India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and Akshardham Temple, Delhi

India Gate : After Jantar Mantar, we headed to India Gate located near Rajpath. The 42-meter high arch is built in memory of 70,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British army in first world war. You can also see the names of the soldiers who lost their lives on the walls of India Gate. Amar Jawan Jyoti, located below the India Gate reminds us the spirit of Indian soldier. This was added after the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971 with Pakistan. Visiting this war memorial is a proud moment of any patriotic Indian. This memorial is guarded by men from Indian Army 24 x 7. 

India Gate, Delhi

Amar Jawan Jyothi, India Gate, Delhi

Humayun's Tomb : It is a monument, built in 1565 in memory of second Mughal emperor, Humayun. This is a fine example of Mughal architecture in India. Entry fee per person for the world heritage monument is Rs.10. Also, one needs to pay Rs.25 if one wants to shoot video. The monument emerging out of the dense trees on the way is a treat to watch.

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

Akshardham Temple : Crossing the commonwealth village, we reached Akshardham Temple next. No photos are allowed inside the Akshardham temple. Also, one needs to deposit the belongings and a thorough screening is done before entering the magnificent temple. You can have a look at the pictures of the temple here. Built from intricately carved sandstone and marble, I felt it is a true modern adaptation of great Indian temple architecture. We see such delicate work otherwise only in ancient temples with royal patronage. But to see it in a temple, which got inaugurated in 2005 is marvelous. I got the feeling of being ISKCON Bengaluru with its organized way. Swaminarayan, the sage, who founded Swaminarayan sect is being worshipped here. In the main hall of the temple, one can find 11 feet high, gold plated statue of him. Though visitor is deprived of using his camera, there are photographers from the organization, who would take photograph with temple in the background and give a hard copy of it in a matter of ten minutes(at least they said so!). We thought it was nice opportunity and posed for a photograph. But we soon realized that we had to wait for long to get our photos! As with many modern temples, one has to go through the souvenir shops in Akshardham temple, while exiting. One needs to keep a day at their disposal for fully exploring the Akshardham temple premises. Also, note that Akshardham temple is closed on Mondays!

India Gate, Delhi

Indian Army soldier guarding India Gate, Delhi

Names of soldiers on the walls of India Gate