Rajpath

Rajpath in Delhi

Rajpath is the ceremonial boulevard for the Republic of India. It runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan through Vijay Chowk and India Gate to National Stadium, Delhi. The New Delhi avenue is lined on both sides by lawns with rows of trees and ponds. Considered to be one of the most important roads in India, the annual Republic Day parade takes place here on January 26. The road goes straight towards Raisina Hill, India's administrative centre. Janpath crosses the road. Rajpath runs in east-west direction. Roads from Connaught Place, the financial centre of Delhi, run into Rajpath from north.

After climbing Raisina Hill, Rajpath is flanked by the North and South Blocks of the Secretariat Building. Finally it ends at the gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan. At Vijay Chowk it crosses Sansad Marg, and the Parliament House of India can be seen to the right when coming from the India Gate.

Rajpath itself is the road used on 26 January each year for India's Republic Day Parade. The celebrations of India becoming a republic take place with a showcase of India's cultural diversity and military might. It is also used for funeral processions of key political leaders of India. The opening scene of the movie Gandhi starts at Rajpath.

History of Rajpath

Rajpath was of central importance to the plan. Lutyens wanted a panoramic view of the city of Delhi from the Viceroy’s palace. The view from Raisina Hill runs unhindered across Rajpath and India Gate and is obstructed only by the National Stadium.

Most of the buildings surrounding Rajpath, were designed by Lutyens and Herbert Baker.

Architecture of Rajpath

The street is well planned with beautiful ponds, lush green lawns and trees on both sides of the street. The greeneries around the avenue give a cool and pleasant atmosphere for both the morning walker and the evening picnickers. The most noticeable aspect of the street is the Jamun trees and the Java plum, planted all along the streets reduces the heat during the summer days.

Every year on the 26th of January, the Rajpath is decorated and given a bridal look for the famous Republic Day Parade. It is a dream for the people from all parts of the country to be present on the day to witness the display of the Indian arms and ammunitions and other sophisticated weapons on hold for the protection of the country. The rich and diverse culture of the country is presented to the millions of spectators who throng either side of the Rajpath. On the 29th of January the beating retreat originates from the Vijay Chowk and passes through the Rapath.

The street along the Rajpath is well illuminated in the evening and is a great sight of the central part of the city. The parking fees have been fixed along the street of Rajpath for the visitors. It is open all the time. An ideal time for the tourist to visit is the morning hours and the picnicker enjoys themselves in the evening.

More Info:

Location: Rajpath, the central avenue of Delhi, extends from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Time to Visit: Open on all days
Preferred Timings: morning for tourists who wish to see India Gate, evening for the picnic atmosphere
Admission Fee: Free and open to all
How to Reach: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach the monument, which is located near Connaught Place (CP), the heart of the city, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or metro rail. From CP one can walk down to Rajpath.
Special Attraction: Carnival atmosphere on summer evenings and winter afternoons
Famous for: Republic Day Parade on Jan 26th every year, along Rajpath where the President takes the salute
Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Functional Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
Time required for sightseeing: 30 minutes