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Delhi, the national capital, is one of the most modern and well planned cities of India. Located in the northern part of the country, it is also known as the political hub of India. This is mainly because the city is home to several important buildings, like the Parliament, The Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s house) and offices of several leading political parties of India.
One such building that carves a niche for itself is the India Gate. It was built in the year 1933 and was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The India Gate was originally known as the All India War Memorial before being renamed to its present name. The building was made in honor of some 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died fighting for the British Army, in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The building has been made on the lines of the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The famous Amar Jawan Jyoti (the flame of the immortal soldier) can also be seen under the gate which marks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The shrine itself is a cenotaph surmounted by a rifle standing on its barrel and crested by a soldier's helmet. The famous Republic Day parade begins from this very place here when the Prime Minister of India pays his homage to martyrs.
The India Gate is around 42 meters high and is surrounded by wide roads and massive lawns and this is the biggest attraction of the India Gate. Every evening the building is lit up beautifully and adjoining lawns are thrown open for general public and it becomes a popular picnic destination for them. Many other activities, such as boat ride, elephant ride and cart ride are also available for children.
The India Gate is one of the major tourist destinations of Delhi. Tourists coming to Delhi must visit the building for it sheer beauty and significance. The best time to visit Delhi is Feb-May and Sep-Dec.
