India Gate, Delhi's most iconic landmark, stands majestically at the heart of New Delhi as a tribute to the 90,000 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I and the Afghan Wars. This 42-meter tall war memorial, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, has become synonymous with national pride and is a must-visit for every traveler to Delhi. Our Delhi Full Day City Tour includes India Gate along with 8+ major attractions.
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Book Delhi Tour - ₹2,500 →History of India Gate
India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the architect responsible for much of New Delhi's design, and was originally called the All India War Memorial. Construction began in 1921 and was completed in 1931. The monument was built to honor the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives fighting for the British Empire in World War I (1914-1918) and the Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919).
The names of over 13,500 soldiers, including British and Indian servicemen, are inscribed on the walls of India Gate. After India's independence, the monument gained even greater significance as a symbol of national pride and sacrifice.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1921: Foundation stone laid by Duke of Connaught
- 1931: Inaugurated by Lord Irwin (Viceroy of India)
- 1971: Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame of Immortal Soldier) added after Indo-Pak War
- 2022: National War Memorial unveiled nearby; Amar Jawan Jyoti merged
- 2022: Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) renovated and renamed
Architecture of India Gate
India Gate is an architectural masterpiece designed in the Indo-Saracenic style with French and Roman influences. The arch stands 42 meters (138 feet) tall and 9.1 meters wide, constructed entirely of red and pale sandstone from Bharatpur.
Architectural Features
- Height: 42 meters (138 feet)
- Width: 9.1 meters (30 feet)
- Material: Red and pale Bharatpur sandstone
- Style: Indo-Saracenic with triumphal arch design
- Inscriptions: Names of 13,516 soldiers carved on the walls
- Canopy: Empty canopy nearby (once housed King George V statue)
Amar Jawan Jyoti
The Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame of the Immortal Soldier) was an eternal flame that burned beneath India Gate from 1972 to 2022, honoring unknown soldiers who died in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. In January 2022, this flame was merged with the flame at the newly constructed National War Memorial.
🇮🇳 Explore Delhi's Patriotic Heritage
Our Delhi Full Day Tour includes:
- ✓ India Gate & Kartavya Path
- ✓ National War Memorial
- ✓ Red Fort & Qutub Minar
- ✓ Lotus Temple & Humayun's Tomb
- ✓ Professional English-speaking guide
- ✓ Comfortable AC car with hotel pickup
Entry Fees & Timings
Entry Fee
- India Gate: FREE entry for all visitors
- National War Memorial: FREE entry (ID proof required)
- Kartavya Path: Open public area
Visiting Hours
- India Gate: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
- National War Memorial: 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM (November-March), 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (April-October)
- Best Time to Visit: Evening (5-8 PM) when illuminated
💡 Pro Tip: Visit during evening hours to see India Gate beautifully illuminated. The atmosphere is magical with families, food stalls, and cool evening breeze!
Best Time to Visit India Gate
Best Season
The ideal time to visit India Gate is from October to March when Delhi enjoys pleasant weather (10°C to 25°C). The winter evenings are especially delightful for a visit. Avoid the summer months (April-June) when temperatures can exceed 45°C.
Best Time of Day
- Early Morning (5:00-7:00 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, joggers and fitness enthusiasts, good for photography
- Evening (5:00-8:00 PM): Most popular time - beautiful illumination, lively atmosphere, street food
- Night (8:00-10:00 PM): Romantic ambiance, families enjoying the lawns
- Avoid: Midday during summers due to extreme heat
Special Times to Visit
- Republic Day (January 26): Grand parade and celebrations (ticketed event)
- Independence Day Eve (August 14-15): Patriotic atmosphere
- New Year's Eve: Celebrations and fireworks nearby
How to Reach India Gate
By Metro
- Central Secretariat Metro Station: Yellow & Violet Line, 1.5 km walk
- Pragati Maidan Metro Station: Blue Line, 2 km
- Udyog Bhawan Metro Station: Yellow Line, 1.5 km
By Road
- From Connaught Place: 3 km (10-15 minutes)
- From New Delhi Railway Station: 3 km (15-20 minutes)
- From IGI Airport: 15 km (30-45 minutes)
- Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cabs readily available
Our Delhi city tour includes comfortable AC transportation with hotel pickup, covering India Gate and all major attractions in one day.
Things to Do at India Gate
1. Admire the Architecture
Take time to appreciate the magnificent arch, read the inscribed names of fallen soldiers, and understand the historical significance of this war memorial.
2. Visit National War Memorial
Located near India Gate, this memorial honors all soldiers who sacrificed their lives for India since independence. Features walls with names of martyrs and an eternal flame.
3. Enjoy Kartavya Path
The newly renovated Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) stretches from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Walk along this grand avenue lined with manicured lawns and water channels.
4. Picnic on the Lawns
The vast green lawns around India Gate are perfect for picnics with family and friends. Spread a mat and enjoy the evening atmosphere.
5. Evening Illumination
India Gate is beautifully illuminated after sunset. The golden glow against the night sky creates stunning photo opportunities.
6. Street Food Experience
Enjoy Delhi's famous street food from vendors near India Gate - ice cream, chaat, golgappas, and more. A quintessential Delhi experience!
Photography Tips
- Best Time for Photos: Golden hour (sunset) or when illuminated at night
- Classic Shot: Full arch from Kartavya Path with reflection in water channels
- Night Photography: Long exposure shots of illuminated India Gate
- Silhouette Shots: During sunset with India Gate backdrop
- ✓ Photography freely allowed
- ✓ Tripods allowed for hobbyists
- ✗ Drones prohibited without permission
Nearby Attractions
- National War Memorial (200m): Modern memorial to fallen soldiers
- Rashtrapati Bhavan (2.5 km): President's residence, tours available
- National Museum (1.5 km): India's largest museum
- Purana Qila (2 km): Ancient fort with sound & light show
- Humayun's Tomb (4 km): UNESCO World Heritage Site - included in our tour
- Connaught Place (3 km): Shopping and dining hub
Visitor Tips & Guidelines
What to Carry
- Water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
- Picnic mat (if planning to sit on lawns)
- Cash for street food vendors
Important Guidelines
- Keep the area clean - use dustbins
- Respect the memorial and maintain decorum
- Beware of touts and overpriced vendors
- Guard your belongings in crowded areas
- Follow security instructions during special events
Frequently Asked Questions
Is India Gate open 24 hours?
Yes, India Gate is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no entry fee.
How much time is needed to visit India Gate?
30 minutes to 1 hour is sufficient to see India Gate. Add more time if you want to explore the lawns, National War Memorial, and enjoy street food.
Is there parking at India Gate?
Limited street parking is available nearby. It's recommended to use metro or hire a cab, especially on busy evenings and weekends.
Can we go inside India Gate?
You cannot go inside the arch structure itself, but you can walk right up to it and around it.
What is the best time to visit India Gate?
Evening (5-8 PM) is the best time when India Gate is illuminated and the atmosphere is lively with families and food stalls.
Is India Gate and Gateway of India the same?
No, India Gate is in Delhi and is a war memorial. Gateway of India is in Mumbai and was built to commemorate the visit of King George V.
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