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War Memorial

India Gate

Also Known As · All India War Memorial

New Delhi, Delhi · monument

The 42-metre sandstone heart of New Delhi — a war memorial by day, a glowing public picnic ground by night.

Open 24 hrsEntry Fee: Free Entry24 hours (open day and night)

India Gate, originally called the All-India War Memorial, stands as one of New Delhi's most recognizable landmarks and serves as both a historical monument and a vibrant public gathering space. Designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931, this 42-meter tall sandstone arch was built to commemorate the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I. The monument features inscriptions listing the names and regiments of fallen soldiers, making it a solemn tribute to sacrifice and valor. The architectural style reflects a blend of Indo-European influences, with the central arch flanked by smaller domed pavilions and decorated with detailed stonework.

Get Directions

Where to Eat Nearby

The Local Flavor Pillar

Nearby Vegetarian Eats

Veg Gulati (Pandara Road)

1.2 km away
casual

Dal makhani and malai kofta — pure-vegetarian Punjabi institution since 1997

Saravana Bhavan (Janpath)

2 km away
casual

Ghee Roast Dosa and filter coffee — reliable South Indian vegetarian

Bikaner House Café

1 km away
casual

Rajasthani thali and kachori — heritage setting

Prabhu Chaat Bhandar (UPSC Lane)

1 km away
street food

Aloo tikki and pani puri — locally famous, hygienic

Street vendors on India Gate lawns

0.1 km away
street food

Chana zor garam, kulfi, fresh sugarcane juice, masala chai

About

India Gate, originally called the All-India War Memorial, stands as one of New Delhi's most recognizable landmarks and serves as both a historical monument and a vibrant public gathering space.

  • Designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931, this 42-meter tall sandstone arch was built to commemorate the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I.
  • The monument features inscriptions listing the names and regiments of fallen soldiers, making it a solemn tribute to sacrifice and valor.
  • The architectural style reflects a blend of Indo-European influences, with the central arch flanked by smaller domed pavilions and decorated with detailed stonework.
  • Located at the center of New Delhi's Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), India Gate has evolved into far more than a memorial—it's a beloved public space where thousands of Delhiites and visitors converge daily, particularly in the cooler evening hours.
  • The area surrounding the monument features manicured lawns, tree-lined avenues, and open spaces that create a refreshing contrast to the bustling city.
  • Families, couples, friends, and street performers populate the grounds, creating a lively, inclusive atmosphere that celebrates everyday Indian urban life.
  • For vegetarian travelers, India Gate is an excellent destination with abundant nearby food options.
  • The surrounding area hosts numerous food stalls, restaurants, and cafés catering to all tastes and budgets.
  • The monument itself welcomes visitors of all religions and backgrounds—it's a secular national symbol designed to honor courage regardless of creed or community.
  • The open, democratic nature of the space makes it comfortable for solitary travelers, families, and groups.
  • The best time to visit India Gate is during late afternoon and evening (3:00 PM onward) when the fierce Delhi sun moderates, crowds arrive, and street vendors set up their stalls.
  • The white and red sandstone glows beautifully in the golden hour light, creating perfect photography conditions.
  • On winter evenings (November–January), the weather is ideal for sitting, strolling, and soaking in the atmosphere.
  • The adjacent lawns are perfect for picnicking with snacks purchased from nearby vendors.

Practical information

India Gate is entirely open-air and free to visit at any time. There are no formal opening hours or entry fees. Security presence is significant, and bags may be checked at certain areas. The monument is best explored on foot—walking around the base reveals inscriptions, architectural details, and different viewing angles. The lawns surrounding the structure are perfect for photography, sunset viewing, and people-watching. Street food vendors sell fresh fruit juice, chai, samosas, and other vegetarian snacks throughout the day. Nearby restaurants range from casual street food joints to upscale cafés, making India Gate an ideal base for an evening out in Delhi.

