Delhi winter brings us out on the streets for long walks and warm snacks. While most of the city shuts down, there’s one place that never sleeps. India Gate welcomes visitors 24×7. Everybody is home in the shade of our one and only. Here’s how you can make the most of your winter nights at India Gate.
1. Pay Respects At Amar Jawan Jyoti
The eternal flame burns day and night, keeping the memory of martyrs alive in our hearts. Under the arc of India Gate lies quiet, raging, reminding us how important democracy and equality is. India Gate was built to honour our brave freedom fighters who died for us at the sword of ruthless intruders trying to divide and rule.
2. Enjoy A Long Walk
The long road leading up to Rashtrapati Bhavan from India Gate is a perfect winter walk. There are food vendors, playful kids, and all the chahal pahal all night on the way before it quiets down for a peaceful stretch. The ceremonial boulevard Rajpath covers all this to Vijay Chowk and National War Memorial. Let’s not forget we wouldn’t have the Republic Day Parade without this walking wonder.
3. Street Food Attack
Chaat, puchka, aloo tikki, ram laddu, you name it we got it. India Gate serves every kind of munchies till wee hours in the night. Their chana jorgaram can drag anyone to the world of street food. It’s like the first step to a night of Delhi’s chatpat chaat. Bhelpuri comes next and now you’re too far in to come out hungry.
4. Healthy Winter Foods
We love this season for the snacks it brings. The entire city is covered in two things once Fall takes over: shakarkandi and bhutta. These two hot steaming healthy snacks are parents first choice to feed kids and honestly, our first choice too. The sheer lack of availability for half the year makes us go crazy after the spicy masala on sweet potato and maize.
5. The Only Night Picnic Spot
Every monument in Delhi closes door to the public after dusk, except this one. Here at India Gate, we enjoy plenty of space. The huge green patch between India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan is home to picnic people. You will find kids playing, men gossiping and moms feeding at any time of day all year round. You will never be asked to leave, it’s open all night.
6. Delhi’s Best ‘Lovely Chuski’
It feels like this iconic chuski is as old as India Gate itself. Over the years, the government has cleaned up most of the thelas at India Gate for a cleaner Delhi, but no one dare touch the reason people come here. Every season is Chuski season for Dilliwale. They’re the perfect cure to late night hunger pangs because they’re open all night!
7. Bask In The Nighttime Glory Of Rashtrapati Bhavan
Our nation’s Parliament stands tall in the background. The road leading up to it is alight with the changing colours that bounce of its walls. The pink and blue and yellow and green Rashtrapati Bhavan glows in the dark. If you’re lucky you can catch the grand ceremony of switching guards that takes place every evening. It makes a for a great view as people visit all night.
8. Kids Rides For Family Fun
The streets come alive with blinking lights from miniature cars under dark blue skies. Parents need not stress because hundreds of people have their eye on children here. They can get busy on the miniature car rides and even race with one another. All the cars are safely driven by the owners who rent them out for rides forging a fun family day out. If you’re looking for some family time away from the city then, Get Quality Family Time In The New Year Away From Delhi’s Hustle At These Gorgeous Getaways!
9. National War Memorial
Here you have around 40 acres of land dedicated to history. It’s built around the existing chhatri or canopy near India Gate. The names of armed forces personnel martyred during the armed conflicts are inscribed on the walls. Our brethren from 1947–48, 1961 (Goa), 1962 (China), 1965, 1971, 1987 (Siachen), 1987-88 (Sri Lanka), 1999 (Kargil) and other operations, will never be forgotten.
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10. Raise A Voice
India Gate is Delhi’s ace public space. In the recent decade it has bloomed into a liberating space of dissent and debate. Gather at India Gate to let your elected representative know what you need. Do this in the most democratic and peaceful way at a spot that this city has designated for this purpose. Get them Rang De Basanti feels.
India Gate feels like home. a place where no one asks you to fall in line. Eat your bhutta, walk around and make noise, or find a quiet spot. Whatever you do, nobody will disturb you until you disturb them. Security is always high here which is a key factor in making this place perfect for nighttime winter fun, specially for women of soloists. You can also make time for Connaught Place. Delhi’s epicurean centre is just 5 minutes from our all-time hangout hub. Head to a bar after a wholesome cultural dip or end your drinking night with a paan at India Gate!
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