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Best Places to Visit in Delhi on 2 October 2025 by Car

Best Places to Visit in Delhi on 2 October 2025 by Car

Delhi is one of those cities that looks different on special days, and 2 October is one of them. On this day, the nation celebrates Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Since it is a national holiday, Delhi becomes quieter in some areas while buzzing with cultural activities in others.

If you are planning to explore Delhi by car on October 2, 2025, you might be wondering what’s open, what’s closed, where to go with your family, and whether there will be traffic.

Don’t worry. This guide has everything you need. From tourist spots and family-friendly places to events and driving tips, let’s plan your Gandhi Jayanti trip across Delhi.

What’s Open and Closed on 2 October 2025 in Delhi

Before you start your car, let’s check the basics.

✅ What’s Open on 2 October 2025 in Delhi

Red Fort (Lal Qila): Normally open Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed only on Mondays, so it should be open on Gandhi Jayanti. Evening light-and-sound shows (Hindi: 7–8 PM, English: 8:30–9:30 PM) are scheduled for September–October.
Qutub Minar: Open daily from early morning (around 6 AM) to evening (around 8 PM).
Humayun’s Tomb Gardens: Usually open daily, but note the museum/gallery inside closes on national holidays.
Lotus Temple: Open Tuesday–Sunday (9 AM to 5 PM). Closed on Mondays, so open on 2 October.
Lodhi Gardens, India Gate lawns, and Raj Ghat are open to the public. Raj Ghat is especially important today.
Restaurants, malls, and cinemas: Most are open. Smaller markets or family run shops may be closed.
Delhi Metro and buses: Run as usual if you decide to mix driving with public transport.

❌ What’s Closed on 2 October 2025 in Delhi

Due to the national holiday, government offices, banks, and schools remain closed.
Liquor shops and bars: Closed all over India—it’s a dry day.
Gandhi Smriti Museum (Birla House): Closed on national holidays.
Amrit Udyan (Rashtrapati Bhavan Gardens): Closed on 2 October. Its 2025 season ended in mid September.

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Best Places to Visit in Delhi by Car on Gandhi Jayanti

Delhi has historic monuments, cultural spots and peaceful gardens. Here are the best options for 2 October if you are driving.

1. Raj Ghat

On Gandhi Jayanti, the Gandhi Memorial is undoubtedly the most significant place to visit. Each year, leaders and visitors usually visit to pay tribute at this site. You may participate in prayer meetings, listen to bhajans, and get an essence of the peaceful energy of the site.

Car tip: Expect traffic diversions and limited parking as security will restrict cars. Park further away and walk in.

Note: Raj Ghat is open daily except for ceremonies and security checks on Gandhi Jayanti.

2. India Gate & Kartavya Path

Driving by the India Gate during the early morning is an experience on its own. The lawns are peaceful, there is less traffic, and families come here to walk or have a picnic. Kids can be seen running around while snacks or tea are available from a nearby stall.

Best time: Before 9 AM for a peaceful drive.

3. Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is famous for its beautiful lotus-shaped design. This temple is open at the time of Gandhi Jayanti. The quiet prayer hall is ideal if you are seeking peace and calmness. Parking can be found nearby, although it can fill up as the day goes on.

4. Red Fort

The Red Fort continues to be a leading sight in Delhi. On 2 October, it is usually open during the usual hours, so you will have an opportunity to look around the museums and the architectural spaces. In the evening, the light-and-sound show is a very lovely way to end your day.

Note: Red Fort may be open; check ahead, as the timings sometimes change on national holidays.

5. Qutub Minar

This UNESCO World Heritage site is always a hit with families and tourists. Since it is open daily it’s a safe bet for your Gandhi Jayanti outing. Drive down, enjoy the history and spend some time in the Qutub complex.

Note: Qutub Minar is open daily but please check the timings with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) before you visit.

6. Humayun’s Tomb

The tomb and the gardens are open but the museum inside is closed on national holidays. Still walking around the beautiful Mughal gardens is worth visiting.

7. Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens is one of Delhi’s favourite green spaces. Perfect for a morning walk or a relaxed picnic with family. The historical tombs add to the charm and parking is usually not a problem.

8. Dilli Haat

If you are in the mood for shopping and food, Dilli Haat has handicrafts, cultural items and regional cuisine. It is open on Gandhi Jayanti so it’s a good family outing.

Activities to Do on 2 October 2025

In addition to sightseeing, you may wish to consider the following activities in Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti:

Attend Gandhi Jayanti events: prayer meetings and cultural programs at Raj Ghat and India Gate.
Family picnic: Grab some homemade snacks and be ready for a peaceful day at Lodhi Gardens, Nehru Park, or the Garden of Five Senses.
Charity work or volunteering: Many NGOs will be serving food or running a service drive on this day. Participating in this kind of work will provide meaning to your outing.
Food hopping: Taste local delights in Connaught Place, Dilli Haat, and Chandni Chowk.
Evening shows: Enjoy the light-and-sound show at the Red Fort or the water show at Akshardham Temple (make sure to check the timings prior).

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🔔 Note on Dussehra 2025 (2 October 2025)

This year, 2 October 2025 is not only Gandhi Jayanti but also Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami). While the morning is reserved for tributes at Raj Ghat and peaceful activities across Delhi, the evening will bring colorful Ramlila performances and Ravana effigy burnings in different parts of the city — especially at Ramlila Maidan and Red Fort grounds.

