Galwan, a river valley located in Ladakh, is notoriously recalled for the brutal border conflicts between India and China in June 2020, which led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers. This event came after the 2017 Doklam standoff, a tri-junction involving India, Bhutan, and China.
In reaction to these and 75 additional key military engagement locations along the border, the Indian Army has collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism to endorse “battlefield tourism.” The program, titled “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan,” will be inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 15, aligning with the 77th Army Day.
Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan: Witness Valour Up Close
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… pic.twitter.com/F4hZmuEGaI
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 12, 2025
An extensive website will support the initiative, offering visitors details about these 77 locations, their historical backgrounds, and travel arrangements, such as necessary permits. The site seeks to function as a primary resource for travel organization, showcasing virtual tours and engaging content about different battlefields and border regions.
Additionally, Defence Minister Singh highlighted a remarkable 30 percent rise in tourist arrivals in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh in the past four years, crediting this surge to improved infrastructure and growing interest in border tourism.
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The chosen locations mainly stretch along the disputed borders with China and Pakistan, characterized by historical conflicts such as the 1962 Indo-China war and the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The Tourism Ministry will promote these historic sites under the Incredible India initiative, increasing public awareness of India’s military heritage.
“Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan”#IndianArmy transforming border areas and historic battlefields into tourist destinations, enabling citizens to explore the historic sites where bravehearts fought for the nation and pay tribute to their valour and sacrifice.
” Saluting the… pic.twitter.com/nMO5O0xUnr
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 13, 2025
Authorities have revealed plans by the Army to convert historic battlefields and border regions into reachable tourist attractions, which were formerly limited due to their strategic significance and challenging landscapes. These locations will offer visitors perspectives on the experiences of troops assigned to isolated areas.
Timely- Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan – a Battlefield tourism initiative inaugurated by @adgpi today, #ArmyDay. 77 combat sites– Galwan, Siachen, Longewala… and Tithwal in J&K – fm where young Sadiya invites RM @rajnathsingh to visit pic.twitter.com/3SqdBZOdDb
— Sandeep (@SandeepUnnithan) January 15, 2025
Many locations already feature war memorials and museums, which will enhance the visitor experience by presenting an accurate narrative of wartime events and their consequences. This initiative aims to foster connectivity, tourism, and socio-economic growth in border areas, with the Army working closely with local civil authorities to ensure these goals are met while maintaining operational readiness.
#WATCH | Pune: On the situation along the northern border, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi says, “The northern borders are safe because the Indian Army is sitting there and the Indian Army is in the number which is required to hold the fort. However, a word of… pic.twitter.com/rLOCCfj8az
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2025
In a recent yearly press conference, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Army Chief, highlighted the Army’s dedication to the development of border regions, concentrating on four main pillars: infrastructure, communication, tourism, and education. He launched “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan,” a comprehensive platform for information and approvals for trips to forward battlefields, created in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism.
