Introduction

A favorite picnic destination of among Delhiites, at India Gate you will see families out for a stroll or boating and kids enjoying well-earned ice creams. Its lush lawns are quite popular in the evenings, especially in summer months when the locals throng here to savor an ice cream or simply enjoy the cool breeze.

Located in the heart of Delhi, India Gate is a 42-meter-high (140 feet) archway in the middle of the road, reminiscent of the Arc-de-Triomphe in Paris. Like its French counterpart, this one too commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. The memorial also bears the names of more than 13,000 British and Indian soldiers killed in the northeastern frontier in the 1919 Afghan war. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, the monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame under the arch in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pak War of 1971, is the latest addition to the structure.

Sundown is the ideal time to visit India Gate, when it is dramatically floodlit and the nearby fountains make a lovely display of lights and water. Surrounded by deep green lawns, the area also has a small lake where you can enjoy boating in summer evenings. Ice-cream carts, balloon sellers, popcorn and peanut hawkers, and women selling jasmine garlands, are a common sight here. Spend leisure time strolling or relaxing on its lawn and watching the world go by.

The adjoining park is a great place if you have kids with you, and wish to take a break after daylong sightseeing. Children’s Park is an amusement park regarded the first-of-its-kind in Delhi. Scattered with swings and slides on a well-manicured lawn, here you can lounge around and enjoy the greenery. Also housing an aquarium, Children’s Park is a good place to spend time with your family.

Special Attributes

The adjoining park is a great place if you have kids with you, and wish to take a break after daylong sightseeing. Children’s Park is an amusement park regarded the first-of-its-kind in Delhi. Scattered with swings and slides on a well-manicured lawn, here you can lounge around and enjoy the greenery.

Nuisance

Touts, pick pockets and hawkers

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Interstate bus, train, metro-rail, taxi or auto-rickshaw

Enjoyed by

Families, especially kids.

Exposure

You will be under the open sky, so choose to visit on an overcast day. You can walk bare feet on the grass or enjoy a boat ride. Or make a trip in the evening after sundown when the place is beautifully lit.

Avoidable Season

May, June, July, August

Facilities

You are at the heart of Delhi and can accordingly plan your visit to several other sightseeing attractions.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Sundown is the ideal time to visit India Gate, when it is dramatically floodlit and the nearby fountains make a lovely display of lights and water. Ice-cream carts, balloon sellers, popcorn and peanut hawkers, and women selling jasmine garlands, are a common sight here. Spend leisure time strolling or relaxing on its lawn and watching the world go by.

Type of site

A war memorial and an iconic landmark of the national capital. It is also a popular picnic destination.