Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has recently launched a revolutionary app called Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan to encourage battlefield tourism in India. Through this app, citizens can include the world's highest battlefield Siachen and Galwan, where Indian and Chinese soldiers fought in 2020, in their travel itineraries.

What is the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan app?

The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan app provides users with a unique chance to explore India’s rich military history. By offering information on famous battlefields and war memorials, it allows tourists to visit iconic locations like Longewala in Jaisalmer, the site of the 1971 India-Pakistan battle immortalized in the film Border. At the Longewala War Memorial, visitors can pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives and watch a documentary on the historic 1971 war.

The government has launched this initiative to attract tourists to lesser-known but historically significant sites such as Siachen and Galwan. By expanding battlefield tourism, the app hopes to provide an immersive experience into India's military past while also boosting local economies and preserving these important sites.

What can you experience through the app?

The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan app acts as a detailed guide, offering historical insights, battle narratives, and stories of heroism. It also helps users navigate the permissions required to visit certain areas. Key destinations include:

  • Galwan Valley: Known for the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers.

  • Doklam: The site of a 2017 standoff over Chinese road construction.

  • Siachen: Visitors can explore the Base Camp up to 15,000 ft.

  • Kargil: Famous for the 1999 Kargil War, with sites like the Dras War Memorial honoring the brave soldiers who fought to reclaim the region.

Other battlefield sites to visit

The application also throws light on other notable places like Kibithoo and Bum-La in Arunachal Pradesh, Rezang-La, and Pangong Tso in Ladakh, and the Cho-La clash site in Sikkim. It not only speaks of military bravery but also evokes a feeling of patriotism in the visitors.

This is an initiative launched on the 77th Army Day to revitalize local economies, educate tourists about India's military history, and instill pride in the nation's heritage. It provides an opportunity for people to experience the realities of historic battles, thus making these sites accessible and informative for all.