India Gate Delhi: History, Architecture, Timings, Entry Fee

India Gate

The famous India Gate, a sandstone arch gate, is a war memorial located in the Rajpath neighborhood of Delhi. Built in 1919 to honor the men of the Undivided British Army (formerly known as the British India Army) who gave their lives in the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War, it commemorates Respects. With the names of over 13,000 soldiers inscribed on it, this massive building is one of the largest war memorials in the country. India Gate is a favorite spot for Delhiites, who spend their Sunday picnics and summer evenings with friends and family here. It is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.Once you settle into a hotel in Delhi, you should definitely visit this popular tourist spot, formerly known as the All India War Memorial.

Are you curious to know more? Here’s all the information you need to visit the Indian Gate in Delhi, including its history, architecture, hours of operation, admission prices, and lesser-known details.

India Gate Information:

Location	Rajpath, New Delhi
Type	Memorial
Also Known as	All India War Memorial
Timings	Morning till evening; every day
Entry Fee	Free
Still and Video Cameras	Free
Architect	Edwin Lutyens
Architectural Style	Triumphal Arch
Period of Construction	1921 to 1931
Commissioned by	Imperial War Graves Commission
Dimensions	42 meters (height) x 9.1 meters (width)
Area	306,000 square meters
Material Used	Yellow and red sandstone and granite
Nearest Metro Station	Central Secretariat

India Gate: History

The Imperial War Cemeteries Commission, or IWCG, was established in 1917 with the goal of creating war memorials and cemeteries for soldiers who died in the First World War. He built this amazing structure. The memorial was built by the famous English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, and the foundation stone of the memorial was laid by the Duke of Connaught, the third son of Queen Victoria, on February 10, 1921. After ten difficult years of construction, Viceroy Lord Irwin officially opened the building on February 12, 1931, and dedicated it to the country and its future generations. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,000 soldiers killed in the conflict.

In 1972, a new building was constructed at India Gate to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The flame of Amar Jawan Jyoti, or Amar Jawan Jyoti, was officially launched by the Prime Minister of India. Time, Indira Gandhi.

India Gate Architecture

Apart from being a prominent war memorial architect and IWGC member, Sir Edwin Lutyens built the India Gate. He built it as a secular monument, without any cultural or religious meaning. Furthermore, Lutyens refused to include any Asian elements, such as pointed arches, as he intended the monument to be of classical design. The triumphal arch-style architecture of India Gate is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe of Paris, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, and the Arch of Constantine.

This 42-meter-tall and 9.1-meter-wide structure is located in the center of a hexagonal compound. Red and yellow sandstone that was transported in straight from Bharatpur is used throughout the entire construction.

A 1936 canopy honoring King George V, the former Indian Emperor, is located approximately 150 meters east of the India Gate. A marble statue of George V was once there, but once India gained independence, several political groups objected, so it was taken down. The statue is currently situated in Coronation Park in Delhi.

Another modest building within India Gate is the Amar Jawan Jyoti. It consists of a marble platform with a tomb on top. The tomb is decorated with an inverted weapon surmounted by a soldier’s helmet and the words “Amar Jawan” inscribed in gold letters around it. On all sides of the building, CNG-fueled flames are continuously rising around the structure.

India Gate: Today

India Gate is now a popular tourist destination as well as an extremely important national symbol. Every year on 26 January, the Republic Day procession starts from Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rashtrapati Bhavan and passes through India Gate. On that day the Indian Prime Minister pays floral tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Things to Do at India Gate

This huge building is illuminated with spotlights every evening, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi at night.

The vast lawns that surround the gate are a popular place for people to play cricket, organize kite-flying competitions, and have basket picnics.

It is highly recommended to spend time with your kids in the Children’s Park, which is close to the gate.

Many people, young and old, gather on Rajpath, the main road where the memorial is located, for a stroll in the early hours of the day.

One km away from India Gate is Andhra Bhavan, one of the most famous eateries in Delhi, famous for its delicious traditional dishes.

One of the best places to sample the flavors of Delhi’s street food is Pandara Road Market, close to India Gate.

Lesser-known Facts about India Gate

A female staff nurse who lost her life in the war is among the soldiers whose names are inscribed on the India Gate.
It is believed that the empty canopy behind India Gate represents the British withdrawal from India.
Other important Indian landmarks built by Sir Edwin Lutyens include the Viceroy’s House, now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Attractions near India Gate 

• National War Memorial (750 m)
• Children’s Park (900 m)
• National Gallery of Modern Art (1.4 m)
• Purana Qila (2.2 km)
• National Science Center (2.5 km)
• Agrasen ki Baoli (2.5 km)
• Jantar Mantar (2.9 km)
• Rashtrapati Bhavan (2.7 km)
• Lodhi Garden (2.9 km)
• Connaught Place (4 km)
• Raj Ghat (5.2 km)
• Chandni Chowk (5.6 km)
• Jama Masjid (5.8 km)

Whether you are traveling with friends, family, or alone, this arch gate on Rajpath should be on your list of things to do in Delhi. Also, remember to capture some great photos with this famous landmark in the background.