Introduction
India’s border areas offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and natural beauty. The terrain has so much to offer. The creeks and swamps and the Rann Utsav in the Rann of Kutch slowly give way to the treacherous Thar Desert, the railway villages of Gadra and Munabao, the town of Jaisalmer and the famous battlefield of Longewala. Moving Northwards along the western border, the desert turns into lush green fields with numerous canals and riverine terrain. The historic Firozpur with Hussainiwala and Harike water reservoirs. The holy city of Amritsar or the pool of nectar, vibrant cultural displays at the Wagah Border and the gateway to Kashmir- Jammu. The plains turn into hills and mountains and forests and valleys of Kashmir. The mountain desert of Ladakh with Kargil, Resang La, Galwan and Demchok. Going clockwise the mountains continue bordering China, Nathu La in Sikkim, the Chickens Neck, the Dooars and finally the untouched beauty of Arunachal Pradesh seen from the serene Buddhist ambience of the Tawang Monastery and the easternmost corner Walong. The Bay of Bengal and the islands of Andaman & Nicobar, each region is remarkable in its own way.
Battlefield tourism in India offers a unique perspective on the country’s history, culture, and patriotism. Whether you are witnessing the Retreat Ceremony, exploring the Museums, visiting border destinations across India, be it the deserts of Rajasthan or the mountains of Ladakh, each experience is a journey into the heart and soul of the brave soldier who stood proud and fought and died for the nation. From the battlefields of yesteryear to the peaceful memorials of today, Military Heritage Tourism sheds new light into a rich and enviable history. It is about honoring those who served, understanding the past, and appreciating the heritage that connects us all.
The picturesque landscapes, serene beauty, and clean air of these places are a treat to the eye and heart. Military tourism not only opens these hidden gems but also gives an insight into the way of life of the Armed Forces in some of the most remote and challenging places, weather, and terrain in the country.
Project Shaurya Gatha
To showcase the rich military heritage and culture of the Indian Armed Forces to the citizens of our nation, Project Shaurya Gatha was launched by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on 08 Nov 24, during the second edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival. Battlefield tourism is aligned to the PM’s vision of Dekho Apna Desh, where each citizen has been urged to visit at least two battlefields. This entails shortlisting of important pre & post impendence battlefields/geographical areas that lend themselves for creating a battlefield experience through visits to war memorials/museums/battlefield trails.
The Service Headquarters have requested assistance from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture & Heritage, State Governments, and the United Services Institution (Centre of Military History and Conflict Studies) to develop shortlisted locations under this project.
It is important that this rich military history is preserved and showcased in an appropriate manner. This has immense educational value across the spectrum and helps foster and develop a sense of patriotism and pride in the legacy of the armed forces.
The project will create Military Heritage Trails that will connect the Battlefields with Military Museums and Memorials, so that a holistic understanding of the Indian military legacy of valour and honour can be imparted to visitors.
The project will aim to promote Military Heritage Tourism in the country by creating ways and means to facilitate the potential visitors through accurate historical information and practical advice on how to plan their visit. It also has the potential for developing economic activities associated with the project that will range from improvement of infrastructure in the area, viz, accommodation, transportation, tourist guides, souvenirs, in many parts of the country, specially border areas.
Bharat Rann Bhoomi Darshan
To formulate a mechanism to augment Border Area Development (Surakshit–Viksit Seeemaein), a conclave on ‘Border Area Development’ was organised by Indian Army in collaboration with CLAWS on 11 Sep 2024 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. Hon’ble RM Shri Rajnath Singh was the ‘Chief Guest’ of the conclave. Sri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism & Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh was also invited as special guests.
To provide necessary impetus to the thought, four key pillars i.e. education, infrastructure development, tourism & communications were identified. To exploit the immense potential, Indian Army had proposed state of Arunachal Pradesh as “Test Bed” for said initiative. Hon’ble CM of Arunachal Pradesh promised full assistance by state administration to the same.
To promote the test bed implementation plan, a Border Area Development Convention was conducted by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh from 03 to 08 December 2024. Since then, many other adventure activities have been planned including the International Military Adventure Challenge Cup 2025, is scheduled to be conducted from 01 Oct to 17 Oct 2025.
