India Gate, Delhi
At the heart of Delhi, there is a magnificent archway called India Gate that stands as a symbol of honoring the heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their homeland. Cast in sandstone, this majestic gateway stood at a height of 42 meters above all other structures in the imperial city.
Surrounded by the emerald expanse of perfect lawns, India Gate miraculously draws families with just a gentle tap to relax with their favorite picnic basket, especially enticing under the intimate play of the street lights that magnificently demonstrate in the dark against the backdrop of the starry night sky.
Who designed India Gate?
The iconic War Memorial India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in honor of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I and the Afghan Wars. Tourists who visit India Gate must explore all the majestic structures of India Gate. The Monument of India Gate is a symbol of bravery and the sacrifice of our Indian Heroes.
History of India Gate
The India Gate saga unfolded with Sir Duke of Connaught laying the foundation stone in 1921 and then its architect Edwin Lutyens designing it. It took about ten years to signify this momentous event; then, a moving ceremony was held, and the monument was dedicated to India by Lord Irwin who at the time was the Viceroy.
India Gate has Amar Jawan Jyoti, a marble structure, as its foreground. This monument was erected in 1971 in memory of those who lost their lives in the Indo-Pakistani War of December 1971. With its guardian sentinels of soldiers keeping watch, the eternal flame denotes the unquenchable spirit of sacrifice, as the gleaming rifle, decorated with an army helmet as a silent sentinel, stands by its side.
What to see
Inscribed on the walls of this historic gate are the names of 13,516 soldiers who laid their lives in Afghanistan during the Afghan war of 1919, along with a tribute to 90,000 brave soldiers of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives in any violence during World War I. The base of the gate is made from durable stones of Bharatpur, while its majestic
India Gate serves as a sacred place for the grandest celebration, the Republic Day Parade and it is here that the President garlands the Amar Jawan Jyoti in the solemn tribute. The parade is a gallant demonstration of national pride with contingents from different states, tanks, floats, and weapons moving in all directions in perfect tune. Excitement is everywhere and the occasion presents quite a rich cultural patchwork, when lively school kids, and jolly folk dancers at the scene enthuse the event creating a unifying feeling and reinforcing the value of identity.
Delhi has a heart and its core is blessed with the echoes of history and heroism. Amidst the four pillars of this monument, we have a statue of the Lady of Liberty as a tribute to those who fought and sacrificed for our freedom and dignity.
Quick Information
Location of India Gate | Eastern End of Rajpath, New Delhi - 110001 |
Type | Memorial |
Nearest Metro Station | Central Secretariat Metro Station and Khan Market Metro Station |
Opening Time | All days of the Week |
Timings | 24/7, Open all-day |
Entry Fee | Free Entry |
Best Time to Visit | October to February (Cooler Months) |
Light Show Timings | 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm |
Dress Code | Casual |
Boating Timings | Morning - 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and Evening 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm |
Boating Charges | 50 INR for 15 minutes , 100 INR for 30 minutes |
Boating Close on | Mondays |
Boats available | Pedal, Paddle, and Rowing Boats |
Time Required | 2-3 hrs (Depends on Individual ) |
India Gate Children Park timings | 10:00 am to 8:00 pm |
India Gate Children Park Library Timings | 11:00 am to 5:00 pm |
India Gate Special Highlights
- See Amar Jawan Jyoti - Flame of Immortal Soldiers
- Boating with your loved ones
- Visit the Children is Park of Gate to enjoy games and musical fountains. They also have a jungle book theatre, an amphitheater, and an aquarium.
- India Gate’s Amazing Light Show
Things to do near India Gate
- Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art, they have an amazing collection of paintings and artworks. Of Indian and other International artists. It is a great place to learn about the origin of Indian arts and art techniques.
- Try Andhra Bhawan Canteen Food to tickle your taste buds with delightful Indian and Hyderabadi cuisines. You must try Hyderabadi Biriyani.
- A long walk at India Gate and a good cup of coffee at Kafe@Museum would be awesome. Also, try some delicious Indian snacks.
- Explore all the popular tourist attractions located near India Gate like Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Mughal Garden, Humayun Tomb, Rashtrapati Bhawan Red Fort etc.
How to Reach India Gate - Ways to Reach
India Gate | Transportation Details |
---|---|
Flight | Indira Gandhi International Airport |
Train | New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station |
Road | DTC Buses, Car, and Cabs like Ola, and Uber within Delhi |
Nearest Metro Route | Central Secretariat Metro Station and Khan Market Metro Station |