Timings & Entry Fee

Visiting Hours

  • • Monument & lawns: 24/7 (always open)
  • • Best window: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
  • • Boating at adjacent Children's Park: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Days OpenOpen DailyEntry FeeFree EntryTime Needed1 to 2 hours (longer if picnicking on the lawns)

Entry Fee: Free for all visitors. Photography on the lawns is free; tripods and professional shoots may need a permit.

🌙 Evening Show: Illuminated nightly after sunset (~7:00 PM onward) — There is no separate ticketed sound-and-light show at India Gate — the arch and fountains are simply lit in the evening. The seasonal "Beating Retreat" ceremony is held nearby in late January.

Verified: June 2026

Location & How to Reach

Address

Kartavya Path (Rajpath), India Gate Hexagon, New Delhi, Delhi, 110001

Eastern end of Kartavya Path, beside the National War Memorial

📍 Get Directions🗺️ View on map

🚇 Nearest Metro: Khan Market (Violet Line) — the nearest station, ~1.2 km / 12-min walk. Central Secretariat (Yellow & Violet interchange) and Mandi House (Blue & Violet) are each ~2 km.

🚶 Walking from Metro: From Khan Market metro (Violet Line) it is a flat ~1.2 km / 12-minute walk north-west to the India Gate lawns. From Central Secretariat, walk east along Kartavya Path (~2 km of paved, accessible promenade).

Distance from

  • • Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL): 16 km (~40 min)
  • • New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS): 5 km (~20 min)
  • • Connaught Place: 3 km (~12 min)

Parking

on-site · ₹20–₹50 (paid)

Authorised paid parking off Shahjahan Road and C-Hexagon. Fills up by 5:00 PM on weekends — arrive earlier or take the metro.

🚕 Ride Hailing Tip: Uber and Ola work reliably. Designated pickup point is on C-Hexagon (the inner ring road), not directly under the arch.

How to Reach: India Gate is in central New Delhi on Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath). From New Delhi Railway Station, take a prepaid taxi (₹200–300, 10 minutes) or the metro (Violet Line to Khan Market, then a ~1.2 km walk). From Delhi Airport, take a taxi (₹400–600, 30 minutes) or the Airport Express to New Delhi station and change to the Violet Line. Multiple bus routes pass nearby.

Things to Do

  • Picnic on the open lawns in the evening — Delhi families gather here after sunset
  • See India Gate illuminated after dark — the arch and surrounding fountains light up nightly
  • Visit the adjacent National War Memorial and watch the ceremonial Change of Guard
  • Snack on vegetarian street food — chana zor garam, kulfi, roasted corn, and masala chai from the lawn vendors
  • Go boating at the nearby Children's Park boating lake
  • Walk the full ceremonial axis of Kartavya Path — the Republic Day parade route

Best Time to Visit

Best SeasonOctober to March (cool, dry weather; AQI is best in November and February)Best Time of Day5:30 PM – 8:30 PM — golden hour, illumination, and the lawn-picnic vibeTime Needed1 to 2 hours (longer if picnicking on the lawns)Crowd LevelsLight on weekday mornings; very heavy on Friday–Sunday evenings and national holidays

History & Significance

History

Designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1921 and completed in 1931, India Gate was originally built as the All India War Memorial to honour the 70,000+ Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British Indian Army in World War I and the 1919 Afghan War.

  • The Amar Jawan Jyoti (Eternal Flame) was added in 1972 after the 1971 Indo-Pak war, and was relocated to the adjacent National War Memorial in 2022 to consolidate the country's war remembrance under a single permanent flame.

🏛️ Architect: Sir Edwin Lutyens — the principal architect of New Delhi, who also designed Rashtrapati Bhavan

Significance

India Gate is a non-religious, non-sectarian national memorial honouring soldiers from every faith, region, and community of India.

  • It is the ceremonial axis of New Delhi, anchoring the eastern end of Kartavya Path and serving as a public square for both solemn remembrance and everyday city life.

Places to Visit Nearby

Rashtrapati Bhavan

2 km away

The President's House at the western end of Kartavya Path. Visit Amrit Udyan in Feb–Mar.