If you have time after your Gandhi Jayanti visits, you can end your day by catching a local Ramlila show for a mix of culture and festivity.

What to See on 2 October 2025: Gandhi Jayanti + Dussehra

This year 2 October 2025 is very special because it’s two major festivals — Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami). So Delhi will have peaceful tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and colorful celebrations of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.

Morning: Gandhi Jayanti Observances

Raj Ghat: Prayers, bhajans and floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial.
India Gate & Kartavya Path: A quiet drive or morning walk before the crowds arrive.
Museums & Monuments: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple or Lodhi Gardens for sightseeing.

Evening: Dussehra Celebrations

Delhi is famous for its Ramlila performances and Ravana Dahan. On the evening of 2 October, head to these Dussehra hotspots:

Ramlila Maidan (near Ajmeri Gate): One of the oldest and biggest Dussehra celebrations in Delhi is the majesty of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran.
Red Fort Grounds (near Subhash Maidan): hosts the famous Luv-Kush Ramlila, which is heavily attended by celebrities and politicians.
Dwarka Dussehra Grounds: Has massive effigies and a friendly, carnival atmosphere.
Residential Areas: Many local parks and areas (like Punjabi Bagh, Janakpuri, or Pitampura) have smaller Ramlila which have fireworks.

🚗 Car Travel Tip

If you are going to view Delhi by car, plan the day as follows:

Morning: visit Gandhi Jayanti sites (Raj Ghat, India Gate, Lotus Temple).
Evening: Park near a large Ramlila ground early, as parking will fill up quickly. It is better to walk from a distant spot than to get stuck in traffic.

Driving & Travel Tips for Gandhi Jayanti

If you manage to be wise about how you explore Delhi by car on October 2, it can be a fun experience.

Start early: Roads in central Delhi get busier as the events begin to get underway.
Plan parking: Major hot spots (India Gate, Raj Ghat) fill up quickly, locations nearby provide parking.
Keep essentials: Necessary for both public utility and the high number of routine searches.
Navigation apps: Access Google Maps for live updates and diversions for traffic.
Fuel up: Fill up your tank the day before to avoid long lines.
Respect the day: Avoid loud music and honking near memorials.

Special Things to Remember

Dry Day: No liquor sales in Delhi on 2 October.
Security checks: VIP visits to Raj Ghat and central Delhi are common. Carry your ID.
Traffic diversions: Expect roadblocks near India Gate, Raj Ghat and Parliament.

Conclusion: How to Enjoy Delhi on 2 October 2025

Delhi by car on 2 October 2025 is a special day. While some places like Gandhi Smriti and liquor shops will be closed, most tourist attractions, gardens, malls and restaurants will be open.

If you like history, visit Raj Ghat and Red Fort. For peace, go to Lotus Temple or Lodhi Gardens. For shopping and food, try Dilli Haat or Connaught Place.

🚗 Travel Tip: Start early, fill your tank and plan around traffic diversions. Respect Gandhi Jayanti and you will have a great day in Delhi.

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Frequently Asked Question

Q1. Will monuments (Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, etc.) be open on Gandhi Jayanti?

A1. Yes, most monuments are open on Gandhi Jayanti. Red Fort for example opens from ~9:30 AM to 4:30 PM on non-Monday days and Gandhi Jayanti is not a Monday in 2025. Qutub Minar is open daily. But always check the official ASI / Delhi Tourism site a day or two before as special events or security needs sometimes cause temporary closure or restricted access.

Q2. Are museums inside monuments open on 2 October (Gandhi Jayanti)?

A2. Some museum sections inside bigger monument complexes are closed on national holidays. For example the indoor gallery at Humayun’s Tomb is closed on these days. The outdoor gardens or general monument areas are likely open. So plan for outdoor sightseeing and be prepared that indoor exhibits might not be accessible.

Q3. Will public transport (metro, buses) work normally on Gandhi Jayanti?

A3. Yes, public transport in Delhi runs as usual on national holidays. People still need to travel — for ceremonies, sightseeing etc. If you plan to use your car, keep transport options in mind in case of roadblocks or diversions near memorials.

Q4. Will shops, malls, and restaurants be open?

A4. Most large malls, restaurants, and cafes are open on Gandhi Jayanti. Small local shops and vendor stalls may close or open late. Food courts in malls are safer bets and restaurants near tourist spots will likely be open.

Q5. Are bars/liquor shops open on Gandhi Jayanti?

A5. No, Gandhi Jayanti is a “dry day” in Delhi. Liquor shops, bars and places selling alcohol are closed across the country.

Q6. What about Raj Ghat? What happens there on Gandhi Jayanti?

A6. Raj Ghat is the hub of Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. There are prayer meetings, floral tributes and government events at Raj Ghat. So expect bigger crowds, tighter security and possibly traffic diversions around Raj Ghat.

Q7. Is parking easy to find near major attractions on Gandhi Jayanti?

A7. Parking gets worse than usual, especially around Raj Ghat, India Gate and Red Fort in the mornings and during event times. Better to park a bit further and walk or arrive early before the crowds build up.

Q8. Do monuments have different timings on this day?

A8. In general most monuments follow regular timings (like Red Fort and Qutub Minar). But museums and galleries inside may open late or close early due to staff or special timings. Always check the timings for the place you are planning to visit.