Simultaneously to the above, the Indian Army has taken the lead in Border Area Tourism and unfolded Bharat Rann Bhoomi Darshan on Army Day 2025. This aligns with the larger narrative of Government’s, Vibrant Village Programme for development of villages along our Northern Borders. The Indian Army has engaged with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Tourism and the Governments of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh for this endeavour.
Border tourism has gained significant attention recently with tourists seeking cultural experiences and visiting regions located near the country’s international borders. This form of tourism offers unique experiences, as it allows tourists to explore cultural, historical, and natural attractions, as well as experience a real-life experience there.
To boost border tourism and foster development in remote regions, the Indian Army is preparing to open 14 remote border regions of Ladakh, 21 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Jammu and Kashmir, and seven in Sikkim, including the strategically important village of Demchok in Ladakh, to domestic tourists. Demchok, a contested area along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and a point of contention with China, now offers Indian travellers a rare glimpse into previously restricted militarised zones. Plans are underway to make the Galwan Memorial accessible to visitors, similar to the Rezang La War Memorial, and open border areas like Trishul and Rangla in Ladakh. This will allow civilians to experience first-hand the challenging terrain and strategic importance of these areas, which have played a crucial role in India’s history.
Infrastructure Development
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently highlighted a 30 percent increase in tourist numbers across Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh over the past four years, driven by improved infrastructure and growing interest in border tourism.
The Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi also stated that the Indian Army is opening battlefields, including Kargil and Galwan, for tourists to get first-hand experience of such battlefields and empathise with soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. With targeted initiative, we have the potential to double our tourist numbers in the next five years. We have committed to promote adventure activities and provide support to organisers and tourist operators, to enhance footfall in the border area, upskilling locals in mountaineering and associated activities is part of it,” he said. The Army Chief said that the Army has undertaken eight major projects comprising Trans-Himalayan trek, “Soul of Steel” trek in Uttarakhand (Mountain Skill Survival Challenge), opening of trek to Siachen Glacier for citizens as part of broader Border Tourism initiative. “Now, you are allowed to climb Tiger Hill and see the battlefield where pitched battles were fought during the Kargil conflict in May-July 1999.” He said “The saga of battles in the Himalayas need to be told, and we are now allowing trekkers to come and see these areas.”
The Indian Army and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have made significant strides in improvement and development of border infrastructure in the recent past. Over 8,500 kilometers of roads have been constructed along the borders, with a special focus on the Line of Actual Control. Apart from that, 400 permanent bridges, and the Se La and Shinkun La tunnels, have been completed.
Under the Bharat Net programme, high-speed internet has been provided to 1,500 villages, connecting over 7,000 remote border villages. These infrastructure upgrades aim to improve accessibility to remote areas, enabling tourism and fostering socio-economic growth.
Beyond infrastructure, the Indian Army continues to play a pivotal role in supporting border communities. It provides medical assistance, rescue operations and relief services, further enhancing the quality of life for residents in these areas.
The Army’s promotion of border tourism will have a positive impact on the local economy. As more tourists visit these border areas, there will be direct influx of money that will benefit the local population. Small businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops stand to gain from the increased footfall, providing locals with income and employment opportunities. In many cases, these small businesses are family-run, and the growth of the tourism sector can significantly improve their standard of living.
E-Museum Website
There are approximately 70-75 museums of the Indian Armed Forces spread across various parts of the country. These museums showcase the rich history of the military, including equipment, uniforms, and artifacts from different periods of history, along with tales of extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by our soldiers, sailors, and airmen alike. Since it is not feasible for the general public to visit all these museums, the Indian Armed Forces Museum website has been conceptualized as a comprehensive online platform. Here, curated content from 47 selected museums is showcased to the public, highlighting the rich history, valour, and traditions of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Designed with an engaging user interface, the website provides an immersive experience, aiming to foster a deeper appreciation for the Indian military’s legacy and contributions. The primary objective of the Indian Armed Forces Museum website is to educate and inspire visitors by showcasing the historical narrative and significant achievements of the Indian Armed Forces. The website can be visited at https://indianarmedforcesmuseums.gov.in
Border Tourism Web Page
Another initiative that has been undertaken is the creation of a dedicated webpage focused on boosting tourism in border areas. The Indian Army’s efforts to open new avenues for tourism while ensuring security and development have been widely praised, and this new webpage is a direct response to the growing interest in exploring these strategic yet culturally rich areas.
