5 Historic Experiences You Must Relive this Republic Day

This Republic Day, how about taking a journey back in time? Here are five places you can relive some of the most momentous chapters from India’s freedom struggle.

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Amritsar

jallianwalla-bagh-amritsar — Jallianwalla Bagh is a sombre reminder of India’s bloody struggle towards independence

The Jallianwala Bagh is the scene of a dark chapter in India’s struggle for freedom. This is where over 1,500 people were brutally massacred when General Dyer of the British Army opened fire on a group of peaceful protestors. Today, the Bagh serves as a memorial to those who were killed. The bullet holes in the walls and the well into which hundreds jumped to avoid being killed are sobering reminders of its gruesome past.

What else to do in Amritsar: Drop by Amritsar’s iconic Golden Temple, sit by the Amrit Sarovar, after which the city was named, and stay for the langar (a vegetarian community meal).

Where to eat: Head to Brother’s Dhabha for the most heavenly daal makhani and Amritsari kulchas you will ever taste.

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Jawaharlal Nehru’s Historic Speech at the Red Fort, Delhi

Delhi has been home to many momentous events. But perhaps the most noteworthy is the speech given by India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at the iconic Red Fort after India won its independence. Today, the Red Fort still stands tall, a glorious reminder of India’s past. Take a tour of the fort and admire the grandeur of this massive sandstone structure. We also recommend the sound and light show that takes place in the fort every evening (except Monday) that covers key events in the history of the Red Fort. There is a museum inside the fort as well.

What else to do in Delhi: Explore the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk, shop for clothes and trinkets, or just take in the colourful chaos all around.

Where to eat: Gali Paranthe Wali to sample stuffed paranthas of all kinds and Karim’s, near Jama Masjid, for delicious chicken biryani, mutton korma, burra kebabs and phirni.

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Netaji’s Great Escape, Kolkata

netaji-bhawan-kolkata — Netaji Bhawan is a must visit for history buffs

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose remains one of the most prominent figures of the freedom movement. When in Kolkata, visit Netaji Bhawan, the house where Netaji lived for several years, and from which he eventually escaped after being put under house arrest by the British. Today, the Netaji Bhawan, is maintained by the Netaji Research Bureau and houses a museum, archives and library. Some of the rooms still maintain the original 1940s look and feel. The staircase through which Netaji made his secret departure is still preserved; so is his getaway car, which is still parked in the driveway.

What else to do in Kolkata: Take a boat ride on the Hoogly River and pay a visit to the Victoria Memorial.

Where to eat: Head to Park Street for delicious kathi rolls from Kusum, or to the Park Circus Area for mouthwatering mutton biryani from Kolkata’s iconic Arsalan.

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Gandhiji’s Iconic Dandi March, Sabarmati

sabarmati-ashram-gujarat — The Sabarmati Ashram was Gandhi’s abode for twelve years

One of Gujarat’s most iconic structures, the Sabarmati Ashram, or the Gandhi Ashram had been Gandhiji’s residence for twelve years. It was from this ashram that Gandhi led the historic Dandi March (also known as the Salt Satyagraha) in 1930 to the seaside town of Dandi to protest against the taxes imposed on salt by the British Government. Today, the ashram contains a museum that houses Gandhi’s message to his countrymen, letters and quotations by Gandhi and archives containing almost 34,000 letters to and from Gandhi, both originals and photocopies.

What else to do in Ahmedabad: Check out Ahmed Shah’s Mosque, Bhadra Mosque, Swaminarayan Temple, City Museum and the Thor Lake.

Where to eat: Green House for traditional Gujarati fare, the thali at Gopi Dining Hall and dosas at New Lucky Restaurant.

Book Your Flight to Ahmedabad

Rani Lakshmi Bai’s Last Stand, Jhansi

jhansi-fort — Jhansi: The earliest venue of India’s freedom struggle

One of the earliest cities associated with the independence struggle, Jhansi is inextricably linked to the valour of its famous queen, Rani Lakshmi Bai. A nondescript little town in Uttar Pradesh, Jhansi has one major attraction, the Jhansi Fort, built in 1613 by Maharaja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha. The fort stands testament to the mass bloodshed that took place within its walls when the British tried to occupy it .A parapet by the flag turret in the fort is the spot where Lakshmi Bai mounted a horse, with her son tied to her back, and jumped to her death.

What else to do in Jhansi: See the Rani Mahal, the Government Museum, Ganesh Temple and St. Jude’s Shrine.

Where to eat: Head to Narayan Chaat Bhandar for aloo tikkis and dahi vada and Haveli Restaurant for excellent vegetarian thalis.

Book Your Flight to Gwalior

So this Republic Day instead of sitting home and watching the parade how about taking a trip to one of these interesting places?

Maryann Taylor Follow

Maryann Taylor, among other things is primarily a teller of anecdotes, devourer of books, compulsive writer, dog lover, cat slave, daydreamer and traveller, who still takes delight in reading Enid Blyton and riding bicycles.