Every monsoon season in Delhi, the moment I see clouds building up, I pack my bag, pick up my camera and umbrella, and take the metro to India Gate.
I’ve done this for the past two seasons now. And every time, it’s worth it.
India Gate during the monsoon is a completely different place — overcast skies, the lawns turning a deeper green, people walking with umbrellas, children running in the rain. The monument looks better than it does on any clear summer afternoon.
If you’re in Delhi between July and September and the clouds roll in, this is where you should be.
Table of Contents
How to Reach India Gate
By Metro
The easiest way. Take the Yellow Line to Central Secretariat and walk toward India Gate — it’s about a 10 to 15 minute walk through Rajpath (Kartavya Path). The walk itself is part of the experience, especially in the rain. You can check the Delhi metro route.
By Bus
Several DTC buses stop near India Gate. Bus numbers 620, 505, and 615 pass through the India Gate and Rajpath area — check the DTC website or Google Maps for the most current routes from your location. It’s more affordable than a cab.
By Car or Auto
If you’re driving, parking is available near Vijay Chowk and along the service roads. During monsoon mornings the traffic is lighter than usual, which makes this a rare situation in Delhi where driving isn’t a bad idea.
What India Gate Looks Like When It Rains
When I got off the metro and walked toward India Gate on a rainy morning, the first thing I noticed was how clean everything looked.
Rain does something to this part of Delhi—it all becomes more cinematic. The colours shift. The greens get louder. The sky turns that particular shade of grey that photographers spend hours waiting for.
I walked toward Rashtrapati Bhawan first, just to take in that view. The avenue stretching from India Gate to the President’s House, lined with trees and completely empty of the usual crowd — that alone makes the early morning visit worth it.
I spotted a few families that morning. Children holding their parents’ hands, running toward the lawns, completely unbothered by the rain. That kind of unbothered joy is hard to photograph but easy to remember.
The monument itself, lit even during the day by the eternal flame of Amar Jawan Jyoti, looks different under a cloudy sky.
The Best Time to Visit India Gate in Monsoon
Visit in the morning between 7 – 10 AM.
I’ve visited during the last two monsoon seasons at this time and both visits had the same quality — the air smells different, the light is soft and diffused, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet.
By evening, India Gate fills up. Families come out after work, vendors set up, and the atmosphere turns festive. That’s enjoyable in its own way, but if you’re going for the mood of the rain — the quiet, the mist, the photography — morning is where it is.
July and August are peak monsoon months in Delhi. September brings the tail end of the rains, slightly more predictable weather, and softer light. Any of these months work. Check the weather the night before and go on a day when rain is in forecast.
Photography at India Gate in the Rain
This is the main reason I come here during monsoon.
The overcast sky acts like a softbox — no harsh shadows, no blown-out highlights. The kind of light that flatters almost every subject.
A few things that work well photographically:
- Reflections on wet stone – After rain, the pathway leading to India Gate becomes partially reflective. Get low and shoot the monument with its reflection in the wet surface.
- People with umbrellas – Colourful umbrellas against the grey sky and green lawns make for strong, graphic images. Walk and observe.
- Wide sky shots – Monsoon clouds in Delhi can be dramatic. If the sky is doing something interesting, include more of it in the frame.
Note: I shot this using my Fujifilm X-T3. Keep your camera under your jacket or a rain cover when not shooting. A microfibre cloth in your pocket is essential — lens drops are constant. If you’re shooting on a phone, it’s fine, but protect the lens from water.
What to Carry
- Umbrella — non-negotiable – Even if it’s not raining when you leave, carry one umbrella. Delhi monsoon clouds move fast. You want to be standing in the rain, not running from it.
- Water bottle – Pre-rain humidity in Delhi is brutal. Carry water regardless of the season.
- Extra socks – This one sounds small until your socks are completely wet. The puddles around India Gate are unavoidable if you’re walking the lawns. An extra pair in your bag costs nothing.
- Camera rain cover or a ziplock bag – If you’re carrying a camera, protect it. A large ziplock bag works.
Keep the bag as light as possible.
Where to Sit, Eat, and Wait Out the Rain
There’s no café or restaurant inside the India Gate grounds. But there are a few options depending on how long you want to stay.
- Under the canopy near the monument – The area directly under and around India Gate has covered sections where you can stand and wait out a heavy shower. It’s a good spot to just watch the rain.
- Street vendors on the lawns – Permanent stalls aren’t permitted near India Gate, but temporary vendors are always around — corn (bhutta), ice cream, and water bottles. The roasted bhutta in the rain is one of those Delhi experiences that’s hard to explain—enjoy it.
- India Gate Canteen (near the Children’s Park) – There’s a basic canteen-style eatery in the vicinity that serves tea, snacks, and light meals. Good enough for a quick break.
- Khan Market or Lodhi Road. If you want a proper meal after the visit, both are 10 to 15 minutes away by auto. Several good cafés and restaurants on both the Khan market and Lodhi road.
Is India Gate Worth Visiting in Monsoon?
Yes, without a question.
Most people visit India Gate on clear evenings with the family. The monsoon version is quieter, moodier, and a different feel in the morning.
Go in the morning, carry your camera, and enjoy slowly.
If monsoon travel is on your mind beyond Delhi, my Andaman in September guide is worth a read — it’s one of the best times to visit.
FAQ
- What is the best time to visit India Gate during monsoon? Early morning between 7 and 10 AM. The crowds are less, the light is soft, and the atmosphere is at its best before the city fully wakes up.
- Is India Gate open during the monsoon season? Yes. India Gate is open to visitors year-round, 24 hours. There’s no entry fee.
- Is it safe to visit India Gate in heavy rain? During light to moderate rain, yes. Avoid visiting during a storm or heavy rainfall.
- Can I do photography at India Gate during monsoon? Absolutely. The overcast light and wet surfaces make it one of the best times to photograph the monument. Protect your gear from rain and get there early for the best conditions.
- How far is India Gate from Central Secretariat metro station? India gate is about 1.5 km away, roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk through Kartavya Path. The walk is scenic and worth doing on foot.
- What should I carry when visiting India Gate in the rain? An umbrella, a water bottle, an extra pair of socks, and a rain cover for your camera if you’re carrying one.
Final Thoughts
Heading out in rain is the best feeling—the string wind—the hot tea—cinematic climate—everything adds to it.
The next you see an overcast weather, head out and go to your favourite place, and enjoy the rain.
