Situated near the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Shantivan is a memorial to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, and marks the spot where the politician was cremated. Shantivan is surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens, and the whole area is a lovely place to get away from the crowds and noise of urban Delhi.
Shantivan means "forest of peace," and the name is apt, given the calm, lush surroundings of the memorial. The spot feels a world apart from the hectic, crowded streets and markets of Old Delhi. Shantivan sits close to Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation spot and the area's star attraction. The two memorials are usually visited in tandem on a tour of Delhi highlights, or a specialized tour that follows the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.
Remove your shoes before stepping onto the walkway around the shrine.
Wear sunscreen and a hat, as the area is open and exposed to the elements.
Bring plenty of water as there aren't wandering vendors here.
Shantivan is located in the northern part of the Raj Ghat complex, due west of the Yamuna River and a 10- to 15-minute drive from Connaught Place. The nearest metro station is Jama Masjid, on the Violet Line, a 15-minute walk away, though most visitors arrive by car or as part of an organized tour.
Shantivan is open daily from 5:30am to 7pm, though it's most peaceful early in the morning. This is also the best time to visit if you want to avoid the heat of the day, but mosquitoes can be an issue, particularly during July and August. Prayer services are held on Nehru's birth and death anniversaries: November 14 and May 27, respectively.
Jawaharlal Nehru was the first, and the longest serving, prime minister of India. He was educated in Trinity College, Cambridge, and trained as a barrister before returning to India and getting into politics. Nehru joined the Congress Party and eventually rose to its presidency, finally devoting his life to campaigning for Indian independence.
