India has seen several battles in the past; Some were before the British Raj, and some were after. These battles have had a significant impact on Indian history and are mostly responsible for how things turned out for us. There are many travellers, who love to explore destinations with a violent past. It gives them an insight into the social, cultural and historical aspect of the places. Battlefield Tourism has relatively become famous in India because there are many states in the country that has fought invaders and are proud of it. This kind of tourism is also helping such states to promote tourism in a new way. If you are also in the fables of bravery and warriors and want to travel to places with such stories, then here is a list of seven battlefield destinations in India.
Kalinga War
Dhauli, a town located 8kms away from the city of Bhubaneswar, is said to be the site of Kalinga War. Kalinga War, fought in 262 B.C, is claimed to be one of the most violent wars in Indian history. The battle was fought between the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and Kalinga, which was then commanded by a feudal lord. Ashoka won the battle at the cost of hundreds of lives, and this was the changing point in his life, as well as, in Indian history. He adopted Buddhism and swore to never physically harm anyone.
Kalinga Mahotsav is organised every year in Orissa to celebrate the indirect victory of peace over war. It takes place at the Dhauli Shanti Stupa every year. The festival includes performances by many martial artists with music and dance. It was held in February this year.
How to get there:
By Air: The nearest airport to Dhauli is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. Dhauli is 35kms away from Bhubaneswar.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Dhauli is the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. Dhauli is 35kms away from Bhubaneswar.
By Road: There are several buses that connects Dhauli to the main cities like Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
Best time to visit:
The best month to visit Dhauli is February. This is because the Kalinga Mahotsav takes place during this time.
Where to stay:
For Budget Travellers: Nirupama Hotel Dhabaleswar (₹999 per night)
For Mid Range Travellers: Swagat Inn (₹1125 per night)
For Luxury Travellers: Day Dream (₹2500 per night)
Battle of Panipat
Panipat is a city set in the state of Haryana and has seen three significant wars. The first battle of Panipat took place in 1526 between the Mughal Ruler Babur and the King of Delhi Sultanate Ibrahim Lodhi. This battle marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India. The second battle of Panipat took place between the Mughal Emperor Akbar and King Hem Chandra Vikramaditya (Hemu) in 1556. Hemu lost this battle. The third battle of Panipat took place in 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the invaders from Afghanistan. All the three battles have played an important role in carving Indian history. Find out more about these in the Panipat Museum. Visit the Kabuli Shah Mosque built by Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi’s grave.
How to get there:
By Air: The nearest airport to Panipat is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Panipat is 86kms away from Delhi.
By Train: The railway station in Panipat is called the Panipat Junction. It is well connected with other main railway stations across the state.
By Road: There are several buses that connects Panipat to other cities. There are two main bust stops here.
Best time to visit:
The best months to visit Panipat are from October to March. This is when temperatures are mild and weather is pleasant. Pleasant weather makes it easier to explore the place.
Where to stay:
For Budget Travellers: My India (₹1500 per night)
For Mid Range Travellers: D'OLIVES (₹2500 per night)
For Luxury Travellers: Hotel Luxmi Residency (₹4800 per night)
Battle of Talikota
The Battle of Talikota was fought between Deccan Sultanates and Vijayanagara Empire in 1565. Talikota is a town in the Bijapur District of Karnataka. The defeat was the starting point of the disintegration of Vijayanagara Empire. Karadi, another town in Karnataka, is the actual place where the battle took place.
Find out more in the ruins of Talikota Fort that still remains in the town as a symbol of the battle. Make sure to visit the village of Karadi, where locals will reveal many different perspectives of the battle. Museums in Bijapur has weapons stored from the battle.
How to get there: The nearest well connected place from Talikota is Bijapur. The distance between them is 85kms and the easiest way to reach Talikota is by hiring a private taxi from Bijapur.
By Air: The nearest airport to Bijapur is the Belgaum Airport in Karnataka. Bijapur is 200kms away from the airport.
By Train: The railway station in Bijapur is called the Bijapur Railway Station. It is well connected with other main cities like Mysore and Hyderabad.
By Road: There are several buses that connects Bijapur to other cities like Bengaluru, Mysore and Hyderabad.
Best time to visit:
The best months to visit Taikota are from October to February. Winters are the best time to explore historic locations and Talikota can get really hot in summers.
