India Gate

इंडिया गेट

A 42-metre war memorial arch to soldiers killed in the First World War, the eastern landmark of New Delhi's ceremonial avenue and a public living room where locals picnic and eat ice cream at dusk.

India Gate stands at the eastern end of Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath, the King's Way), the central axis of New Delhi. Designed by the British architect Edwin Lutyens, it honours Indian soldiers who died in the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Completed in 1931, the arch is 42 metres tall, and more than 13,000 names of the dead are inscribed on it. Beneath the arch an eternal flame burned to commemorate the unknown soldiers from 1971 until 2022, when it was merged into the National War Memorial. In 2022 a statue of Subhas Chandra Bose, a leader of the independence movement, was unveiled under the canopy on the east side. Looking west from India Gate, you can see Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace) and the North and South Secretariat buildings, about 2.3 kilometres away. After renovation in 2022, the axis has lawns, water channels and walkways. It is a place where residents stroll, fly kites and picnic in the evenings, with vendors selling ice cream and fried snacks nearby. Entry is free and the site is open all day. The arch is most photogenic when lit, from 19:00 to 21:00. Getting there: walk about 20 minutes from Central Secretariat station on the Violet Line metro, or take a taxi. Nearby you can also visit the National Museum (closed Mondays, foreign visitors pay 650 rupees), the National War Memorial (free) and Rashtrapati Bhavan (online booking required). Coming at dusk is best, and one hour is enough to see it along with the rest of the central axis. The Republic Day parade is held here on 26 January, and roads are closed for several days before and after. Note: ball games and other vigorous activity are forbidden on the lawns, security is strict, and drones are not allowed.

India Gate

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