India Gate, Delhi

This magnificent structure was constructed by the Imperial War Graves Commission aka IWCG. The monument was designed by a renowned English architect named Sir Edwin Lutyens and its foundation was laid on 10 February 1921 by the Duke of Connaught, the third son of Victoria.

The names of over 13,000 soldiers who lost their lives during the war are also inscribed on the memorial. In honor of the soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, a replacement structure was added to the India Gate in 1972. Known as Amar Jawan Jyoti (meaning Flame of the Immortal Soldier), it was inaugurated by Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India.

Sir Edwin Lutyens, who designed the India Gate, was the number one war memorial architect and also a member of the IWGC. He built it as a secular monument free from any religious association or cultural ornamentation.

The entire structure is built using yellow and red sandstone which was brought directly from Bharatpur. Situated in the middle of a hexagonal complex, the structure is 42 meters long and 9.1 meters wide.

1. Every evening, this imposing structure is lit up with spotlights, making it one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Delhi during nights.
2. The huge lawns surrounding the gate are a favorite spot for people to enjoy basket picnics, play cricket or indulge in kite flying.
3. The Children’s Park located near the gate is a great place to spend some time with your kids.
4. Rajpath, the boulevard on which the monument is located, is where many people, both young and old, come for early morning walks.
5. Within a kilometer of India Gate, you will find Andhra Bhavan, one of the iconic restaurants in Delhi known for its lip-smacking traditional food.
6. The Pandara Road Market, which is also located within walking distance of India Gate, is an amazing food market to experience Delhi’s street food flavors.

📅 Last update: 2024-06-10 || ✍ Author: Sandhya Chauhan

Meet Sandhya, exploring India with curiosity and wonder. She shares info and tips in simple language, inviting you to join the journey. She is graduated in tourism and writes about the places of India.