The majestic India Gate is an arch gate made of sandstone and is a war memorial located in the Rajput area, Delhi. It was built to commemorate the undivided British Army (also known as British Indian Army) soldiers who laid down their lives during the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War of 1919. The imposing monument is one of the largest war memorials in the country with the names of around 13,000 soldiers engraved on it. Surrounded by lush green and well-manicured gardens, India Gate is a hot-favorite tourist spot among Delhiites, who enjoy their summer evenings and Sunday picnics with families or friends.
Entry Timing: 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
India Gate’s Architecture
Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the India Gate’s infrastructure was a leading war memorial architect and was also a member of IWGC. He built the gate as a secular memorial site free of any religious association or cultural ornamentation. Lutyens wanted the monuments to be a classical one, so refused to incorporate any Asian motifs like pointed arches.
Located in the middle of the hexagonal complex, the structure is 42 meters tall and 9.1 meters wide. The whole structure was made of using yellow and red sandstone which was directly driven to Bharatpur. About 150 meters toward the east of the India Gate, there’s a canopy that was built in 1936 as a tribute to the former Emperor of India, King George V.
India Gate houses a small structure called Amar Jawan Jyoti which consists of a marble pedestal with a cenotaph on its top. The cenotaph has the word “Amar Jawan” written on all four sides in golden letters and has a reversed rifle, capped by a soldier helmet.
Sound and Light show at India Gate
India Gate Delhi is much more than a war memorial site in the Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour Package. Presenting an imposing architectural beauty captivates everyone. The sight is truly alluring in the evening when the memorial and surroundings is lit up with several lights. Capture the scenic views of the light show at India Gate that one must never miss. The view of India Gate glittering in lights which is enhanced by the nearby fountains adorned in colorful lights looks breathtaking.
Things to do at India Gate
- In the evening, this imposing structure is lit up with spotlights, ensuring one of the top tourist places to visit in Delhi at night.
- The huge lawns surrounding the gate are a favorite tourist spot for people to enjoy basket picnics, play cricket, or indulge in kite flying.
- The children’s park lies near the gate and is a great place to spend some time with your little ones.
- Rajpath, the boulevard on which the monument is located is where many people come for early morning walks.
- Within a short distance, you’ll find Andhra Bhavan, one of the iconic restaurants in Delhi, known for its lip-smacking traditional food.
- The Pandara Road Market is also located within walking distance of India Gate is an amazing food market to experience Delhi’s street food flavors.
Tourist places near India Gate
- National War Memorial (750 m)
Wrapping up
Be it your friend’s trip, family travel or solo trip, visiting India Gate on the Delhi Sightseeing Tour lets you experience the brilliant architecture and history. Don’t forget to take some amazing pictures with this iconic historical landmark as the background.