The Symbol Of Delhi's Bustling Metropolis: Head Out For A Picnic To India Gate

Wondering what to do on a fine evening? Just pack some food, take a book, a frisbee or your favourite game and make your way to the famous India Gate! It is the ultimate picnic spot for all kinds of people and ages. With sprawling green lawns flanking the 42 metres tall India Gate on all sides and with the entire area brilliantly lit up every evening, it makes for the perfect place for kids to play around, grown-ups to take a break from their tiresome lives and youngsters to hang out!

A Patriotic Memorial 

Popular worldwide as the All India War Memorial, India Gate was built in 1931 to commemorate those thousands of soldiers who lost their lives fighting for our country. Take a closer look at it, and you’ll find the names of the martyrs of the 1919 Afghan War engraved all over its surface.

Under the arch of the gate stands the Amar Jawan Jyoti or the ‘Flame of the Immortal Soldier’. It depicts a black rifle standing on its barrel with a soldier’s helmet on top. Torches at the four corners of the shrine are kept burning day and night. The long stretch of road that passes through the India Gate all the way to the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) is known as the Rajpath or the Kingsway; the Republic Day Parade every year passes through the India Gate on this road.

Buzzing With Life

The place is always brimming with picnickers and innumerable vendors selling assorted wares - ice cream, bhelpuri, fruit chaat, soft drinks, packaged food, colourful toys, little gadgets and what not – you name it and they have it. The place becomes a complete carnival every evening with people pouring in from everywhere just to lounge around on the grassy lawns, watch the colourfully lit fountains and the beautiful arch of the India Gate and to revel in the excitement that the air exudes here. 

You can’t help but notice the calls of Shikara Lovely Chuski who has been around here for ages selling chuskis! All those passing by can surely vouch for his enthusiasm and ah-mazing tasting chuskis. His Khatta Gola and Meetha Gola cannot be missed when here!

There are also camel rides, dance performances by monkeys (yes, you heard right!), kids playing with balloons and blowing soap bubbles into the air – if you've been feeling all grown up and monotonous lately, this is where you’ve got to be to feel like a child once again! After-dark amusement isn't the only good thing on offer though. Daytime often finds India Gate thronged by artists, photographers and tourists interested in the history and real significance of this magnificent structure.

Panoramic Views

A late night drive down the Rajpath is an instant adrenaline rush. At one end is the Raisina Hill, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of New Delhi, while the illuminated Rashtrapati Bhavan at the other end floods the entire area with brilliant light – it’s a truly mesmerizing experience. India Gate is centrally located, connected to most of the significant places in the city and easily accessible from the Central Secretariat Metro Station. 

It is the one place that embodies the true cultural spirit and zest of Delhi and its people – one place no one wants to give a miss!

Location | India Gate - Rajpath