8 War Memorial Constructed by Indian Army, You should visit at least once in Lifetime

'Indian Army' — When we utter these two words, our heads get down with respect and gratitude to their sacrifice and nobility. They are the main reason for us to sleep peacefully at night. From the dawn of our independence, they keep us guarding against intruders, terrorists, and other external attacks.

Since Independence, we have made the supreme sacrifice of our brave hearts to defend the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The purpose of a war memorial is to commemorate those brave hearts who are involved in or affected by war or conflict. Till date, the Indian Army has constructed 18 numbers memorials at different locations in India.

Here we will discuss 8 of them which you should visit once in your lifetime to show your gratitude towards our soldiers.

1. Tawang War Memorial

Tawang Memorial is locally known as Namgyal Chorten. This 40 feet high war memorial is located at a stone's throw from Tawang town. The memorial has been designed using Buddhist architectural and cultural elements, including prayer wheels and flags, colorful serpents, dragons, and other Buddhist relics.

The memorial was built in memory of the 2,420 members of the armed forces who laid down their lives in the Kameng district during the Sino-Indo war in 1962. The picturesque memorial has a calming and serene atmosphere and from its grounds, a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains and hills can be seen. Surrounding the stupa are several flags flying high, including the National Flag, the Army Flag, the Air Force Flag as well as the flags of the 27 other regiments that fought in the war.

How to reach :

Tawang can be easily reached from Guwahati. It is around 520 km from Guwahati. To reach Tawang, you have to cross Sela Pass. In between, you can stay at Bhalukpong, Dirang, or Bomdila. Once you are in Tawang, this place is very near to the main town. Also, you must not miss the light and sound show here.

2. Kargil War Memorial

The Kargil memorial, situated on the Srinagar-Let highway, has been built in the memory of the soldiers and officers of the Indian Army who laid down their lives during the India-Pakistan conflict in 1999. It consists of a pink sandstone wall that bears a brass plate on which the names of the soldiers who attained martyrdom during Operation Vijay are engraved.

In the winter of 1998-1999, the Pakistan army crossed the LoC and occupied the roads connecting Leh and Kargil to Srinagar, along with numerous heights along the National Highway. In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay in May 1999 to retake the territory. After several rounds of battles, we won. Every year, 26th July is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas. The memorial, as it stands today, was constructed by the Indian Army in November 2014.

The huge Indian Flag weighing about 15 kg flutters majestically at the memorial and tells many untold stories of the sacrifices made by the army men to keep this flag flying high here. If you are traveling to the Leh Ladakh region, a trip to the Kargil War Memorial is a must to do.

How to reach:

If you are coming to Leh from the Srinagar side, you can make a stop at the Kargil War memorial and visit it. After that, you can head towards Leh. It lies at a distance of 55 km from Kargil and 160 km from Srinagar.

3. Darjeeling War Memorial

Darjeeling War Memorial is located at the center of the Batasia Loop garden in Darjeeling. It has been created to honor and to serve as a memorial for the Gorkha soldiers of the Darjeeling area who sacrificed their lives in various operations and wars after India's independence.

Gorkha Regiment has been a strong force in the Indian Army from the very beginning. Numerous Gorkha soldiers from Darjeeling hills serve the nation. There have been over 75 soldiers who have gallantly died in war & operations following India's independence.

The War Memorial was completed and inaugurated on 18th April 1995. It comprises a large, raised platform that is oval in shape with a length of 37 ft and a maximum width of 24 ft. There is a triangular shape granite cenotaph in the middle which is 30 ft high. At the base of the cenotaph, there is the Roll of Honor with names of those who died along with the dates. The entire War Memorial area spanning across the Batasia Loop is some 50,000 sq. ft. with lovely gardens having both seasonal and perennial flowers, shrubs, and trees all around.

How to reach:

Darjeeling War memorial is only 5 km from the main town and is located within the Batasia Loop. If you take a car or a taxi, it takes about 20 minutes from Darjeeling town to reach the War Memorial. One can also take a joy ride on a Toy Train from Darjeeling to Ghoom that leaves Darjeeling station both in the morning and in the afternoon. It stops in Batasia Loop for 10 minutes.

4. Longewala Memorial

Longewala is a border town in the Thar Desert, the western part of Jaisalmer. It is very close to the border with Pakistan. The Battle of Longewala was one of the first major engagements in the western sector during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, fought between assaulting Pakistani forces and Indian defenders at the Indian border post of Longewala.

