Is the India Gate free to visit?

Yes, India Gate is a public monument and is free to visit at any time. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially in the evenings when the structure is beautifully illuminated.

What is the best walking tour Delhi for architecture?

The Lutyens' Delhi route is widely considered the best for architecture. It showcases the unique 'Delhi Renaissance' style, blending British Neoclassical design with Indian architectural elements like chhatris and jaali work.

Can I go inside Rashtrapati Bhavan?

Access to the interior of Rashtrapati Bhavan is restricted and requires a pre-booked ticket from the official President of India website. However, you can view the impressive exterior and the Jaipur Column from the main gates at the end of Kartavya Path.

Is the area around India Gate safe for solo travelers?

Yes, the area is one of the safest in Delhi due to a heavy police and paramilitary presence. It is well-lit and remains active with families and joggers well into the evening.

When is the best time to visit the National War Memorial?

The best time to visit is late afternoon before sunset. This allows you to see the monument in daylight and stay for the daily retreat ceremony, which usually takes place around sunset.

Are there restrooms along the Lutyens' Delhi walking route?

Yes, there are public toilet blocks located near the India Gate lawns and the National War Memorial entrance. Most museums along the route, like the National Museum, also have facilities for visitors.

What is the nearest metro station to India Gate?

The nearest metro station is Central Secretariat, which serves both the Yellow Line and the Violet Line. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from the station to the India Gate canopy.

Is the walk through Lutyens' Delhi wheelchair accessible?

The majority of the route along Kartavya Path is wheelchair accessible with paved paths. However, some older sidewalks near the Secretariat blocks may have uneven surfaces or high curbs.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Embark on an independent exploration of India's political heart with this self-guided walk through Lutyens' Delhi. This neighborhood stroll unveils the architectural legacy left by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the masterminds who reimagined the capital of British India in the early 20th century. As you traverse the wide, tree-lined boulevards, you will witness the seamless fusion of Western Neoclassical styles with traditional Indian motifs, a style often referred to as 'Delhi Renaissance.' This walking route is perfect for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts who want to discover the secrets of the Rajpath at their own pace. Your self-guided adventure begins at the National Museum, a treasure trove of Indian heritage, before heading toward the iconic India Gate. Standing as a solemn tribute to fallen soldiers, this triumphal arch is the centerpiece of the city's ceremonial axis. Nearby, the National War Memorial offers a modern perspective on India’s military history, set within beautifully landscaped lawns. As you approach the seat of power, you will encounter the imposing Secretariat buildings—the North and South Blocks—which house the highest offices of the Indian government. These sandstone structures, with their baroque features and intricate jaali screens, represent the zenith of colonial administrative architecture. The journey concludes at the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. Once the Viceroy’s House, this massive structure is one of the largest residential buildings in the world. Exploring this area independently allows you to appreciate the sheer scale of the urban planning, from the hexagonal street patterns to the meticulously placed vistas that frame the city's most important landmarks. Whether you are interested in the political history of the subcontinent or the aesthetic details of colonial building techniques, this walking route Delhi offers a comprehensive look at the grandeur that defines modern India's capital.

Highlights

The triumphal arch of India Gate and its eternal flame

The intricate sandstone carvings of the North and South Blocks

The massive H-shaped facade of Rashtrapati Bhavan

The serene and symbolic circles of the National War Memorial

Vast colonial-era boulevards designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens

The historic collections of the National Museum

Tour Stops (6)

National Museum

Start your self-guided walk at the National Museum, one of India's largest museums. Established in 1949, it holds over 200,000 works of art covering 5,000 years of Indian history. While the building itself is a fine example of mid-century institutional architecture, the treasures inside are the real draw—ranging from Indus Valley Civilization artifacts to intricate Mughal miniatures. This location serves as the perfect prologue to your journey, providing context for the deep history that the Lutyens' city was built upon. Take a moment to admire the circular layout of the nearby Udyog Bhawan area, which demonstrates the geometric precision characteristic of the city's 20th-century urban planning.

India Gate

Walk down the ceremonial axis of Kartavya Path to reach India Gate. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931, this 42-meter-high arch is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was originally built as the All India War Memorial to honor the 70,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in the First World War. If you look closely at the walls, you can see thousands of names inscribed in the stone. Beneath the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame of the Immortal Soldier) once burned continuously, though the primary flame has now been integrated with the nearby National War Memorial. This is the symbolic heart of New Delhi.

National War Memorial

Just a short stroll from India Gate lies the National War Memorial, inaugurated in 2019. This modern monument is spread across 40 acres and is designed as four concentric circles: the Circle of Immortality, the Circle of Bravery, the Circle of Sacrifice, and the Circle of Protection. Each circle tells a story of the Indian Armed Forces' contributions since independence. The central obelisk stands tall against the Delhi skyline, surrounded by bronze murals depicting famous battles. The memorial is a peaceful space for reflection, contrasting the bustling energy of the surrounding city and offering a contemporary bookend to the colonial history of India Gate.

E Block

As you move toward the Secretariat buildings, you pass the administrative zones known as the 'Blocks.' E Block and its neighbors represent the functional side of Lutyens' design. While less ornate than the President's House, these buildings showcase the 'Delhi Order' of columns—a unique architectural style Lutyens created specifically for this city, featuring small bells carved into the capitals. The bell motif was a subtle nod to Indian tradition, symbolizing the end of an empire when the bells stopped ringing. These offices still hum with the daily business of the Indian government, serving as the engine room of the nation's bureaucracy.

North Block

You are now standing before the North Block, one half of the Secretariat Building designed by Herbert Baker. Constructed using red and beige Dholpur sandstone, this building houses the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Notice the blend of European Classical architecture with Indian features like 'chhatris' (domed pavilions) and 'jalis' (perforated stone screens). Baker and Lutyens often disagreed on the height and placement of these buildings; Baker famously won the argument to place the Secretariats on the Raisina Hill, which partially obscured the view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan—a decision Lutyens called his 'Bakerloo.'

Rashtrapati Bhavan

The final stop on your walking route is the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. Completed in 1929, it contains 340 rooms and was built using 700 million bricks. The most striking feature is its massive copper dome, which draws inspiration from the Great Stupa at Sanchi. The building sits atop Raisina Hill, overlooking the entire expanse of the city you just walked through. The Jaipur Column, a gift from the Maharaja of Jaipur, stands in the forecourt, topped with a glass Star of India. This structure serves as a powerful symbol of Indian democracy, housed within one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

A full self-guided walk of the main landmarks typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to stop for photos at India Gate and the Secretariat buildings, covering a distance of approximately 3-4 kilometers.