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Delhi
India Gate - Delhi
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 - Agra : 203 Km
- Ajmer : 389 Km
- Amritsar
: 47 Km
- Jaipur : 258 Km
- Shimla : 343 Km
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