From Siachen to Galwan & Nathu La: India opens iconic war sites for tourism; check details

The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan website will facilitate citizens to delve into the rich history of the nation and have a “closer look at our frontiers” (Image: @DoT_India/X)

On the occasion of the 77th Army Day on January 15, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan app, through which people of the country will be able to visit historical war zones easily and learn about them.

Using the app, citizens can now include various historical sites in their holiday plans, such as Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, and Galwan, the site of the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers.

A visit to Longewala, the site of the 1971 India-Pakistan battle immortalised in JP Dutta’s classic film Border, is highly recommended for tourists holidaying in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer. At the War Memorial in Longewala, visitors honour the sacrifices of Indian soldiers, watch a documentary on the 1971 battle, and purchase memorabilia from the Army-run shop.

According to reports, 77 such battlegrounds would be open for tourists initially. Some of the other prominent sites include Nathu La, Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh, Pangong Tso in Ladakh, Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand, Cho-La clash site in Sikkim, among others.

Converting battlegrounds, primarily in border zones, into tourist attractions is expected to provide a boost to the local economy and discourage migration from these regions.

“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,” Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army, said on X.

The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan website will facilitate citizens to delve into the rich history of the nation and have a “closer look at our frontiers”, the post read.

Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan: Witness Valour Up CloseThe 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 pic.twitter.com/F4hZmuEGaI

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ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 12, 2025

The goal is to energise local economies, inform visitors, inspire patriotism, and provide a true account of India’s military heritage.