7 Historical Cities You Should Visit On Independence Day

You must have already noticed that Independence Day this year is a long weekend. If you really want to take advantage of these three days in August, I suggest you try something different. Something patriotic. Take a walk down memory lane and visit a place, which reminds you of the history behind this freedom. Here's my list of seven historical places to visit on Independence Day, to understand and feel proud of your heritage.

1. Delhi

 

Red Fort: Being the Capital of the country, Delhi prides itself to be the place where our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, gave the first Independence Day speech in 1947 at the Red Fort. This great monument has been an integral part of the freedom struggle. It was one of the main centres for the freedom fighters in the first war of Independence in 1857. It continues to be a symbol of the struggle as the Prime Minister still delivers the Independence Day speech from the ramparts of this grand fort on August 15 every year.

Facts: Attend the Sound and Light show at the Red Fort as it takes you through the history of the fort. Shows are held in Hindi as well as English. Please check timings for the show you wish to see.

Raj Ghat: A visit to Raj Ghat to pay homage to the Father of Our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, brings back all the stories we have heard as a kid about this great leader and what all he did to give us our precious Independence.

Facts: Raj Ghat is open daily, 6 am to 7 pm. No entry fee.

Gandhi Smriti: Located at 5, Tees January Marg, Gandhi Smriti was the place where Gandhi ji was shot on 30th of January 1948. He resided at these hallowed grounds from the day India gained Independence. Gandhi ji’s personal belongings have been carefully preserved and are on display along with other memorabilia from his life.

Facts: Timing: 10 am to 5 pm; Closed: Mondays; Multimedia show: 1 pm to 1:30pm.

2. Ahmedabad

​

Sabarmati Ashram: This was one of the epicentres of the freedom movement. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, it was originally called the Satyagraha Ashram. It was the grounds for Mahatma Gandhi to train activists to join his non-violent, civil disobedience and Swadeshi movements for Independence. Gandhi ji lived there for 12 years.

Facts: Gandhi ji’s living space, Hriday Kunj, has been converted into a museum. With prior appointment you could take a 90-minute guided tour of the Ashram. Tel: +91 79275 57277; Open: Daily, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm; Entry free.

3. Andaman Islands

Cellular Jail: Located in Port Blair is the Cellular Jail a.k.a Kaala Paani. Sounds so filmy! But seriously, that’s what it was really called. This jail is a reminder of what our freedom fighters went through to fight for the freedom, which we now take for granted. Made in the middle of the ocean, this jail was a place of exile for political prisoners, including notable freedom fighters like Battukeshwar Dutt and Veer Savarkar . Today it has been converted into a museum where you can see the  hardships that the inmates had to endure, including displays of  various means used to torture inmates.

Facts: You must watch the amazing Sound and Light Show, which encapsulates chilling stories from the past. Timings: Hindi – 6 pm, English – 7:15 pm; Museum: Open: 8:45 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5 pm. Ticket counter closes: 4:15 pm; Closed: Mondays and public holidays.

4. Allahabad

Chandra Shekhar Azad Park: Apart from being the largest park in Allahabad, it has a strong association with the Indian freedom struggle. Known as Alfred Park or Company Garden during the British rule, it was a place where the British held official ceremonies and musical performances by the police band. Chandra Shekhar Azad had taken a pledge never to be caught by the British and when he was cornered by the British, in this very park, he decided to use his last bullet to become a martyr instead of breaking his vow. A statue in his memory was erected where he died.

Facts: Located in the heart of the city; Open: All year round.

5. Jhansi

​

Jhansi Fort: Popularly known as ‘Rani Jhansi ka Quila’, this fort is over four centuries old. It is an icon symbolising India's First War of Independence in 1857, with Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi, as one of its legendary figures. Overlooking the city of Jhansi, the fort is strategically located on Bangara Hill. The spectacular fort, with its 10 gates, is spread over 20 hectares. It withstood heavy bombardment by the British forces for 17 days before it fell. Lakshmi Bai escaped and led her forces to capture the fort in Gwalior, where she finally succumbed in the battle when the British forces finally took back that fort from her.

Facts: Open all year round 6 am to 6 pm.

6. Kolkata

Barrackpore: This is the place where the famous freedom fighter Mangal Pandey rose in rebellion against the British and wounded two officers with his sword. His act of defiance and hanging in 1857 led to the First War of Independence. Mangal Pandey Garden is the place where he was hung. The park is commemorative of his fight against the British, enabling us gain our Independence. There is a bust of Mangal Pandey immortalising him as an integral part of the freedom movement in India.

Facts: Located 25 kilometres north of Kolkata.

7. Mumbai

August Kranti Maidan: Gandhi ji issued a call for the Quit India Movement on 8th August 1942 at the famous August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai. It was a call to mobilise the masses with a commitment of ‘Do or Die’. This movement was very strong and the British realized that they had lost their hold on India. Though many leaders were arrested, patriots led by Aruna Asaf Ali still managed to hoist the Indian flag. The British tried to suppress this movement through lathi charge and tear gas.

Facts: Originally known as the Gowalia Tank Maidan, this park is now a popular playground, divided into five parts, with separate special areas designated for children and senior citizens. A memorial in the park stands testimony to its historic past.

Book Your Flight to Mumbai

Just writing about all these places makes me so proud that I belong to a country of such brave citizens. I hope you too feel the same pride when you visit one of these spots.

If you think I missed out on an important historical place, do share your thoughts with me in the Comments section below and I will make sure to add them to my list next time.