National War Memorial: A Tribute to India's Armed Forces
A solemn tribute to India's fallen heroes, the National War Memorial inspires patriotism and honors the sacrifices of the armed forces.
The National War Memorial, inaugurated in 2019, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers in various conflicts since independence, including the Indo-China War of 1962, the Indo-Pak wars of 1947, 1965, and 1971, the Kargil Conflict of 1999, and peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka. The memorial honors over 25,000 fallen soldiers, with their names inscribed in gold on granite tablets. The memorial is designed in the form of four concentric circles, each representing a different aspect of the armed forces: the Amar Chakra (circle of immortality), the Veerta Chakra (circle of bravery), the Tyag Chakra (circle of sacrifice), and the Rakshak Chakra (circle of protection). An eternal flame burns at the center of the Amar Chakra, symbolizing the undying spirit of the soldiers. The memorial also features statues of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees at the Param Yodha Sthal, honoring the highest gallantry award winners. The National War Memorial serves not only as a place of remembrance but also as an educational platform, showcasing India's military history and traditions. It invokes a sense of patriotism and national pride, inspiring future generations to defend the country's sovereignty and integrity. The memorial is open to the public and offers a serene and moving experience for visitors to pay their respects to the fallen heroes.
Local tips
- Visit during the day to fully appreciate the architecture and inscriptions on the memorial walls.
- Check the schedule for the 'Change of Guard Ceremony' and band display, which usually takes place on Sundays.
- Download the National War Memorial app for a self-guided tour and detailed information about the memorial.
- Combine your visit with a trip to India Gate, located nearby, to see both memorials in one visit.
- Be mindful and respectful of the solemn atmosphere of the memorial.
A brief summary to National War Memorial
- C - Hexagon, New Delhi, India Gate, Delhi, 110001, IN
- +911120841356
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
- Thursday 9 am-8 pm
- Friday 9 am-8 pm
- Saturday 9 am-8 pm
- Sunday 9 am-8 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From India Gate, walk east towards the National War Memorial. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. Follow the signs and pedestrian pathways. There are no entry fees for either India Gate or the National War Memorial.
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Public Transport
Take the Delhi Metro to the Central Secretariat, Khan Market, Mandi House, Udyog Bhawan, or Janpath Metro Station. From there, you can take a short taxi or walk to the National War Memorial. Metro fares range from ₹10 to ₹60 depending on the distance. Alternatively, several buses connect to the India Gate area. Check local bus routes and schedules for specific options. Bus fares typically range from ₹5 to ₹25.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Use a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Ola to reach the National War Memorial. The approximate fare from Connaught Place is ₹100-₹200, depending on traffic and the time of day. Drop-off is near India Gate, from where you can walk to the memorial.