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Rajasthan

Longewala War Memorial

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map

January

4.6 - 29.0 °C

February

7.0 - 33.3 °C

March

12.6 - 39.4 °C

April

18.6 - 43.9 °C

May

21.9 - 46.2 °C

June

23.1 - 45.4 °C

July

24.2 - 42.8 °C

August

23.6 - 40.1 °C

September

22.4 - 40.6 °C

October

17.6 - 39.7 °C

November

11.5 - 35.2 °C

December

6.5 - 30.9 °C


Major Airports :

Jaisalmer Airport (JSR), Jaisalmer

Jodhpur Airport (JFR), Jodhpur

Nearest Railway Station :

Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM)

Major Airports :

Jaisalmer Airport (JSR), Jaisalmer

Jodhpur Airport (JFR), Jodhpur

Honouring the heroes

In the heart of the Thar Desert, amidst the shifting sands of time, lies a testament to courage, sacrifice and valour—the Longewala War Memorial in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This hallowed ground stands as a poignant reminder of one of India's most iconic military engagements—the Battle of Longewala—where a small band of soldiers, outnumbered and outgunned, defied all odds to defend their homeland against overwhelming enemy forces.

 

Tag along with us as we commence a voyage to explore the history, valour and perseverance that is symbolised by the Longewala War Memorial—a monument to the intrepid spirit of the Indian Army.

The verdicts of the warfare in the deserts' sand

And the sun sets beyond the brim of the Thar Desert, the Longewala War Memorial seems to come out of the shifting sands like a sentry paying homage to those who fought and sacrificed their lives in this empty battlefield. The Longewala War Memorial is therefore the most important monument which is dedicated to the courage and the spirit of selflessness of the soldiers who fought in this desert. The memorial is located in the folds of the Jaisalmer landscape of Rajasthan which is a symbol of  Indian military heritage and that of the courage of its soldiers which never dies.

The battle of Longewala

The tale of the Longewala War Memorial is deeply entrenched with the occurrences of December 1971, during the Indo-Pakistani war. In the late evening of the battle, a huge column of Pakistani tanks and infantry, numbering in the hundreds, crept across the border and advanced towards the Indian outpost at Longewala. They were determined to capture territory and disrupt the communication lines of India. Not even the guys in the trench knew that a group of Indian soldiers, headed by Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, were about to stand guard their post against the horde of adversaries.

The rising sun brought life to the desert grounds and ushered the Battle of Longewala into the heat of a fierce battle involving gunfire and cannons. However, Indians were numerically and technically inferior to their enemies and were always retreating, but the Indian soldiers showed an incredible amount of courage, bravery and determination that caused the enemy to lose a lot of men and made them abandon their attack. In the midst of a battle where the whole country pitied, they were the epitome of courage and resourcefulness and held their ground until reinforcements arrived, winning the war for India.


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Timings

Opening time - 08:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

Honouring the fallen: A sanctuary of remembrance

Today, the Longewala War Memorial marks the place of remembering – a place where the valour and sacrifice of those, who were killed in the Battle of Longewala and fought for India, is forever written in the pages of history. At the heart of this memorial complex is the obelisk, which has the names of the patriotic soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the motherland inscribed on it. Besides, there is a museum that tells the history of the battle with the help of artefacts, photographs, and personal accounts.

Visitors who come to the Longewala War Memorial can pay homage at the site of the memorial and can offer their prayers and respects to the heroes who perished in their country's service. Without any doubt, the desolated desert background is ideal for quiet reflection and meditation enabling people to feel the deep sense of duty, honour, and patriotism that is prevalent in this sacred field.

Educating future generations: The imperative of valour legacy preservation

Along with the commemoration of the past, the Longewala War Memorial performs a dual role of providing an educational resource for the young generation of this country, teaching the values of courage, resilience, and national pride. The memorial gets guests from city schools and from different corners of the country, who come here to learn about the Indo-Pakistani War, the courage of the ones fighting in it and the lasting legacy of the Indian Armed Forces of defending the nation's sovereignty and integrity.

The memorial makes use of guided tours, interactive exhibits and outreach programs to ensure that the memory of the Battle of Longewala is not forgotten but will always be preserved and cherished in the minds and hearts of all those who visit so that they will always be reminded of the high cost of freedom and the sacrifice made in its defence.

Culinary delights

The Longewala War Memorial is just a few steps away from the Jaisalmer city where visitors can enjoy a variety of Rajasthani food which is really tasty. The visitors learn how Rajasthani cuisine is packed with a variety of flavours and is visually appealing. You can grab some traditional dishes as well the place, such as Bajra Ki Roti (pearl millet flatbread) and Dal Baati Churma (a traditional Rajasthani dish of lentils, baked balls and sweet crumbles). The neighbourhood surrounding the Longewala War Memorial is filled with street food stalls and different cuisines that would surely excite the taste buds of visitors as they explore the area's history and culture.

Explore beyond the Memorial

Whilst the Longewala War Memorial depicts a crucial event in Indian military history, Jaisalmer is an abundant box of experiences waiting to be explored. A visit to the Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli will fascinate you with its ornamented facades, intricate balconies and colourful frescoes that can still be seen today. You can also have a closer look into the rich heritage of the region in the Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Culture Heritage site, whose ancient golden sandstone walls comprise ancient temples, intricately carved havelis and bustling markets that would take visitors back in time to the city's glorious history.