India Gate isn’t just another monument – it’s the heart of New Delhi’s ceremonial avenue. Standing 42 meters tall on Kartavya Path, this grand sandstone arch honors the bravery of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
Whether you’re here for history, evening walks, or night photography, India Gate is an experience you shouldn’t skip.
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Location | Kartavya Path, New Delhi, India |
Geo Coordinates | 28.6129° N, 77.2295° E |
Architect | Sir Edwin Lutyens |
Year Built | 1921–1931 |
Height | 42 m (138 ft) |
Material | Red & pale sandstone |
Style | Triumphal Arch |
Entry Fee | Free |
Timings | Open 24 hours |
Best Time to Visit | October–March, sunrise or evening |
Why India Gate Matters
India Gate is more than an architectural marvel — it represents:
National memory: Over 13,000 soldiers’ names inscribed on its walls.
Cultural identity: A site for Republic Day parades and national tributes.
Everyday life: A favorite evening hangout for Delhi families, students, and travelers.
📍 When I last visited during winter evenings, the lawns were full of picnics, children playing under sunshine, and vendors serving roasted corn and kulfi — the true Delhi vibe.
Historical Significance of India Gate
Foundation laid on 10 February 1921 by the Duke of Connaught.
Completed in 1931, originally called the All India War Memorial.
The canopy nearby once sheltered King George V’s statue (removed in 1960).
After the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the eternal flame Amar Jawan Jyoti was added.
This layered history is why India Gate is often compared with Paris’s Arc de Triomphe.
Architectural Details
Designed in classical triumphal arch style.
Constructed with red and pale sandstone from Bharatpur.
Height: 42 meters (138 feet).
Simple yet powerful design — no religious symbols, purely secular.
From Amar Jawan Jyoti to the National War Memorial
For decades, visitors saw the eternal flame under India Gate arch. In 2019, however, the National War Memorial was inaugurated nearby, honoring post-Independence soldiers. In 2022, the flame was ceremonially shifted there.
Today, India Gate and the War Memorial together form Delhi’s sacred war tribute zone.
📍 Read our National War Memorial Guide for complete visitor info.
Visitor Information
Timings: 24×7
Entry Fee: None
Metro: Central Secretariat / Khan Market (short auto ride)
Best Time: Early morning for peace, evenings for lights & snacks
Nearby Attractions:
Rashtrapati Bhavan – The Presidential Palace
Palika Bazaar – Shopping
Janpath Market – Street shopping
Travel Tips for India Gate Delhi
Avoid weekends if you want less crowd.
Carry bottled water; public taps not always safe.
Security checks at entry points.
Try roasted corn (bhutta) or ice cream from nearby stalls.
Google Map Location of India Gate, New Delhi ,Delhi
📍 India Gate, Kartavya Path, New Delhi
Q: Is India Gate free to visit?
Yes, it’s completely free and open 24/7.
Q: Can tourists visit at night?
Absolutely — it’s safe, well-lit, and popular among families and travelers.
Q: Is the Amar Jawan Jyoti still at India Gate?
The flame has been respectfully moved to the National War Memorial in 2022.
Why Trust This Guide?
Written by a Delhi-based travel blogger
Information cross-verified with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Incredible India, and National War Memorial portals.
Firsthand travel experiences included to give authentic insights.