsal. Usually under the radar, this ancient landmark provides a tranquil and in-depth experience for visitors who want to discover Delhi beyond the norm.

Gem of Hastsal

Hidden within Uttam Nagar’s narrow West Delhi streets, the Mini Qutub Minar can go unnoticed, not due to a lack of charm, but because very few know that it exists. Standing approximately 20 kilometres from Connaught Place, this minaret was constructed during Mughal rule and is said to have been commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century.

Shah Jahan, known best for constructing the Taj Mahal, had his hunting villa in Hastsal, and the minar is believed to have been built as part of his recreational retreat. Since this location was formerly an elephant corridor, the name Hastsal itself is derived from the words haathi (elephant) and sthal (place).

The hunting lodge and the minaret were placed next to a large lake, which has now disappeared because of urban expansion. The Mini Qutub, which was originally five storeys tall with a chhatri (dome) on top, now only has three levels left.

By booking a Delhi car rental, it is simple to venture into this lost Mughal jewel hidden away from the city’s general tourist trail.

A Mughal Echo in Brick and Stone

Built with lakhori bricks and red sandstone, the structure still retains its Mughal architectural charm. It stands at around 17 metres, and although smaller than the grand Qutub Minar, its design shares several similar features — from the fluted columns to the decorative bands.

What makes it more mystical is that legend has it that a hidden tunnel once existed between this minar and Shah Jahan’s adjacent hunting lodge. Although the tunnel has long disappeared, the notion of it adds another interesting dimension to the monument’s history.

How to Reach the Mini Qutub Minar

Navigating your way to Hastsal might prove troublesome at first, particularly if you’re a newcomer to Delhi. However, it is surprisingly easy to get to this lesser-known gem.

Here’s a guide to assist you in making travel plans:

By Air

The closest airport for flights to Delhi is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), about 15 km from the Mini Qutub. The best way to get to the minar from here is by hiring a Delhi taxi service right from the airport.

It’s convenient, particularly if you have luggage or arrive late in the evening. You can even pre-book your taxi for a hassle-free experience.

By Train

Numerous important train stations, including Delhi Cantt, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and New Delhi Railway Station, provide easy access to Delhi. Taking the train is easier, but to get to the monument from the station, you need to travel extra.

Hiring a Delhi car rental provides you with convenience and ease of movement, particularly if you intend to visit other sites around the area.

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By Road

If you’re already in the city or coming from a nearby place, travelling to Hastsal by road is the most convenient option. You can hire a Delhi taxi service for a comfortable ride without any concern for parking and directions.

Why Visit the Mini Qutub Minar?

Still wondering if this offbeat gem is worth visiting? Here are some reasons you should explore it:

• Rich Heritage: It does not often happen that you find a monument constructed by Shah Jahan that is not crowded or commercialised. This place presents a different perspective of Mughal history.
• Photographer’s Paradise: With fewer crowds, you can relax and take your time shooting details of the red sandstone and brickwork patterns, without feeling rushed.
• Experience Local Life: The monument is located in a neighbourhood that retains much of its village-like appearance. Visiting Hastsal provides you with a glimpse into Delhi’s rural past, which is quite different from the city’s malls and bazaars.
• Offbeat Travel: If you’re one of those people who like to go off the beaten path and visit lesser-known attractions rather than touristy places, then the Mini Qutub Minar is for you. It provides a serene, true experience that most famous attractions are unable to.

Wrapping Up

The Mini Qutub Minar is one of Delhi’s most endearing secrets, and the city’s alleyways are home to innumerable tales. Though it might not be quite as tall or as renowned as its Mehrauli sibling, it more than holds its own in terms of beauty, history, and experience.

To make your visit smooth and enjoyable, consider booking your ride with a trusted provider like Savaari Car Rentals. So next time you’re planning a weekend outing, take a little detour — and let the Mini Qutub Minar surprise you.

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