National Museum

1.5 km away

Air-conditioned home of Harappan artefacts and Buddha relics — perfect summer escape.

Lodhi Garden

3 km away

15th-century tombs in a sprawling park — Delhi's favourite morning yatra spot.

Humayun's Tomb

4.5 km away

UNESCO-listed Mughal mausoleum garden — the architectural prototype for the Taj Mahal.

Agrasen ki Baoli

2.5 km away

A 103-step ancient stepwell hidden near Connaught Place — a social-media favourite.

Family & Accessibility

Kid Friendly5of 5Stroller AccessYesWheelchair AccessYesChanging RoomNoPet PolicyPartial

Family Highlights

  • • Sprawling lawns ideal for toddlers and picnics
  • • Ice-cream and chana-zor-garam vendors all evening
  • • Nearby Children's Park (boating + play area)
  • • Musical fountain shows at Kartavya Path on select evenings

Photography & Drone

Drone PolicyProhibited

💰 Equipment Fees: Free for personal phones and handheld cameras. Tripods, gimbals, and professional shoots require prior permission from the local police.

📍 The Golden Spot: Stand 200 m west of the arch on Kartavya Path for a perfectly framed shot through the central archway.

🌅 Best Light Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM in winter; 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM in summer

Tips & Safety

⚠️ Common Scams

The "Instant Print" Photographer

Roaming photographers offer to take your family photo and then demand ₹500–₹1000 for a poor-quality instant print you never asked for.

Official AdvicePolitely decline upfront. Ask a fellow tourist instead, or use your phone's timer. If you do want a print, agree on the price in writing before the photo is taken.

The "Free Tour" Handicraft Trap

A friendly "guide" offers a free walking tour of nearby Connaught Place, then steers you into expensive emporiums where they earn a commission on what you buy.

Official AdviceGovernment-licensed guides carry an "Incredible India" photo ID. Anyone without one is unauthorised. Use the official AudioCompass app instead.

The "Broken Meter" Auto Scam

Auto-rickshaw drivers near India Gate often refuse the meter and quote 3–5× the fair fare to tourists.

Official AdviceInsist on the meter, or simply book on Uber/Ola/Rapido — the in-app fare is the official price.

💡 Insider Tips

🌅 Secret View: Climb to the rooftop of nearby India Habitat Centre for a quiet, elevated view of the arch silhouetted against sunset.

🎯 Crowd Hack: Arrive at 4:30 PM on a weekday — you'll get the lawn vibe without the weekend crush.

💎 Secret Fact: The names of 13,300+ soldiers, including those who died in the 1919 Afghan war, are inscribed on the surface of the arch.

⚡ Express Tour

45 minutes — walk the central arch, read the inscriptions, grab a chai from a vendor, leave.

🔭 Deep Dive Tour

3 hours — pair with the National War Memorial (just east), the National Museum (1.5 km), and dinner at Pandara Road.

🙏 Etiquette & Dress Code

Do's

  • Stay on the designated paved paths around the Amar Jawan Jyoti area
  • Carry a refillable water bottle — refill stations are available along Kartavya Path
  • Visit after sunset to see the monument illuminated
  • Use the metro on weekends — parking is genuinely difficult
  • Carry small cash for street vendors (₹10/₹20/₹50 notes)

Don'ts

  • Do not litter — fines are now actively enforced on Kartavya Path
  • Do not bring large bags or backpacks (slows down security checks)
  • Do not fly drones — this is a strict no-fly zone
  • Do not engage with strangers offering "free guided tours" — they lead to handicraft shops
  • Do not climb on the monument or the eternal-flame area — it is a war memorial

👕 Dress Code: No formal dress code. Modest, comfortable clothing recommended; light layers in winter evenings.

📷 Photography Rules: Personal phones and cameras are free to use on the lawns and around the arch. Tripods, gimbals, and professional shoots near the monument require prior permission. Drones are strictly prohibited.