For many people, border areas are often seen as off-limits or dangerous. However, the Indian Army’s initiative aims to change that perception by providing information on how tourists can visit these areas safely and responsibly. What makes this webpage so important is the access it provides to information that was previously hard to come by. Tourists who may have been hesitant about visiting border areas due to concerns over safety or logistical challenges can now find all the details they need in one place. The webpage includes information on the best times to visit, the kinds of activities available, and how to plan a trip. It also highlights the various attractions that are unique to these areas, such as historical forts, mountain treks, and cultural festivals that are held throughout the year. The web page can be visited at bharatranbhoomidarshan.gov.in
A Page from the Website (Abridged)
Walong, a picturesque valley renowned for its serene landscapes, is a haven for history buffs, nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It is also home to the Walong War Memorial, which stands as a tribute to the soldiers who valiantly defended the region during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Its breathtaking beauty offers a stark contrast to its historic wartime legacy.
The Battle of Walong, fought in October-November 1962 during the Sino-Indian War, exemplifies the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army. Traditionally, it was the Assam Rifles which manned the border post in his sector. However, due to the increase in Chinese Incursion, 6 KUMAON was inducted into this area in March 1962. At about midnight on 22 October 1962, the Chinese launched an attack by a battalion on Kibithoo held by a company of 6 KUMAON. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Indian soldiers mounted a heroic defence, delaying the advancing Chinese forces and showcasing unparalleled courage. Their resilience and sacrifice highlighted India’s determination to defend its sovereignty, even under adverse conditions.
Route:
Dibrugarh Airport ¡ Tinsukia (52.2 Km) ¡ Rupai (69.5Km) ¡ Tezu (166 Km) ¡ Hayuliang Rd (256Km) ¡ Sanglang (317 Km) ¡ Walong (Destination).
Conclusion
The decision to open restricted areas for tourism marks a significant step toward integrating remote border regions into the national mainstream. The Indian Army has long been associated with its crucial role in national security, especially in sensitive border areas. However, over the years, the Army has also recognized the importance of community engagement and the potential for tourism to bring about positive change. The Indian Army’s involvement in promoting border tourism is particularly significant given its deep connection to these areas. Many of the locations are not only of historical importance but also have strong ties to the Army’s operations. For example, several of the forts and battlefields that tourists can visit are places where the Army has played a pivotal role in defending the country. Visiting them will give tourists deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by the Army and the resilience of the people living in these areas.
Beyond the physical beauty and historical significance, border tourism also offers the chance to experience the rich cultures of the people who inhabit these areas. These communities, though often overlooked, have a wealth of traditions, languages, and practices that make them unique. By promoting these areas as tourist destinations, the Army is providing a platform for the preservation and sharing of these cultures.
By encouraging tourism, the Army is not only promoting the beauty and history of the border areas but also helping to boost local economies and create new job opportunities for residents. In many of these border regions, where economic opportunities can sometimes be limited, tourism has the potential to transform the lives of people.
Maj Gen VK Singh, VSM was commissioned into The Scinde Horse in Dec 1983. The officer has commanded an Independent Recce Sqn in the desert sector, and has the distinction of being the first Armoured Corps Officer to command an Assam Rifles Battalion in Counter Insurgency Operations in Manipur and Nagaland, as well as the first General Cadre Officer to command a Strategic Forces Brigade. He then commanded 12 Infantry Division (RAPID) in Western Sector. The General is a fourth generation army officer.
Major General Jagatbir Singh was commissioned into 18 Cavalry in December 1981. During his 38 years of service in the Army he has held various command, staff and instructional appointments and served in varied terrains in the country. He has served in a United Nations Peace Keeping Mission as a Military Observer in Iraq and Kuwait. He has been an instructor to Indian Military Academy and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He is a prolific writer in defence & national security and adept at public speaking.