As India celebrates its 76th year of Independence, which is something to be proud of, be a little patriotic while you are on a vacation! Independence didn’t come by, it took a lot of efforts, movements and lives to be attained and probably the least we can do is to remember and pay a tribute to all of that, this year! Walk down the memory lane and visit these relics from the history which remind what cost the people of the nation had to pay for the freedom. ‘Kuch virasat mein mila hai toh uski qadar karo.’
Here’s our list of 7 iconic destinations you should visit to feel proud of your heritage. Well, we know by now most of you would have noticed how to turn Independence Day into a long weekend(wink)! If you wanna make out the best out of your long weekend visit any of these destinations for a history lesson!
1- Cellular Jail, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The beautiful islands with pristine beaches and an exotic, refreshing vibe have a dark history associated with them. The famous Cellular Jail a.k.a ‘Kaala Paani’ in Port Blair is a reminder of the price our freedom fighters had to pay for the freedom we take for granted. Built in the middle of the ocean this jail is witness to tortures and was a place of exile for political prisoners, including the likes of Hemchandra Das, Veer Savarkar and Batukeshwar Dutt. On the display are the various means used to torture the inmates and the hardships they had to endure which will definitely send a chill down your spine. Also, don’t miss the Sound and Light Show which encloses blood-curdling stories from the past.
2- Gateway of India, Mumbai
Sapno ka Shahar’, they say. Historically important, we say. Built to commemorate and celebrate the visit of King George V in 1924, and later used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance for the viceroys and the new governors of the state, Mumbai’s Gateway of India is pretty important and a part of history on multiple levels. This monument is not just about beauty but history too. Ironically, 24 years after it was built, the monument was used to parade the last British regiment out of the country, marching on the way to its independence on 28th Feb 1948.
- Must Read: Popular Places You Must Visit in Mumbai
3- Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, Amritsar
‘Amritsar. Sifti da Ghar.’ The beautiful city of Amritsar has played witness to thousands of innocent, unarmed people dying without any fault of theirs. On 13th April 1919, as Punjab celebrated the festival of Baisakhi, a large number of Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus gathered at Jallianwala Bagh for a peaceful protest. Escape was impossible! On the command of British commander General Dyer, the British Indian Army fired 1600 rounds of bullets. A massacre happened! Till date, the actual death toll isn’t confirmed. It’s estimated to be around 1500. The memorial came into existence on 13th April 1961 and was inaugurated by India’s first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
4- Aga Khan Palace, Pune
This beautiful palace holds a significant place in the Independence movement. Built by Sultan Aga Khan III in 1892, this palace has been a place of arrest for many prominent freedom fighters. In 1942, during the Quit India Movement, Gandhi, his wife, Kasturba Gandhi and his personal secretary Mahadev Desai were confined to this palace. In fact, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai breathed their last in this palace. The palace has a picture gallery and a museum with pictures of the Freedom struggle and a few personalised items used by Mahatma Gandhi.
5- Netaji Bhawan, Kolkata
The ancestral home of the radical, controversial freedom fighter, and a great patriot, Subhash Chandra Bose. This place celebrates the life and vision of the great freedom fighter and was built by Netaji’s father in 1909. Netaji lived here during the Indian Freedom Movement and this house was also the center of political activities for freedom fighters. It also has a museum which shows about what kind of life he led. The staircase, which he used for his secret departure and the car he used for his ‘Great Escape’ are also in display. Bose’s bedroom and study are preserved in the same conditions he left them as.
- Also Read: Top 10 Weekend Getaways from Kolkata
6- Viceregal Lodge, Shimla
Well, when it comes to Shimla picking one place is a task, for this place has so many just associated with the colonial past. Shimla with it’s captivating beauty is not just about hills and scenic views. The Viceregal Lodge atop a hill serves as the best example of the colonial influence on the city. The elaborate Victorian style stands against lush-green lawns and offer the visitors a glimpse into the history. In 1965, it was turned into the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies- a center for research in various disciplines.
7- August Kranti Maidan, Mumbai
August Kranti Maidan holds a very important place in the history of Indian independence. It is the place from where Gandhi gave the ‘Quit India’ speech on 8th August 1942, after which the Quit India Movement began. Although prominent leaders were arrested, patriots led by Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the tricolour. Earlier known as the Gowalia Tank Maidan, it was re-named as August Kranti Maidan to mark this significant event. The Quit India Movement coincided with the World War-II and it made Britishers realise that India couldn’t be governed in the longer run.
Now, we have reached the end. The history of Indian Independence is the longest in the world. It took almost 90 years to persuade the British out of the country and gain independence which we now take for granted. How unique would it be to see the flag being hoisted at some place other than your native city. Imagine seeing it happening at the Cellular Jail in Andaman or maybe at the August Kranti Maidan. It certainly will fill you with an utter sense of pride and you’ll feel range of emotions. So, this Independence day, be a little more patriotic and visit any of these places!