Independence Day 2025: 10 Must-Visit War Memorials In India

India will be observing its 79th Independence Day this year. The occasion weaves history and celebration, where citizens honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters who secured the nation's freedom from colonial rule. Tricolour flags are hoisted, vibrant kites take over the sky, and patriotic songs drift in the air from every neighbourhood. While some take part in cultural festivities, others watch special programs on television. But this Independence Day, why not spend your holiday visiting iconic war memorials to pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country? Here are 10 must-visit ones.

Also Read: 10 Hidden Gems Across India For Your Independence Day Long Weekend

Here are 10 Must-Visit War Memorials:

1. National War Memorial, New Delhi:

A tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, designed in a circular layout with four distinct circles: Amar Chakra, Veerta Chakra, Tyag Chakra, and Rakshak Chakra.

- How to Reach:

By Air - Land at Indira Gandhi International Airport and take a taxi or metro.

By Rail - Arrive at New Delhi Railway Station and take local transport.

National War Memorial

2. Kargil War Memorial:

Dedicated to the Indo-Pak War of 1999, featuring Amar Jawan Jyoti, Manoj Pandey Gallery, and Veer Bhoomi.

How to Reach: By Air - Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.

By Rail - Jammu Tawi Railway Station.

(The Kargil War Memorial is a must visit when in Kashmir)

3. Darjeeling War Memorial:

Honouring Gorkha soldiers and regiments, featuring a scenic toy train journey and a statue of a rifle capped with a soldier's helmet.

- How to Reach:

By Air - Bagdogra Airport.

By Rail - New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.

Photo Credit: Darjeeling Tourism

4. Chandigarh War Memorial:

One of India's largest war memorials, unveiled by former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006, featuring pink sandstone walls and an open-air amphitheater.

- How to Reach:

By Air - Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (11 km away).

By Rail - Chandigarh Railway Station (8 km away).

Also Read: Independence Day Long Weekend: 5 Quick Escapes Near Hyderabad You Will Want To Book Now

Photo Credit: Chandigarh Tourism

5. Nadabet War Memorial, Gujarat:

Commemorating the 1971 Indo-Pak War, featuring inscriptions, plaques, and symbols honoring soldiers' valor and sacrifice.

- How to Reach:

By Air - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad (230 km away).

By Rail - Palanpur Junction (150 km away).

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Photo Credit: Nadabet Seema Darshan

6. Sea War Memorial, Vizag:

Paying homage to the Indian Navy's valiant efforts in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, featuring artifacts and scenic coastal views.

- How to Reach:

By Air - Visakhapatnam International Airport.

By Rail - Visakhapatnam Railway Station (6 km away).

7. Tawang War Memorial, Arunachal Pradesh:

A Buddhist stupa honouring soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

- How to Reach:

By Air - Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, Assam (followed by a 330 km road journey).

By Rail - Rangapara North Junction.

8. Siachen War Memorial:

Honouring soldiers martyred during Operation Meghdoot in 1984, featuring a structure of white-clad soldiers climbing a ladder with the tricolour.

- How to Reach:

By Air - Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.

By Rail - Jammu Tawi Railway Station.

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Also Read: Where Indians Are Travelling On The Independence Day Long Weekend: Data Reveals Top Picks

9. Kohima War Cemetery, Nagaland:

Honouring the sacrifice of Allied Forces' soldiers during World War II, featuring 1,400 graves and sweeping views of lush greenery.

- How to Reach:

By Air - Dimapur Airport (74 km away).

By Rail - Dimapur Railway Station.

Add image caption here

10. Shaurya Smarak, Bhopal:

A war memorial inaugurated by PM Modi in 2016, featuring a gigantic stainless steel structure and thematic installations.

- How to Reach:

By Air - Raja Bhoj Airport.

By Rail - Bhopal Junction Railway Station.