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Raj Ghat is the sacred memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, considered the Father of the Nation by all Indians.
Gandhi was the leading force behind India’s freedom movement, but his teachings reached far past India and influenced the entire world. His philosophies guided Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, and are the core principles the United Nations is built on.
A visit to Delhi is not complete unless you visit Raj Ghat. It does not matter how many times I go to there, the serenity and simplicity never fail to move me.
Visiting Raj Ghat: Overview
Raj Ghat is more than a memorial, it is the place where Gandhi was cremated on January 31, 1948 the day after his assassination.
Thousands of people from across the world come here to pay their respects, including all visiting dignitaries and heads of state. In fact, when world leaders visit Delhi, Raj Ghat is usually their first official stop.
At the centre of the site, a black marble platform rests on the place Gandhi was cremated. It is always adorned in flowers and an eternal flames burns. The simplicity of the memorial is meant to reflect the simplicity of Gandhi’s life.
Raj Ghat is free to visit. It’s open every day 6:00 am – 6:00 pm. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen. The area is not shaded, and drinks and food are not sold there.
Click here to book your tour of Delhi that includes Raj Ghat
What To Expect
Once you enter the site, and before you head to the memorial, you will have to remove your shoes. There’s a shoe counter and an attendant who will give you a token. There’s no fee for this. There are toilets, though the last time I was there they were not the cleanest.
The site is laid out in a sunken square courtyard, with the memorial itself in the middle. You can walk around it if you want, but it’s not necessary.
There are two levels to walk around the circumference of Raj Ghat, both wheelchair accessible. It’s a large open space, and although it gets a lot of visitors, it never feels crowded.
You can comfortably do the site in an hour. It’s expansive, but apart from seeing the memorial and walking around the periphery, there isn’t much else there.
Raj Ghat History
The memorial at Raj Ghat is the exact place where Gandhi’s last rites were performed, and he was cremated on January 31, 1948, the day after his assassination.
The simple memorial was created by Vanu G. Bhuta. It was designed to reflect Gandhi’s beliefs of simple living and higher thinking.
Raj Ghat is named after a historical ghat (steps leading down to a river) not far from the memorial, called Raj Ghat. It was part of the old walled city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad.
If you want to learn more about Gandhi, Gandhi Darshan is directly across the street. Gandhi Darshan is a park and exhibition hall based on Gandhi’s life and his message of non-violence. Admission is free and hours are 10:00 am – 5:30 pm. It is closed on Sunday.
Kitty corner to Raj Ghat is the National Gandhi Museum and Library. It offers a view into the daily life of Mahatma Gandhi and has an impressive and moving collection of his personal items. Admission is free and hours are 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. It is closed on Monday.
How To Get To Raj Ghat
The easiest way to get to Raj Ghat is by Uber. Uber is widely used in Delhi and very safe. It’s also inexpensive.
Another good option is the Delhi metro. The Delhi metro is excellent, don’t hesitate to use it. The nearest station to Raj Ghat is Delhi Gate (Violet line). I recommend taking an auto rickshaw to Raj Ghat from the metro station. This should be no more than INR 60, but don’t be surprised if the driver tries to charge you more. It’s only 80 metres walking, but you’d have to cross a busy road.
The Delhi metro is easy to use, but if you want more information, you can read all about using the Delhi metro here.
Where To Stay
Delhi has wonderful places to stay for all budgets. The best areas to stay in are South Delhi or Central Delhi. These are safer, greener parts of the city, close to many attractions and well connected by metro. Some of my favourites are:
📍Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast (budget) – This is a wonderful (and super clean) family run guest house. It’s located in a very good South Delhi residential neighbourhood and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, several historic sites and the metro. A home cooked breakfast is included in the price.
📍Jaypee Vasant Continental (mid-range) – This is a 5 star hotel located in an excellent South Delhi neighbourhood, not far from the airport. There’s a large shopping and entertainment complex next door, and a large park and the metro are a 5 minute walk away.
📍The Imperial (luxury) – Delhi’s loveliest heritage hotel is so charming you may not want to leave. The location is excellent for exploring Delhi, in Connaught Place. Several major attractions are within walking distance. This hotel is a true gem.
FAQs
Rah Ghat is one of the most visited sites in Delhi. These are some common questions:
What is the Last Resting Place of Gandhiji in Delhi?
Raj Ghat is Ghandiji’s last resting place. This is where he was cremated.
How Many Gandhi Samadhi are there in India?
There are three Gandhi Samadhis in India, but the most important one is Raj Ghat in Delhi, where Gandhi was cremated. The other Samadhis are in Rampur and Adipur.
What is the Significance of Rajghat in Delhi?
Raj Ghat is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated on January 31, 1948.
The Wrap-up on Raj Ghat: A Local Guide To Delhi’s Gandhi Memorial 2024
Raj Ghat is one of the most important sites in Delhi. Mahatma Gandhi is considered the foremost human rights activist of all time. Don’t miss the opportunity to pay your respects to Gandhi and contemplate the beliefs of one of the most significant people in modern history.
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
