A Day in Delhi: From India Gate’s Legacy to Japanese Flavors in CP

“Born in Delhi, yet it took years (and a baby of my own) to truly explore India Gate—and the day turned out unforgettable in every way.”

It’s funny how sometimes the most iconic places are the ones we end up exploring last. I was born in Delhi, yet had never visited India Gate with the eyes of someone who could remember it—until now.

This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing. It was about sharing moments with my husband, baby, and sister, laughing through the heat, tasting something new, and feeling proud of our roots.

⸻

🏛️ India Gate: A Monument of Honor & Memory

We braved the scorching summer sun and made our way to India Gate, Delhi’s most recognized war memorial. Despite the heat trying to melt us, the grandeur of the monument made it all worth it.

🕊️ A Bit of History:

    •    India Gate, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, was built in 1931 as a tribute to the 84,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and the Afghan Wars.

    •    The names of over 13,000 soldiers are inscribed on the arch.

    •    Below the arch lies the Amar Jawan Jyoti—the eternal flame that burned in honor of unknown soldiers (now relocated to the National War Memorial nearby).

Standing there, with my baby in my arms and family by my side, I felt a quiet reverence. This wasn’t just a monument—it was a space that carried stories of sacrifice, pride, and legacy.

⸻

🌆 Connaught Place Vibes & A Japanese Culinary Twist

Post India Gate, we escaped the heat and headed to the cooler corridors of Connaught Place (CP). Its colonial-era architecture, wide circles, and high-end shops make it one of Delhi’s liveliest hubs.

🍱 Mt. Fuji Restaurant: A Taste of Japan in Delhi

My sister, a die-hard Japanese cuisine lover, had only one demand: “You’re trying Japanese food today!”

So, off we went to Mt. Fuji, a well-known Japanese restaurant tucked in CP.

    •    Everything was vegetarian (thankfully!) and surprisingly delightful.

    •    We tried dishes like Veg Ramen, Sushi (yes, there’s veg sushi!), Teriyaki tofu, and sticky rice—and loved it.

    •    The cozy ambiance, warm staff, and minimalist Japanese decor made the experience extra authentic.

It was a food experiment we didn’t expect to enjoy as much as we did. A total win.

⸻

👨‍👩‍👧 Simple Joys, Shared Moments

What made the day truly special wasn’t just where we went—but who we went with.

    •    We sweated and laughed through the sun at India Gate.

    •    We experimented with chopsticks at Mt. Fuji.

    •    We cracked jokes, told old stories, and created new ones—all while our baby watched in wide-eyed amusement.

Sometimes, the best adventures are in your own city, with the right people and an open heart.

⸻

✨ Final Thoughts

This little Delhi outing reminded me that exploration doesn’t always require planes or passports. All it takes is the will to step out, appreciate what’s around you, and savor the experience with your loved ones.

India Gate gave us pride, CP gave us flavor, and the whole day gave us memories worth bottling up forever.