About India Gate Delhi (Best places to visit with friends or family in Delhi).
India Gate Delhi is a war memorial located in the heart of New Delhi, India. It was built in 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. The idea of building a war memorial was first proposed by the Indian government in 1919, and after several years of planning and fundraising, construction began in 1921.
The monument was designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who is also credited with designing the layout of New Delhi. Lutyens designed India Gate as a triumphal arch, with a height of 42 meters and a width of 9.1 meters. The arch is made of red sandstone and features intricate carvings, including the names of the soldiers who died in World War I.
India Gate was completed in 1931 and was inaugurated by the Duke of Connaught, then the Viceroy of India. At the time of its inauguration, the gate was known as the All India War Memorial.
After India gained independence from Britain in 1947, the gate was renamed India Gate and became a symbol of national pride and patriotism. In 1971, a flame known as Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame of the Immortal Soldier) was added to India Gate in memory of soldiers who died in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Today, India Gate is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi and is a symbol of India’s rich history and culture. The gate is illuminated every evening with colorful lights, and the area around it is often crowded with street vendors selling snacks, ice cream, and souvenirs.
Places you should visit in India Gate
- Amar Jawan Jyoti: This is a flame that burns 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in memory of the Indian soldiers who died in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
- National War Memorial: This memorial was built in 2019 and is dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died in various wars and conflicts. The memorial features a central obelisk and four concentric circles with the names of the soldiers inscribed on them.
- Rajpath: This is a ceremonial boulevard that runs from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President’s residence. It is a popular spot for evening walks and family outings.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan: This is the official residence of the President of India and is located at the western end of Rajpath. It is a grand building with beautiful gardens and is open for public tours
India Gate Delhi visiting time, location, entry fee, parking and events
Location | Rajpath Marg, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110001. Location on Google Map |
Entry Fee | There is no entry fee to visit the structure. |
Timings | 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
Nearest Metro Station | Central Secretariat, New Delhi. |
Car Parking | It will be a challenging task to park your car here. |
Suggestions | It will be fun if you bring cooked or packaged food with you, and have a picnic. Take an auto rickshaw or the shuttle rickshaw/rickshaw service to India Gate from the metro station. In January, you can attend the Republic Day parade on 26th January. |
The best markets near India Gate
- Connaught Place: This is one of Delhi’s most famous markets and is located about 3 km away from India Gate. It is a large circular market with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Janpath Market: This market is located in Connaught Place and is known for its street shopping. You can find a range of clothes, accessories, and souvenirs here.
- Palika Bazaar: This market is located underground in Connaught Place and is a popular spot for bargain shopping. You can find a variety of goods here, including clothes, electronics, and jewelry.
- Khan Market: This market is located about 4 km away from India Gate and is known for its upscale shops and restaurants. You can find a range of high-end clothing, accessories, and home decor here.
- Dilli Haat: This market is located about 7 km away from India Gate and is a popular spot for handicrafts and traditional Indian goods. You can find a variety of items here, including textiles, jewelry, and pottery.
These markets are all easily accessible from India Gate by car or public transport and offer a unique shopping experience.
Some interesting facts about India Gate Delhi
- India Gate is a war memorial dedicated to the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British Army in World War I.
- The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and it was completed in 1931.
- The monument stands at a height of 42 meters and is one of the tallest war memorials in the world.
- The names of all the soldiers who died in the war are inscribed on the walls of India Gate.
- The Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame, was added to India Gate after India’s independence in 1947 to honor the soldiers who died in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.
- India Gate is surrounded by lush green lawns and is a popular spot for picnics and evening walks.
- The monument is illuminated every evening from 7 PM to 9:30 PM, making it a beautiful sight to behold.
- India Gate has become a symbol of India’s national pride and is a popular tourist destination in Delhi.
- The architect of India Gate, Edwin Lutyens, was also the chief architect of New Delhi, which was built as the capital of British India in the early 20th century.
- The foundation stone of India Gate was laid on February 10, 1921, by the Duke of Connaught, who was also the then Governor-General of India.
- The construction of India Gate took 10 years to complete and was inaugurated in 1931 by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin.
- The structure of India Gate is made of red and pale sandstone and granite and is embellished with bronze and brass fittings.
- The top of the India Gate features a large cupola and is topped with a lotus design, which is a common motif in Indian architecture.
- The India Gate complex also includes a canopy, which was originally intended to house a statue of King George V, but the statue was never installed.
- The Amar Jawan Jyoti, which is a flame that burns continuously in memory of the soldiers who died in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, was added to the India Gate complex in 1971.
- India Gate is not only a war memorial, but it is also a popular spot for public gatherings, protests, and other events.
- India Gate was initially known as the All India War Memorial and was built to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
- The India Gate complex includes a hexagonal sandstone pedestal, which was built to house a bronze statue of King George V on horseback. However, the statue was never installed and the pedestal remains empty.
- The India Gate complex also includes a small museum, known as the Indian Army Memorial Room, which displays various artifacts and memorabilia related to the Indian Army.
- The India Gate complex is also home to the National War Memorial, which was inaugurated in 2019 and is dedicated to the soldiers who died in various wars and conflicts after India’s independence.
- The India Gate complex is surrounded by lush green lawns and is a popular spot for picnics, evening walks, and cultural events.
- The India Gate is designed in the shape of an arch, which is a common architectural feature of war memorials around the world.
- The names of more than 13,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I are inscribed on the walls of India Gate.
- The India Gate complex is a popular tourist destination in Delhi and is visited by thousands of visitors every day.
I hope these facts provide you with a better understanding of the history and significance of India Gate.
Conclusion
India Gate is a war memorial located in the heart of New Delhi, built to honor the Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Designed by architect Edwin Lutyens, it took 10 years to complete and was inaugurated in 1931. The structure is made of red and pale sandstone and granite, embellished with bronze and brass fittings. The top of India Gate features a cupola with a lotus design, a common motif in Indian architecture. It also includes a museum and the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a flame burning in memory of soldiers who died in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. Today, it is a popular tourist spot and a symbol of national pride.
FAQ
What is the ticket price of India Gate Delhi?
There is no ticket price for visiting India Gate in Delhi, as it is a public monument and park that is open to all visitors free of charge. India Gate is located in the heart of the city and is a popular tourist attraction, especially in the evenings when it is illuminated. Visitors can walk around the monument, take pictures, and enjoy the park surrounding it. However, there may be some charges for parking or for accessing certain areas within the park.
What is India Gate famous for?
India Gate is a famous war memorial in the heart of New Delhi, India, built in memory of Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Empire in World War I and the Afghan Wars. It is an iconic architectural landmark and symbol of national pride, visited by tourists and locals alike, and a popular spot for picnics and evening walks.
India Gate was built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Empire in World War I and the Afghan Wars. The names of over 13,000 soldiers are inscribed on the walls of the monument.
Is Metro available on India Gate?
Central Secretariat is the nearest metro station to India Gate. It’s also well connected by road. From the Central Secretariat, you can take a bus or auto to reach India Gate.
What time does India Gate close?
India Gate is a public monument and park that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so there is no specific closing time for visitors. However, it is advised to be cautious when visiting the park at night, and it is recommended to visit during daylight hours or in the early evening.
Is a picnic allowed in India Gate?
Yes, visitors are allowed to have picnics in the India Gate lawns surrounding the monument. The lawns are a popular spot for family outings and picnics, and visitors can bring their food, snacks, and drinks to enjoy in the park. However, it is advised to clean up after oneself and dispose of waste in the bins provided to keep the park clean and tidy. Additionally, visitors are not allowed to light fires, smoke, or consume alcohol in the park.