India Gate - War Memorial in honour of Indian soldiers

"I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine."

- Caskie Stinnett

Suneel Gudipati in front of India Gate

India Gate is perhaps one of the most impressive structures built in the capital of India.India Gate is constructed as a memorial and was built in the memory of 90,00 soldiers who laid down their lives during world war I. Located at Rajpath, India Gate is 42 m high and is popular relaxation area during the summer evenings. India Gate also act as popular pinic spot during winter.

India Gate was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who designed the New Delhi city. The foundation stone of India Gate of Delhi was laid by the Duke of Connaught. The construction of India Gate of Delhi was completed in February 1921. 

Originally, a Statue of King George V had stood under the now-vacant canopy in front of the India Gate, and was removed to Coronation Park with other statues. Following India's independence, India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti (Immortal Soldier).

India gate was earlier named All India War Memorial. The design of India gate is almost similar to its French counterpart war memorial, the Arc-de-Triomphe.

The building is made of red stone that rises in stages into a huge moulding . On top of the arch, INDIA is written on both sides. Names of over 70,000 Indian soldiers are inscribed on the walls of the monument in whose memory it is built. There is a shallow domed bowl at the top, which was intended to be filled with burning oil at special occasions.

At the base of the India gate there is another memorial, the Amar Jawan Jyoti that was added after independence. This eternal flame was lighted in commemoration of the unknown soldiers who laid their lives to serve this nation.

The lush green lawns, Children Park and the famous boat club around the place make it a perfect picnic spot. Cool evening breeze near the fountains of India gate attract hundreds of visitors daily. In the evenings, India gate is illuminated with number of lights around it that gives it a magnificent appeal. Standing near the base of the monument one can have a good view of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The beautifully lit up monument provides a memorable background against the darkening sky. Even in daylight, the stretch between India Gate and the Rashtrapati Bhavan offers a splendid view.

Amar Jawan Jyoti at base of India Gate

This monument located in the Delhi's heart land enchants an eternal saga of valore. The spirit of nationalism is rejuvenated and encourages the inner self to respond to the melodies of the sacrifices made by the brave sons of this virtuous land. The inscribed names of the martyrs unfurl the petals of the tales of their ultimate submission to the cause of their mother land. Indeed, this is an ideal reflection of Indian Passion to love thy mother land.

Every year on 26th January India gate stands witness to the Republic Day parade where latest advancements of defence technology is displayed. The parade is also a good platform to have a glimpse at the colourful and diverse cultural heritage of India as artists from all over the country perform on the occasion.