Delhi's 42-metre memorial arch, honouring India's fallen soldiers.
India Gate is in Delhi. Entry is Free for Indian visitors. It opens open 24 hours; best in the evening. It is lit. Always open. The best time is After dark. When the arch and fountains are illuminated.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | 1921–1931 |
| Designed by | Sir Edwin Lutyens |
| Height | 42 m sandstone arch |
| Honours | ~70,000 Indian soldiers |
| Location | Kartavya Path, Central Delhi |
India Gate is a 42-metre triumphal arch on Kartavya Path. Designed by Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931. It commemorates the roughly seventy thousand Indian. Soldiers who died in the First World War. The Third Anglo-Afghan War.
The names of the fallen are carved into the sandstone. The lawns around it are one of Delhi's favourite evening gathering spots. Especially when the arch is lit.
Sources: India Gate — Delhi Tourism · India Gate — Wikipedia.
What makes it special, and what to look for.
Key facts and figures — every data point links to its source.
| Detail | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 42 m (138 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Foundation stone | 10 February 1921 | Wikipedia |
| Inaugurated | 12 February 1931 | Wikipedia |
| Architect | Sir Edwin Lutyens | Wikipedia |
| Honours | 74,187 Indian soldiers | Wikipedia |
| Names engraved | 13,313 | Wikipedia |
| Main arch span | 9.1 m (30 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Base stone | red Bharatpur stone | Wikipedia |
| Complex diameter | about 625 m | Wikipedia |
| Amar Jawan Jyoti | lit 1972 | Wikipedia |
| Netaji statue | installed 2022 | Wikipedia |
| Cupola nearby | 22 m (73 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Complex area | about 306,000 m² | Wikipedia |
| Flame merged | 2022 | Wikipedia |
India Gate rises 42 metres tall. Edwin Lutyens designed it. It stands on Kartavya Path.
The foundation stone was laid in 1921. The memorial opened in 1931. It took a decade to build.
It honours 74,187 Indian soldiers. They died in the First World War. And in the Afghan war of 1919.
The names of 13,313 are carved in stone. Red Bharatpur stone forms the base. A sunburst crowns the arch.
A canopy stands just behind it. A George V statue once sat there. A Netaji statue fills it now.
Evenings draw the biggest crowds. The arch glows after dark. Families picnic on the lawns.
The arch closes a grand vista. It ends the Kartavya Path axis. Rashtrapati Bhavan lies beyond.
A hexagon of roads rings it. Wide lawns spread around. Boating ponds flank the sides.
A George V statue once stood near. It was moved away in 1968. A Netaji statue sits there now.
The eternal flame burned from 1972. It merged with a new memorial. That was in early 2022.
The National War Memorial rose nearby. It opened in 2019. It lists later fallen soldiers.
Dusk is the best time to come. Floodlights bathe the sandstone. Vendors work the busy lawns.
It began as a war memorial. It was the All-India War Memorial. The name shortened over time.
Red and pale sandstone build it. A shallow dome tops the arch. Cornices carry carved wreaths.
The lawns are a public favourite. Families gather in the evening. Kids play on the grass.
It appears on Republic Day. The parade passes right by. Soldiers march down the avenue.
Reach it by the metro. Central Secretariat is nearest. Then walk or take an auto.
Give it about an hour. Add the War Memorial too. Evening light is the best.
Sources: India Gate — Delhi Tourism · India Gate — Wikipedia.
Room by room, and detail by detail.
Sources: India Gate — Delhi Tourism · India Gate — Wikipedia.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1921 | The foundation stone is laid. |
| 1931 | India Gate is inaugurated. |
| 1972 | The Amar Jawan Jyoti is lit. |
| 2022 | A Netaji statue is installed. |
Sources: India Gate — Delhi Tourism · India Gate — Wikipedia.
Fees and timings change from time to time. Confirm on the official site before you go.
| Visitor | Ticket |
|---|---|
| Everyone | Free |
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours; best in the evening when it is lit. |
| Weekly closing | Always open. |
| Best time to visit | After dark, when the arch and fountains are illuminated. |
| How long to allow | One to two hours suits most visits. |
Sources: India Gate — Delhi Tourism · India Gate — Wikipedia.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Nearest metro | Central Secretariat or Khan Market |
| Setting | On Kartavya Path, near the government district |
| Mode | Best for | Book / source |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Air | Reaching Delhi from afar | IndiGo |
| 🚆 Rail | Trains across India | IRCTC |
| 🚕 Taxi / app cab | Door-to-door comfort | Uber / Ola |
| 🛺 Auto-rickshaw | Short local hops | meter / app |
Plan around India's seasons. After dark, when the arch and fountains are illuminated.
| Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Oct–Mar | Cool, dry, pleasant | Best time to visit |
| ☀️ Apr–Jun | Hot on the plains | Go early; carry water |
| 🌧️ Jul–Sep | Warm, monsoon showers | Fewer crowds, green views |
Base yourself in Delhi to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Delhi guide for the best areas.
It is coolest and most atmospheric after sunset.
No ticket needed — just wander the lawns.
Arrive at opening time. You beat crowds, and heat.
A good guide brings the history alive.
Shade can be limited here.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 🎫 Entry (Indian) | Free |
| 🎫 Entry (foreign) | Free |
| 🧑🏫 Local guide | ₹300–800 for a tour |
| 📷 Camera / video | Often a small extra fee |
| 🚕 Transport | ₹100–500 by auto or cab |
Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.
Pair India Gate with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.
No. India Gate is free and open to everyone.
It is open 24 hours. Evenings are the nicest time to visit.
It honours around 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the First World War. The Third Anglo-Afghan War.
The British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens designed it.
Yes. Especially in the evening when it is lit. The lawns come alive.
Nearest metro: Central Secretariat or Khan Market; Setting: On Kartavya Path. Near the government district.
After dark, when the arch and fountains are illuminated.
You can also visit Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Delhi guide.
Stay in Delhi. See our Delhi guide.
Keep exploring around Delhi.