Good to Know

💳 Money & Connectivity

UPIYesCardsPartialCashYesMobile SignalHigh

🏧 Nearest ATM: SBI ATM at Krishi Bhawan (700 m) and HDFC ATM on Janpath (1.5 km)

📡 Public Wi-Fi: No reliable public Wi-Fi on the lawns. Carry mobile data.

🔌 Charging Points: No public charging points. Bring a power bank.

🚻 Washrooms & Hygiene

Washrooms & HygieneAverageWheelchair AccessYesChanging RoomNo

Pro Tip: Public toilets near C-Hexagon are 🟡 average. For 🟢 cleaner facilities, walk 5 minutes to the lobby of Bikaner House Café.

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

✓ What to Buy

  • • Hand-pulled chana zor garam in newspaper cones
  • • Tricolour souvenirs from licensed kiosks
  • • Ice-cream from authorised Mother Dairy / Kwality vendors

✗ What to Avoid

  • • Roadside "antique" coins and miniature Taj Mahals — almost always fake
  • • "Kashmiri Pashmina" shawls sold by roving vendors — usually mass-produced acrylic

Bargaining: No

🆘 Emergency & Health

Helplines

  • Pan-India Emergency112
  • Police100
  • Women's Helpline1091
  • Tourist Helpline (24×7, multilingual)1363

👮 Tourist Police: Tourist Police booth at C-Hexagon (south side) and Connaught Place outer circle

🎒 Lost & Found: Report lost passports/wallets at Tilak Marg Police Station (1.5 km, 24×7)

💊 Nearest Pharmacy: Apollo Pharmacy at Bikaner House (1.0 km, open till 11:00 PM)

Air Quality: Delhi AQI is often "Poor" in late October to early February. Travellers with asthma should carry an N95 mask between November and January.

Water Safety: Drink only sealed bottled water. Free filtered refill stations are available at Kartavya Path central lawns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee for India Gate?

No. India Gate is a free, open-air public monument — there is no ticket and no entry gate. You can walk up to it at any time, day or night.

What are India Gate's timings? Is it open today?

India Gate and its lawns are open 24 hours, every day of the week, all year round. The most pleasant window is the evening, roughly 4:00 PM until late night.

What is the best time to visit India Gate?

October to March for cool weather, and 5:30–8:30 PM in the evening when the monument is illuminated, the lawns fill up, and the street-food vendors set up their stalls.

Which is the nearest metro station to India Gate?

Khan Market on the Violet Line is the nearest station — about 1.2 km, a 12-minute walk. Central Secretariat (Yellow & Violet interchange) and Mandi House (Blue & Violet) are each around 2 km away.

How tall is India Gate and who built it?

India Gate is a 42-metre (138 ft) sandstone arch designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Its foundation was laid in 1921 and it was completed in 1931.

What does India Gate commemorate?

It is a war memorial honouring more than 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the First World War and the 1919 Anglo-Afghan War. The names of over 13,000 soldiers are inscribed on its surface.

Where is the Amar Jawan Jyoti now?

The Amar Jawan Jyoti eternal flame, lit under India Gate in 1972, was merged with the flame at the adjacent National War Memorial on 21 January 2022. The National War Memorial, just east of India Gate, is now the main site of remembrance and is free to visit.

Is there a light-and-sound show at India Gate?

There is no separate ticketed light-and-sound show at India Gate itself — the arch and its fountains are illuminated every evening after sunset. The ceremonial "Beating Retreat" is a seasonal event held nearby in late January.

Is India Gate good for families and children?

Yes — it is one of Delhi's most family-friendly spots: vast flat lawns for children, ice-cream and snack vendors, boating at the nearby Children's Park, and step-free, stroller- and wheelchair-friendly paths.

Where can I eat vegetarian food near India Gate?

The lawns have vegetarian street-food vendors (chana, kulfi, corn, chai). For a sit-down meal, Pandara Road has Veg Gulati (~1.2 km) for pure-veg Punjabi food, Saravana Bhavan on Janpath (~2 km) for South Indian, and the Bikaner House café (~1 km) for a Rajasthani thali.

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India Gate, New Delhi — TasteYatra