Discover India's India Gate

What Is India Gate?

India Gate is one of New Delhi’s most recognizable landmarks — a 42-meter (138-foot) sandstone arch standing at the eastern end of the Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), the ceremonial boulevard of India’s capital. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931, it was originally called the All India War Memorial, built to honor the 82,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War (source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission).

The names of over 13,500 soldiers are inscribed on the surface of the arch. India Gate is modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and has become one of Delhi’s most visited public spaces, drawing thousands of residents and tourists every evening.

What Will You Experience at India Gate?

The monument stands at the intersection of several grand avenues, surrounded by manicured lawns that serve as Delhi’s most popular picnic spot. In the evening, India Gate is illuminated, creating a striking visual against the Delhi skyline.

The National War Memorial, inaugurated in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lies 400 meters to the east. This circular memorial honors all Indian soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice since Independence in 1947 and features an eternal flame, granite tablets with names of the fallen, and a solemn, well-designed exhibition area.

At the base of India Gate, the empty canopy originally housed a statue of King George V, which was removed after Independence. It now stands as a symbolic vacant space.

How Should You Plan Your Visit?

India Gate is free and open 24 hours, requiring no tickets or advance booking. Our Delhi day tour includes a photo stop at India Gate, typically combined with a drive along Kartavya Path to see Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s House) at the far western end.

For the best experience, we recommend visiting in the early evening (5-7 PM during winter months) when the monument is lit up and the surrounding lawns are filled with vendors, families, and a festive atmosphere. Early morning (6-7 AM) offers clear views and minimal crowds for photography.

India Gate is centrally located and easily accessible. The nearest metro stations are Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan on the Yellow and Violet Lines, both about 1.5 km away.