India Gate that in fact lies around the ceremonial avenue of Raj path is an Important and significant Memorial Site completed in February of 1921 and forms the landmark of Delhi also known as the gate of the eight city of Delhi named 'New Delhi' which was carved out of the beautifully architected Old City of Delhi created by the Mughal Emperors in the ancient times. It lies in the heart of the new city flanked by roads on all directions and is easily accessible by local taxis, buses and auto rickshaws from any corner of Delhi due to its central location.
This City of New Delhi is probably one of the well planned cities designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker around the likes of the British rulers with India Gate and the surrounding areas of Raj path forming the main plan of central Delhi including the Rashtrapati Bhavan formerly known as the Viceroy's Palace commanding a panoramic view of the city. The view stretches from Raisina Hills running seamlessly across India Gate and Raj path but is hindered only by the National Stadium of Delhi.
History of India Gate
The India Gate, originally named All India War Memorial, was built to pay homage to the 82,000 soldiers of the Undivided Indian Army who lost their lives fighting for the British Empire in World War I (1914-1918) and the Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919). It was undertaken as part of the Imperial War Graves Commission (IWGC) initiated by the British Imperial Mandate in 1917.The foundation stone was laid by the visiting Duke of Connaught on 10 February 1921, at 4:30 PM, in a military ceremony attended by members of the Indian Army as well as the Imperial Service Troops. The Commander in Chief, and Frederic Thesiger, 1st Viscount Chelmsford who was the Viceroy of India at the time, was also present. The ceremony hounored the 59th Scinde Rifles (Frontier Force), 3rd Sappers and Miners, Deccan Horse, 6th Jat Light Infantry, 39th Garhwal Rifles, 34th Sikh Pioneers, 117th Mahrattas, and 5th Gurkha Rifles (Frontier Force), with title of " Royal " in recognition of their gallant services in combat. The project was completed ten years later in 1931 and was inaugurated on February 12, 1931, by the Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Every year on 26th January, the Republic Day parade starts from the Rashtapati Bhavan (the President House) and progresses around the Gate. The parade displays the latest achievements in the field of defense technology as well as the rich cultural heritage of the country.
How to Reach India Gate?
Once inside Delhi, you can easily find all forms of transportation to reach India Gate. There are direct buses that reaches close to the India Gate from various parts of the city. The nearest metro station to the India Gate is Central Secretariat located on the yellow and the violet line.
Best Time to Visit India Gate
The best time to visit is between 7 pm and 9:30 pm. During this time, the structure will be illuminated. If you visit in the evening, you can find many street food vendors selling local snacks and delicacies. If you visit in January, you ought to witness the parade that passes through the India Gate on Jan 26th, the Republic day.
Delhi, the capital of India, is built on the banks of the River Yamuna and is a beautiful blend of a historical past and a vibrant present. Be it its culture, vibrant nightlife, bustling markets or tourist attractions, the city never fails to hypnotise people with its irresistible charm. Below described are the most sought-after tourist attractions in this great city. Humayun's Tomb is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture that still stand tall in the city. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it is a mausoleum, which was built to house the corpse of Humayun. Red Fort is another marvellous monument accredited to the Mughals. While here, you can admire the inlaid work on the marble and pietra dura in different sections. Another grand fortress, Purana Qila was built by Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, but claimed to be originally constructed by Yudhishthira. Sher Mandal and Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque are its two main highlights. Most New Delhi packages come with a visit to the magnificent India Gate. This imposing 42-metre-high stone arch was built to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers during the First World War. You can pay tribute to the soldiers at the eternal flame, Amar Jawan Jyoti. Another site, which holds immense historical significance, is Qutb Minar. Built by Qutb ud din Aibak, this sandstone minaret is renowned for its Arabic calligraphy. Your trip to New Delhi would be incomplete without a visit to Rajghat, a memorial, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Close to Rajghat are the memorials of other Indian leaders like Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri that are worth a visit.