- Time: 32 – 37°C
- Labels: high gravity
- Tags: monument
- Time: Always
- Time required: 1-2 hours
- Registration fee: No registration fee
Where to stay:
Shahjahan Road: (10 min walk)
Hyderabad House: Parking nearby
Bikaner House on Bandra Road (10-12 min walk)
NDMC parking on Bandra Road (10-12 min walk), Rs 30 per hour
Delhi High Court parking (15 min walk), Rs 30 per hour
Man Singh Road: Follow Ashoka Road from India Gate Circle and turn left on Man Singh Road (8-10 min walk); Free
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Foundation Stone: Laid: 1921
Illuminated: 1931
Illuminated by: Lord Irwin, Viceroy of India
Amar Jyoti Jawan: Composed: 1971
When: After the Bangladesh Liberation War
Symbol: Eternal and immortal warriors of India
Also Read: Top 5 Heritage and Monuments You Must Visit in Delhi
Overview of India Gate, Delhi
The All India War Memorial, popularly known as India Gate, is located at Rajpathi in New Delhi. The grand structure of India Gate is an awe-inspiring sight and is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in France, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, and the Arch of Constantine in Rome.
This 42-metre-high historic structure was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is one of the largest war memorials in the country. India Gate is famous for hosting the Republic Day Parade every year.
Dedicated to the 82,000 Indian and British soldiers who died during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War, the memorial has the names of 13,300 soldiers engraved on its surface. The India Gate complex houses the Amar Jawan Jyoti, an illuminated structure beneath the arch.
Due to its rich historical background and attractive architecture, India Gate has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi.
Also Read: Golden Triangle Escapade: Exploring Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur in One Unforgettable Journey
History of India Gate
The construction of India Gate began in 1921 and was part of the British effort to create tombs and memorials for all the Indian and British soldiers who represented the British Empire in World War I.
Lord Connaught laid the foundation stone of the war memorial on 10 February 1921 and the memorial was finally inaugurated by Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, on 12 February 1931. Given to all the soldiers who died during the war.
Future generations will remember them for their great sacrifice for the love of their nation.
Facts about India Gate
- On the walls of India Gate, you will find the names of thousands of martyrs who fought bravely for their country.
- The sacred flame of Amar Jawan Jyoti was lit by Indira Gandhi on 26 January 1972.
- The inspiration for the Gate’s design came from the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
- It is considered as one of the largest war memorials in the entire country.
- This monument is famous for hosting the Republic Day Parade every year.
Amar Jawan Jyoti
There is a small temple-like structure made of black marble under the India Gate, in which a fire is always burning. Amar Jawan Jyoti or Amar Sainik’s Flame was built under the India Gate after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 to honor all the soldiers who died in the Bangladesh Liberation War.
It has a black tomb on a marble pedestal. “Amar Jawan” is written in gold all around the tomb. At the top of the tomb is an inverted L1A1 self-loading rifle with a soldier’s helmet.
The marble base rests on four receptacles, one of which has a flame burning continuously. The memorial is guarded 24×7 by Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Air Force personnel.
Also Read: Top 4 Amusement Water Parks in Delhi-NCR
India Gate Design
Sir Edwin Lutyens, one of the greatest designers of war memorials, designed the All India War Memorial in New Delhi. Situated at the center of a hexagonal complex with a diameter of 625 meters, the India Gate has a total area of 3,60,000 square meters. Height 42 meters, width 9.1 meters.
It stands on a red rock from Bharatpur on a low base, and then gradually rises up. At the top of the India Gate is a shallow dome-shaped bowl, which is rarely filled with burning oil on special occasions.
The India Gate is a centuries-old monument, which leaves behind religious and cultural sentiments. Lutyens used a universal architectural style devoid of religious ornamentation. It is also called a remake of the Arc de Triomphe due to its similar structure.
Also, behind the magnificent India Gate, about 150 meters away, is an umbrella-like structure built by Edwin Lutyens. There was a statue of King George V, but it was later removed.
Inscriptions on India Gate
The arch of India Gate has the capital ‘Bharat’ inscribed on either side with the dates MCMXIV (1914) and MCMXIX (1919) on either side. Below the word “India” is written in bold letters: “Tributes paid to the dead of the Indian armies in France and Flanders Mesopotamia and Persia East Africa Gallipoli and other places.
The names of those who died in India or the North Western Frontier during the Third Afghan War are also documented.”
How to reach
India Gate is the best place to visit in Delhi and the most convenient option to reach India Gate is via metro. The nearest metro station is Central Secretariat metro station, which is on the Yellow Line. Other metro stations in the city include Pragati Maidan, Race Course, and Barakamba.
You can reach India Gate via rickshaw or taxi from outside the metro station. Alternatively, you can take a DTC bus from anywhere in the city. Buses going to Patiala House also go to India Gate.
Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed to bring vehicles up to the monument.
India Gate at Night
While India Gate is mesmerizing at any time of the day, its grandeur is even greater in the hours after sunset. India Gate is crowded with people even at midnight.
Enjoy a peaceful walk on the Rajpath in front of the Gateway of India before grabbing your favourite ice cream and heading home.
Activities at India Gate
There are a number of things to do at India Gate and spend quality time outdoors. Some of these are:
- Picnic: Spend a relaxing time with friends and family while enjoying the view of India Gate in the background.
- Morning Walk: A morning walk on the Rajpath towards India Gate is a great way to start the day.
- Some Delicious Street Food: There are a number of street vendors stationed around India Gate. Enjoy shuski and ice cream on a bright sunny day and corn on the cob during the rainy season.
- Children’s Park: The Children’s Park nearby is a fun place for children.
Best time to visit India Gate
It is very hot in Delhi. While summers and winters are unbearable, monsoon limits outdoor activities. But the best months to visit Delhi are February to April and August to November. India Gate can be seen at any time of the day.
The night view is mesmerizing with perfect lighting. India Gate is decorated on Independence Day (15th August) or Republic Day (26th January) and it is a wonderful sight. It’s Delhi Attractions Place.
