Location : New Delhi,
India
Year of Construction : 1921
Architect : Edwin Lutyens
Nature of the Building : War Memorial
Best time to Visit : Throughout the Year
About India Gate
Situated
on the celebrated Rajpath in New Delhi, India Gate, originally known as the
All India War Memorial, is a famous monument built as a mark of respect
towards the Indian soldiers killed during World War I and the Afghan Wars.
Constructed during the times of British Raj in India, the foundation stone
of the structure was laid on 10 February 1921 by the duke of Connaught and
was completed in the year 1931. The names of hundreds of soldiers can be
seen inscribed on its giant walls while the Amar Jawan Jyoti or the flame of
the immortal warrior lights underneath, burning constantly since the year
1971. Etched on top of the structure is a line which states 'To the dead of
the Indian armies who fell honoured in France and Flanders Mesopotamia and
Persia East Africa Gallipoli and elsewhere in the near and the far-east and
in sacred memory also of those whose names are recorded and who fell in
India or the north-west frontier and during the Third Afghan War.'
Architecture of India Gate
The central arch or the main structure is 42 metres tall flanked by
important roads spreading out on all its sides. The roads were open for
tourists until recently when threats from terror groups forced them closed
for general public. The lush green lawns around the structure are lit up at
night and flocked by tourists and picnickers.
The central shrine or the tomb of the unknown soldier is a cenotaph made of
shiny black marble with a rifle placed upside down on its barrel and a
soldier's hat on top. The word Amar Jawan in golden ink is inscribed on all
its sides and the four corners are all lit up by four flames kept alive
constantly.
Do Not Miss Out On
Republic Day Parade
India Gate adorns a new look every 26th January with the nation celebrating
its republic day. A grand parade of the armed forces starts from the
Rashtrapati Bhawan through Rajpath past the India Gate and finishes at the
historic Red Fort. The parade also has on display armaments exhibiting the
country's technological advancements.
The Attractions
The lush green lawns decorated with colorful flowers, children's park and
the boat club make it an ideal hangout and picnic spot. Cool breeze blowing
across during the evenings attracts thousands of visitors everyday with the
structure lit up by multi colored flash lights presenting an awe inspiring
sight. The stretch of the Rajpath and the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the backdrop
offer excellent views.
Attractions
Around India Gate
Rashtrapati Bhawan
The Rashtrapati Bhawan or the presidents house is the official residence of
the President of India. The structure consists of 340 rooms of which the
durbar hall where all the official functions are held is the grandest. The
central dome of the house is inspired by the historic Sanchi Stupa.
Parliament House
The circular structured building is another architectural marvel designed
by Lutyens that deserves a mention. Parliament house being the place where
all the members of parliament gather and hold parliament sessions, is an
important place in the Indian political system. You can also savour some
sumptuous food from the circuit houses.
Connaught Place
The heart of Delhi, Connaught Place, finds a mention when talking of
anything from business and shopping to entertainment. Trendy shopping malls
and the Palika Bazaar underground market are always thronged by tourists and
shopaholics. When shopping, try out your best bargaining skills and explore
a lot before buying.
Red Fort
Known
as 'Lal Quila' in Hindi, the largest fort built by the Mughals in India was
constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1618 and 1647. A maze of beautiful
structures, the prominent buildings inside its fortified walls are the
Dewan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Nawab Khana, Rang Mahal, Hammams (baths), Pearl
Mosque, Chatta Chowk and Musamman Burj. The Red Fort is also the venue for
the independence day celebrations on the 15th of August every year.
Stay At
The Connaught Place area in Delhi is replete with hotels and accommodation
options ranging from luxury five star hotels to budget hotels. Some of the
quality hotels in and around the area include Le Meridien, The Hans Plaza,
The Corus, Oberoi Maidens Hotel, Connaught Hotel Delhi, InterContinental
Grand, Metropolitan Hotel Nikko and Imperial Hotel.
Getting
There & Around
By Air : Delhi is conveniently connected to major cities
round the globe. Indira Gandhi International Airport, located just 20 km
from the city centre, receives international flights from all corners of the
globe. Palam, the domestic airport is situated just 4 km from there. Flight
information can be obtained from the official site of Indian Airlines
(http://indian-airlines.nic.in).
By Rail : Delhi is connected by regular trains to rest of
the Indian cities through its three railway stations, the New Delhi Railway
station, situated close to Connaught Place, Old Delhi Railway Station,
situated near Chandni Chowk and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, situated
in South Delhi. Trains from all parts of the country connect with Delhi. For
more information on train timings, refer to the official site of the Indian
Railways (www.indianrail.gov.in).
By Road : Three interstate bus terminuses are located at
Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar. The bus station at Anand
Vihar should be preffered if travelling from Delhi to any of the cities in
Uttar Pradesh and Kashmiri Gate in case travelling to any of the cities in
other parts of India. Buses of all kinds such as air conditioned and regular
buses are easily available.
Local Transport : Options for moving around the city
include local buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and the Metro
Train. The metro train, though not yet connected with all parts of the city
should be preffered for quick and easy commutation. When hiring a private
taxi or auto rickshaw, ensure that it is metered and if not, fix the rent in
advance. It is good to get an idea of the prevailing fares from a local.
Distance from Major Cities
