India Gate: All India War Memorial, New Delhi

The India Gate, New Delhi situated in the Central Zone of the city is a war memorial build in the memory of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in different wars to protect the nation from enemy. This historic place receives several thousand visitors everyday from all corners of the world.

India Gate standing tall in the memory of those brave hearts who gave their blood and life for the nation is major tourist attraction in National Capital New Delhi. On the gate, name of 13300 soldiers are inscribed. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this historic monument is often compared with Gateway of India in Mumbai and Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. The ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti' (Flame of the Immortal Soldier) standing tall here in the memory of soldiers who lost lives during Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The eternal flame burns 365*24*7 in the honor of brave the soldiers.

The India Gate lies at the eastern end of Rajpath (the ceremonial ground for Republic Day). It's surrounded by lush green lawn. After sunset, India Gate looks amazing; the nearby fountains in multi color lights looks next to awesome. People from different parts of Delhi and NCR Region often make visit to India Gate. Tourists from all corners of the world come here to see this world class architecture and to pay tribute to soldiers who gave life for the protection of Motherland India.

Travel Tips

India Gate is a picnic hotspot throughout the year. To me this place is truly healing. You can visit here during anytime of the day or night and in any weather. If you are someone who wishes to give time to yourself, go India gate, pay tribute to brave hearts and meditate in the lush green lawns. Small Children playing in the lawns of India Gate are bound to win appreciation from visitors. Do you have those tiny creatures in your house? Please take them along. They will love playing in the open space.

You can reach to India Gate through all means of transport i.e. City Bus, Taxi, Personal Car, Bike, Auto Rickshaw or Metro Rail. For visitors coming in personal vehicles parking facility is available. Nearest Metro Station to India Gate is Pragati Maidan. From here either you can walk or take a bus ride, taxi or auto rickshaw to reach to India Gate.

How to Reach

New Delhi, India is well connected to the world. Flights, Buses and Trains run 24*7 to and from New Delhi.


By Air

People coming from abroad shall land at India Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) New Delhi. Domestic flights lands at Palam Airport.


By Rail

The capital New Delhi is well connected to railway network. The major Railway Stations in New Delhi are:

Old Delhi Railway Station
New Delhi Railway Station
Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station
Anand Vihar Railway Station


By Bus

Delhi is well connected by road to all major cities of India. The major Inter State Bus Terminus in Delhi are

Maharana Pratap ISBT at Kashmere Gate, Delhi
Swami Vivekanand ISBT at Anand Vihar, Delhi
Vir Hakikat Rai ISBT at Sarai Kale Khan, Delhi

Once you reach to Delhi, further you can travel in a Metro Rail, City Bus, Taxi or Auto Rickshaw to reach to India Gate.

Activities

Meet yourself and find the true beauty within. If this looks too much philosophical to you no worries, there are many things to do at India Gate and around it:

Pay tribute to the martyrs
Relax in the lush green lawns of India Gate
If you are not worried about expanding waistline enjoy an icecream.
If you have brought your own eatable enjoy sitting in the lawns
See Rajpath the ceremonial place for the celebration of Republic Day
See Rashtrapati Bhavan i.e. the official residence of Indian President

However, if you want to enjoy some Indian delicacies and do shopping go to Khan Market, Connaught Place (CP) or Chandani Chowk in Old Delhi

Timings & Season

You can visit India Gate anytime. There are no restrictions. No fee is charged. I love going to India Gate, sit in the lawns and read a book or just relax. In winters, during December / January months when Delhi is cold to extremes, you will love sitting in the lawns and enjoy Sun. In summer months evenings and night hours are best. India Gate is busiest picnic spot in Delhi during weekends. Schools from Delhi and NCR Region often take children for picnic to India Gate. Also schools and educational institutions from other parts of India and overseas make trip to India Gate every year.

History

The India Gate or All India War Memorial is situated to the east of Rajpath in New Delhi, India. In the year 1921, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught laid the Foundation Stone of India Gate. Noted architect Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the architecture. 10 years later on 12 February 1931 the monument was inaugurated by Viceroy Lord Irwin. In the words of Irwin " those who after us shall look upon this monument may learn in pondering its purpose something of that sacrifice and service which the names upon its walls record."

In December 1971, Indo-Pak war was fought and Bangladesh formed. Thousands of soldiers laid their life fighting for the country. In the memory of those brave lions another memorial Amar Jawan Jyoti was added to the India Gate. The then Prime Minister of India Mrs Indira Gandhi inaugurated the memorial on 26 January 1972.

The Amar Jawan Jyoti guarded by the three services of Indian Armed Forces round the clock. The names of 13300 war heroes are inscribed on the India Gate. For security reasons public is not allowed to read the names of war heroes.