Independence Day 2025: 8 Must-Visit War Memorials In India

India will celebrate its 79th Independence Day this year. As we reflect on the nation’s progress, the sacrifices made by our soldiers over the years is a stark reminder to not take anything for granted. (Image: File Pic)

Here’s a compilation of 8 of the must-visit war memorials spread across the length and breadth of the country. A trip to these places will leave you with a sense of pride like no other! (Image: File Pic)

National War Memorial, New Delhi: The only official war memorial in the country, it is “built around the principle of the chakravyuh of the Mahabharata where the first circle represents immortality, the second is that of bravery, followed by the circle of sacrifice, and the fourth and final is the circle of protection,” noted Lieutenant General Satish Dua, who served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff in an interview to AD India. (Image: File Pic)

Kargil War Memorial, Ladakh: Located on the Srinagar-Leh highway, this war memorial has been built in the memory of the Indian Army soldiers and officers, who lost their lives during the India-Pakistan conflict in 1999. (Image: File Pic)

Darjeeling War Memorial, West Bengal: Situated at the centre of the Batasia Loop garden in Darjeeling, this memorial is dedicated to the valiant Gurkha soldiers, who have sacrificed their lives since India’s independence. (Image: File Pic)

Chandigarh War Memorial, Punjab: Inaugurated by former president APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006, this war memorial is dedicated to around 8,459 martyrs, who have laid down their lives for the country. (Image: X)

Sea War Memorial, Andhra Pradesh: Located in Visakhapatnam, this war memorial is dedicated to the soldiers of the Indian Navy, who were martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. (Image: X)

Tawang War Memorial, Arunachal Pradesh: Locally known as ‘Namgyal Chortan,’ this memorial has been designed using Buddhist architectural and cultural elements. It is dedicated to the 2,420 members of the armed forces, who laid down their lives during the Sino-Indo war in 1962. (Image: File Pic)

Longewala Memorial, Rajasthan: This war memorial near Jaisalmer is dedicated to the lives lost in the Battle of Longewala, one of the first major engagements during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. (Image: Instagram)

National War Memorial, Maharashtra: Situated in Pune, this memorial is dedicated to the post-Independence war martyrs. It is the only war memorial in South Asia that has been erected by the contributions of the citizens. (Image: Instagram)