Top Places to Visit in India to Celebrate Indian Independence Day! nidhi August 13, 2019 Asia, India, International Travel 3 Comments With Indian Independence Day around the corner, the country is painted in festive bright colors. And to celebrate the glorious legacy, here are a few cities and places to visit, understand, and appreciate the crucial role these places played in the history of India’s freedom struggle. Let’s take a quick look! Jhansi – Visit the Jhansi Fort The name Jhansi is synonymous with Lakshmi Bai, the legendary Queen of Jhansi. The majestic Jhansi Fort stands as a tribute to the warrior queen, who fought tooth and nail with the British forces and succumbed to death while fighting for her kingdom. Walk down memory lane by attending the Sound and Light Show. We bet you’ll fall in love with the queen! When to visit – Between 8 AM – 6 PM, seven days a week. What else to explore in Jhansi – Rani Mahal, the Government Museum, Ganesh Temple, and St. Jude’s Shrine. Amritsar – Visit Jallianwala Bagh Another recommended destination to relive the chapters of the Freedom Movement is Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. Known for the darkest chapter in the Indian National Struggle, Jallianwala Bagh witnessed one of the bloodiest massacres in Indian history. On the festive day of Baisakhi in 1919, when the entire Amritsar had gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh, General Dyer ordered soldiers to open fire at the gathering of unarmed men, women, and children. This caused a major stampede followed by the mayhem and led to over 1,500 causalities. Here you can still witness the heart-wrenching remnants of the gruesome assault and feel the pain people had to endure. It’s sure to send a chill down your spine. When to visit – Between 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM, seven days a week. What else to explore in Amritsar – The Golden Temple, Wagah Border, and Hall Bazaar Ahmedabad – Visit Sabarmati Ashram To learn about the simple lifestyle and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, you must visit Sabarmati Ashram. We recommend you take a 90-minute guided tour of the Ashram. When to visit – Between 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM, open seven days a week. What else to explore in Ahmedabad – Shaking Minara, Auto World Vintage Car Museum, Law Garden, Heritage Walk, Victoria Garden, Calico Museum of Textiles, and Science City. Port Blair – Visit Cellular Jail Visit Cellular Jail in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman Islands to understand the dark history associated with it. Watch the Sound and Light Show to get a symbolic insight into behind the bar struggle of the leaders. The show evokes the painful memory of unimaginable torture inflicted upon the political prisoners exiled here. Most of the cells are still intact, and you’re sure to get goosebumps seeing various means used to torture the inmates here. When to visit – Between 9 AM – 12:30 PM, and between 1:30 PM – 5 PM, open on all days, except on Mondays and national holidays. What else to explore in Port Blair – Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Ross Island, Aberdeen Bazar, Mount Harriet, and Seafood Restaurants. Delhi – Visit Gandhi Smriti and Red Fort Another important destination to feel the patriotic fervor is Delhi. Gandhi Smriti Soak in the essence of Indian nationalism by visiting Gandhi Smriti. Formerly known as Birla House, it’s a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, where he spent the last 144 days of his life, before being assassinated on January 30, 1948. When to visit – Between 10 AM – 5 PM, open on all days, except Mondays and national holidays. Red Fort Built by the Emperor Shah Jahan, this massive monument has been the symbol of power since the Mughal rule in India. After the Independence of India, Pandit Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, hoisted the Indian flag and delivered his first Independence Day speech from here on August 15, 1947. The tradition is still alive, and successive prime ministers address the nation from Red Fort every year on Independence Day. Do watch the Sound and Light Show at the Red Fort to get a peek into the historical grandeur of ancient India. When to visit – Between 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, open every day except Mondays. What else to explore in Delhi – There’s a long list, but the top must-visit includes – India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Kolkata – Visit Netaji Bhavan Kolkata played a key role in the Indian Independence struggle. Netaji Bhavan – Stop by the ancestral home of the radical freedom fighter and great patriot, Subhash Chandra Bose. He lived here for several years and eventually escaped in 1941 after being put under house arrest by the British. The house is now converted into a museum and features a wide range of artifacts. Visit Netaji Bhavan to get insight into the life of Subhash Chandra Bose. And don’t forget to check out the secret staircase, and the car used by him in his escape. When to visit – Between 11 AM – 4 PM on all days except Monday. What else to explore in Kolkata – Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Park Street, Fort William, Shanti Niketan, and Mother Teresa’s House. If you have some time on your hands, we suggest you also visit Mumbai, for Mani Bhavan, Pune, to check out Aga Khan Palace, Allahabad, for Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and also Barrackpore, Champaran, Kakori, and Chauri Chaura for the significant historical incidents that took place there!