The museum, associated with this War Memorial, exhibits the war zone, ammunition used, uniforms of soldiers. The walls have names and pictures of the martyrs as well, who fearlessly fought to protect the country. There are several exhibits and displays at the museum. One of the major attractions of the place is the display of the Hunger aircraft that was successfully able to take down enemy tanks.

The Audio-visual room also dictates several stories about India's war heroes and their esteem contributions. Fighter jets, guns, various weapons, and equipment used by the military are also a part of the display at the museum.

How to reach:

Longewala war memorial is about 124 km from Jaisalmer via Ramgarh. Along with the Longewala War memorial, you must visit the Tanot Mata temple. It will be better if you go first to Tanot via Ramgarh and then proceed for Longewala via Sadhewala. Then return to Jaisalmer via Ramgarh.

5. National War Memorial, Pune

This War Memorial in Pune Cantonment is dedicated to the post-Independence war martyrs. The War Memorial in Pune is the only war memorial in South Asia that has been erected by the contributions of the citizens. The memorial was unveiled and dedicated to the nation on 15 August 1998. A MiG-23BN, used in the Kargil War, is on display at the memorial.

A replica of the now decommissioned frigate INS Trishul, which served in the Liberation of Goa and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, is also on display. The memorial depicts the names of post-independence martyrs from the Army, Navy, and Air Force hailing from Maharashtra inscribed on marble.

The museum depicts the highlights such as operations at the time of the mergers of Goa, Junagarh, and Hyderabad into the Union of India, the 1965 war, the 1971 war, and the 1987 International Peacekeeping Forces' mission to Sri Lanka.

How to reach:

If you are visiting Pune, this is a must-visit place for you. You will get an ample number of buses towards Ghorpadi Post office. From there it is only a 6-minute walk.

6. Walong War memorial

Walong is a small cantonment in Arunachal Pradesh. This easternmost valley of our country witnessed the bloodiest battle better known as the "Battle of Walong" during the Indo-China conflict of 1962. Walong War Memorial commemorates the fierce Battle of Walong in 1962 when the outnumbered Indian Army's 11th Infantry Brigade blocked the thrust of the invading Chinese.

How to reach:

The nearest Airport to Walong is Dibrugarh and the nearest railway station is Tinsukia. Both are about 350 km apart from Walong. By car, it may take about 10 hr. It will be better to break the journey in between. First, you reach Tezu from Dibrugarh or Tinsukia, and the next day proceeds for Walong.

7. Rezang La War memorial

Rezang La is a mountain pass on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) dividing the Indian-administered Ladakh and the Chinese-controlled, but Indian-claimed, Spanggur Lake basin, administered as part of the Rutog County. It is located at an elevation of 5199 m above sea level.

During the Sino-Indian War in 1962, Rezang La was the site of the last stand of the Charlie 'C' company of 13 Kumaon, consisting of 124 Ahirs. The company was led by Major Shaitan Singh, who won a posthumous Param Vir Chakra for his actions. The War Memorial is created in remembrance of those brave soldiers.

How to reach:

Rezang La War Memorial is located on the way from Chushul to Hanle. Hanle is about 255 km from Leh. There are two ways that you can reach Hanle from Leh. The first and the quicker route is via Chumathang. The second route runs through Changthang Valley. Which route to choose depends on whether you are just visiting Hanle or including it in your itinerary while visiting Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri.

8. Victory War Memorial

Victory War memorial was previously known as Cupid's bow. Located at the boundaries of Chennai city, this war memorial is equipped beautifully. The Victory War Memorial was initially constructed to celebrate the victory of allied armies during World War I. It later became a War Memorial after World War II in memory of those from Madras presidency who lost their lives while fighting.

Today, it acts as a memorial to the aforementioned wars along with the 1948 Kashmir Aggression, the 1962 War with China, and the Indo-Pakistan War. Victory War Memorial is one of the prime attractions of Chennai and an ideal locale for history lovers and research students. Many people come around to pay respect to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the above-stated wars.

How to reach:

The Victory War Memorial is situated on the Beach Road near island ground at the beginning of Marina Beach. While you are going to the Marina beach in Chennai, don't forget to visit the victory war memorial to salute the soldiers who lost their lives while saving their country.

Other than these, India also houses many more war memorials in various states. We cannot afford to pay the debt of their service and sacrifice. However, we can show our respects and love by visiting these War Memorials. Jai Hind..

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