India Gate, New Delhi

India Gate Sightseeing Delhi

At the heart of New Delhi stands our nation's 42 m high pride, popularly known as the India Gate. Alike its French counterpart, the ‘Arc-de-Triomphe’ in Paris, India Gate was built as the All-India War Memorial to commemorate the dignity and sacrifice of 70,000 Indian soldiers who bravely fought for the British army during the First World War. Nowadays, the monumental sandstone arch located on the east of Rajpath is officially called the Delhi Memorial. 

Originally built by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the classic sandstone arch has served as a memoir of the unsung bravery of our unknown soldiers since 1971. India Gate has four eternal flames sheltered at the base of the archway alongside the Amar Jawan Jyoti, an installation in black marble of a reversed L1A1 self-loading rifle with a war helmet on its plinth. Each face of the cenotaph has an inscription in gold saying ‘AMAR JAWAN’. The four urns fueled by CNG burn all the time around the black marble installation.

Best Time to Visit India Gate

Since its inauguration by Ms. Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister then in 1972, the lawns of India Gate have been a favorite hangout spot for the Delhiites and tourists alike. It is a place of choice for spending an outstanding leisurely evening, walking the lanes of India Gate, snacking on street food, and enjoying the light show nearby the fountains.

There is no entry fee to visit the monument, and you can get there any time of the day. However, evenings and nights are the best time to experience the monument in its full glory. Plus, you can enjoy boating between 2 pm to 9 pm. A light show is also conducted at India Gate between 7 pm to 9:30 pm.

Best Month to Visit India Gate

Although you can visit India Gate any time of the year, winters are the best time to admire the majestic memorial and enjoy all the activities around the monument. Precisely because summers are too daunting in Delhi, and even the nights are warm because of the unfavorable weather. During winter, the climate is more pleasant during the day as well as at night.

Things To Do in India Gate

Although visiting the monument itself is awe-inspiring, India Gate also has various activities to indulge its visitors. The Amar Jawan Jyoti that honors the bravery of our fallen soldiers is calming and empowering at the same time. You can always enjoy a refreshing walk during a relaxing evening amidst the shimmering lakes and lush green lawns of India Gate.

How about a boat ride in the serene lake of India Gate? You can also take a tour of the Children’s Park, which has hi-tech games, an aquarium, an amphitheater, a jungle book theater, a musical fountain, and a library for kids. Do not miss out on the light show, which brings out the imposing architectural beauty of India Gate. The charm of the captivating monument turns manifold amidst the colorful lights from the surrounding fountains. 

Attractions Near India Gate

While visiting India Gate, you can explore various other nearby attractions. Some of the best sightseeing places near India Gate are Rajpath, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, National Gallery of Modern Art, and the National Museum of Natural History.

India Gate Open Closed Timings & Tickets Fee Information: