Things to Do at India Gate
Complete Guide to India Gate in New Delhi
About India Gate
Rising 42 meters above Rajpath boulevard, India Gate serves as a war memorial honoring 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I, its honey-colored sandstone surface bearing the names of 13,300 servicemen from the Indian and British armies. The memorial area is accessible 24/7 with no entrance fee, making it a popular evening gathering spot where families enjoy picnics on the surrounding lawns while vendors sell bhel puri and kulfi for ₹30-50 per serving, with the sweet cardamom flavor of kulfi providing refreshing relief from Delhi's heat. The eternal flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti burns continuously beneath the arch, casting dancing shadows across the memorial's inscription while the nearby fountains create a gentle misting effect that cools the air on hot summer evenings. Plan evening visits when the structure is beautifully illuminated and temperatures drop to comfortable levels (after 6:00 PM), though be prepared for crowds as this is Delhi's most popular gathering place where the sound of children's laughter mingles with street musicians playing traditional Indian melodies.
What to See & Do
The Memorial Arch
Walk through the imposing sandstone structure and read the inscribed names of battles. The architecture is genuinely impressive up close, and you'll get a sense of the scale that photos don't quite capture.
Amar Jawan Jyoti
The eternal flame beneath the arch honors unknown soldiers. It's a quietly moving spot that provides a moment of reflection amid all the activity around the monument.
Rajpath Views
The view down Rajpath toward Rashtrapati Bhavan is classic Delhi - you'll see why this stretch is used for Republic Day parades. Best appreciated in the late afternoon when the light hits just right.
Evening Illumination
India Gate lights up beautifully after sunset, creating quite a different atmosphere. The golden lighting against the red sandstone is worth timing your visit for, especially if you're into photography.
Surrounding Lawns
The real action happens on the expansive grass areas where Delhi comes to relax. You might find yourself people-watching for hours - it's like a cross between a park and a festival most evenings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours, though it's most active from late afternoon to evening. The monument itself is always accessible, but the surrounding area is liveliest after 4 PM.
Tickets & Pricing
Completely free - no tickets required. You might pay for parking (around ₹20-50) if you're driving, but even that's pretty reasonable.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon to early evening (4-7 PM) when the weather's cooler and the crowds create a nice energy. Winter months (November to February) are obviously more comfortable.
Suggested Duration
You could spend 30 minutes just seeing the monument, but most people end up staying 1-2 hours once they settle in on the lawns. It's the kind of place that encourages lingering.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
The President's residence sits at the other end of Rajpath - an impressive Lutyens creation that you can tour with advance booking. The Mughal Gardens are particularly worth it when they're open.
About 10 minutes away and genuinely one of India's better museums. Good for understanding the historical context of what you're seeing around the city, plus it's air-conditioned.
A bit further out but reachable by metro or taxi. Often called a precursor to the Taj Mahal, and honestly, it might be more enjoyable to visit since it's less crowded.
A lovely escape from the city chaos with some interesting 15th-century tombs scattered throughout. Popular with joggers and families, and the landscaping is actually quite beautiful.
One of Delhi's more upscale shopping areas, good for books, cafes, and people-watching. It's got that slightly colonial feel but with thoroughly modern energy.