India Opens Iconic War Sites Like Siachen, Galwan, and Nathu La for Tourism: Check Details

The Border War app offers citizens a unique opportunity to explore India’s historic battlefields, including the iconic Longewala site from the 1971 India-Pakistan war, as part of their travel plans.

5 Army soldiers in Ladakh

India War Sites Tourism: On the 77th Army Day, celebrated on January 15, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan app. This new platform allows citizens to explore India’s historic battlefields, making it easier for people to visit significant war zones and learn about their importance.

With this app, Indians can include historical sites like Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, and Galwan, the site of the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers, in their travel plans. According to Money control, these locations hold immense significance in India’s military history and offer a unique opportunity to understand the stories of courage and sacrifice.

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One of the standout destinations is Longewala, a key site from the 1971 India-Pakistan war. This battle was immortalized in JP Dutta’s classic film Border. For those visiting the sand dunes of Jaisalmer, a trip to the War Memorial in Longewala is highly recommended. Visitors can pay their respects to the soldiers who fought there, watch a documentary about the 1971 battle, and even purchase souvenirs from an Army-run shop.

The app will feature 77 battlegrounds for tourists to explore. Prominent among these are sites like Nathu La, Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh, Pangong Tso in Ladakh, Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and the Cho-La clash site in Sikkim. These locations are not just markers of historical events but also symbols of India’s enduring military legacy.

The initiative also aims to benefit the border regions economically. Turning these battlegrounds into tourist destinations is expected to boost local businesses and reduce migration by creating more opportunities for the residents.

“The Indian Army is transforming border areas and historic battlefields into tourist destinations, offering citizens a chance to witness valour up close. Explore the hallowed grounds where gallant soldiers fought and serve the motherland, even today,” the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army posted on X.

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The app complements the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan website, which allows users to explore the rich history of India’s military past and get a closer look at the country’s frontiers. “The goal is to energise local economies, inform visitors, inspire patriotism, and provide a true account of India’s military heritage,” read another post from the Directorate.

This initiative offers a unique combination of education and travel, letting citizens connect with the bravery and sacrifices of India’s soldiers while enjoying the scenic beauty of these regions. It is a step towards preserving history, inspiring patriotism, and bringing the stories of India’s military heroes to the forefront.