Where to stay:
For Budget Travellers: Hotel Megharaj (₹900 per night)
For Mid Range Travellers: Sabala Heritage Home (₹1800 per night)
For Luxury Travellers: Kyriad by Citrus Vijayapura (₹2500 per night)
Battle of Haldi Ghati
Haldighati located in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan is famous for the battle fought between the Rajput Ruler Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The battle was fought in 1576 and the region still symbolises bloodshed. Maharana Pratap lost this battle but could not be captured. Find out more about this battle in the museum of Haldighati in Udaipur, open on all days.
How to get there: The nearest well connected place from Haldighati is Udaipur. The distance between them is 40kms and the easiest way to reach Haldighati is by hiring a private taxi from Udaipur.
By Air: The nearest airport to Udaipur is the Maharana Pratap Airport.
By Train: The railway station in Udaipur is called the Udaipur City railway station.
By Road: There are several buses that connects Udaipur to other cities like Ahmadabad, Jaipur and Indore.
Best time to visit:
The best months to visit Haldighati are from September to March. Avoid extreme winter months like December and January. With no fog and cool weather, travelling becomes enjoyable.
Where to stay:
For Budget Travellers: Hotel Meenakshi (₹1500 per night)
For Mid Range Travellers: Hotel Poonam Haveli (₹3000 per night)
For Luxury Travellers: Banjara Retreat (₹4500 per night)
Battle of Karnal
Karnal, a town in Haryana, saw a battle in 1739 that aimed to cripple the Mughal Dynasty. The war waged between Nader Shah of the Safavid Empire and Muhammad Shah of the Mughal Dynasty. Visit Karnal to know more about this battle and the story of Kohinoor Diamond.
How to get there:
By Air: The nearest airport to Karnal is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Delhi is 140kms from Karnal
By Train: The railway station in Karnal is called the Karnal Railway Station..
By Road: There are several buses that connects Karnal to other cities like Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi.
Best time to visit:
The best months to visit Haldighati are from October to March. Karnal summers are not easy to tolerate, so book your tickets accordingly.
Where to stay:
For Budget Travellers: OYO Rooms Kunjpura Road Karnal (₹1200 per night)
For Mid Range Travellers: Hotel Dreamz Residency (₹2195 per night)
For Luxury Travellers: The Vivaan Hotel & Resorts (₹6000 per night)
Battle of Plassey
Originally known as Palashi, Plassey is a small village in Nadia District of Bengal. The village gained historical importance after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which marked the beginning of the British Empire in India. The war was fought between Bengal’s Nawab Siraj-Ud-Daula and British army led by Robert Clive. Get to know more about this battle in the Palashi Monument, which was built in the memory of the Bravehearts. The actual field where the battle happened is now covered with various memorial structures.
How to get there: The nearest well connected place from Palashi is Kolkata. The distance between them is 130kms and the easiest way to reach Palashi is by hiring a private taxi from Kaliganj.
By Air: The nearest airport to Kaliganj is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Kaliganj is 154kms away from the airport.
By Train: The railway station in Palashi is called the Plassey Railway Station. It is well connected with nearby places and also with Kolkata.
By Road: There are several buses that connects Palashi to other cities like Kolkata and Siliguri.
Best time to visit:
The best months to visit Palashi are from October to February. Weather is pleasant during this time and you can also attend the famous Durga Puja celebrations in Bengal.
Where to stay:
For Budget Travellers: Emerald Residency (₹1500 per night)
For Mid Range Travellers: Hotel Golden Palace (₹2725 per night)
For Luxury Travellers: Radisson Kolkata Ballygunge (₹7500 per night)
Battle of Kohima
The Battle of Kohima took place in 1944, during the Second World War. It was fought between the Japanese army and Indian Army led by British Commanders. The battle took place in three phases and resulted in the favour of India. It stopped another foreign invader to enter the country. Take a trip to Kohima to understand the politics and logistics of the war more clearly. Visit the Kohima War Cemetery and Kohima State Museum to get a better understanding.
How to get there:
By Air: The nearest airport to Kohima is the Dimapur Aiport in Dimapur. Kaliganj is 74kms away from the airport.
By Train: The railway station in Kohima is called the Dimapur Railway Station. It is well connected with nearby places and also with Kolkata and Guwahati.
By Road: There are several buses that connects Kohima to other cities like Dimapur and Guwahati.
Best time to visit:
Kohima can be visited anytime of the year. If you are looking to attend the Hornbill Festival, then December is the best month for you.
Where to stay:
For Budget Travellers: I.K Homestay (₹999 per night)
For Mid Range Travellers: Hotel Ariel (₹2000 per night)
For Luxury Travellers: Niraamaya Retreats Aradura Kohima (₹4000 per night)
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