Civilians will soon have the opportunity to visit historic battlefield sites along India’s borders through a new digital initiative. The “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” app and website were introduced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 15, 2025, in celebration of Army Day. The initiative, a collaborative effort by the Ministries of Defence and Tourism alongside the Army, aims to transform border areas and historic war zones into accessible tourist destinations.
The app offers access to locations tied to significant military conflicts, including the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the 1971 Indo-Pak War, and the 1999 Kargil conflict. Visitors will also be able to explore the Siachen base camp and the Galwan Valley, where a deadly clash occurred between Indian and Chinese forces in 2020.
Promoting the launch on X, the Army stated, “The Indian Army is transforming border areas and historic battlefields into tourist destinations, offering citizens a chance to witness valour up close. Explore the hallowed grounds where gallant soldiers fought and serve the motherland, even today.”
Several iconic sites from the 1962 War will be accessible, including Ladakh’s Rezang-La, Arunachal Pradesh’s Kibithoo and Bum-La, and the Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh. Tourists can also visit the Galwan Valley, a focal point of recent tensions with China, and Doklam, where a 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese forces occurred in 2017.
In the western sector, areas related to the 1999 Kargil conflict, such as Kargil, Batalik, and Drass, are being considered for trekking routes. This would allow visitors to experience the rugged terrain and gain insights into the intense battles fought in these areas. A defence official clarified that while operational zones will remain restricted, efforts are being made to open as many forward locations as feasible. The goal is to provide citizens with a vivid sense of the challenging conditions in which Indian soldiers fought.
Another key highlight of the initiative is access to the base camp of Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield. However, venturing beyond the base camp may not be possible due to the extreme altitude and acclimatisation challenges, officials noted.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the initiative’s broader significance, stating that it aligns with the Army’s efforts to promote the holistic development of border areas. The app and website will serve as comprehensive platforms providing all necessary information for traveling to these historic battlegrounds. “This initiative focuses on four key pillars: infrastructure, communication, tourism, and education,” General Dwivedi explained.
The launch of the “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” app and website reflects India’s commitment to honoring its military history while fostering tourism in remote regions. By granting access to these historic sites, the program seeks to connect citizens with the legacy of bravery and sacrifice displayed by the Indian Armed Forces.