The Republic Day long weekend in 2026 is a good time to travel with children to places that help them understand India’s history beyond classrooms and textbooks.
War memorials across the country tell real stories of courage sacrifice and resilience in a way that is visual memorable and age appropriate. These spaces encourage reflection while also sparking questions about India's freedom and the people who protect it. Here are five war memorials across India that are meaningful educational and suitable to visit with children during the long weekend.
National War Memorial, Delhi (Rashtriya Samar Smarak)
Located near India Gate, the National War Memorial honours Indian soldiers who have lost their lives in wars and operations since Independence. Opened in 2019, the memorial is spread across a large landscaped area and is designed in four concentric circles (Amar, Veerta, Tyag and Raksha chakra) that symbolise the journey of a soldier from duty to sacrifice.
The innermost circle known as the Amar Chakra houses an eternal flame that burns day and night. The surrounding walls are engraved with thousands of names, making the sacrifice personal and easy for children to connect with. Apart from the main memorial, there is dedicated area for busts of soldiers who have been conferred with 'Param Vir Chakra,' the nation's highest gallantry award.
Kargil War Memorial, Ladakh
The Kargil War Memorial stands near Tiger Hill, one of the most important locations of the 1999 Kargil War. Built by the Indian Army, the memorial commemorates soldiers who fought in extreme weather and terrain to reclaim Indian territory.
The memorial includes a museum with photographs personal belongings and detailed accounts of the conflict. A pink sandstone wall bears the names of fallen soldiers, while the surrounding mountains provide a powerful visual reminder of the challenges faced by the troops. For children, this memorial helps explain modern warfare courage under pressure and the importance of national security.
Chandigarh War Memorial, Chandigarh
The Chandigarh War Memorial commemorates 8,459 martyrs who have laid down their lives for India since Independence. Inaugurated in 2006, the memorial features a tall central structure surrounded by walls engraved with the names of soldiers from different states and services.
The design encourages learning and helps children understand the scale of sacrifice across generations. The clear layout and open space make it easy to explore, while the engraved names serve as a reminder that history is shaped by real people and families.
Longewala War Memorial, Rajasthan
Located in the Thar Desert, the Longewala War Memorial marks the site of the iconic 1971 Indo Pakistan battle of Longewala. The memorial tells the story of a small group of Indian soldiers who defended their post against a much larger enemy force with strategic planning and support from the Indian Air Force.
Children often find this memorial engaging because of the outdoor displays, which include preserved tanks bunkers and aircraft replicas. The site makes it easier to explain military strategy bravery and teamwork in a way that feels tangible and memorable.
Tawang War Memorial, Arunachal Pradesh
Perched amidst the breathtaking landscape of Tawang, this war memorial is a solemn tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1962 Indo-China war. The memorial, built in the form of a stupa, is a blend of military and Buddhist influences, symbolising peace and sacrifice.
Surrounding the stupa are several flags flying high, including the National Flag, the Army Flag, the Air Force Flag, as well as the flags of the 27 other regiments that fought in the war. The memorial was built in memory of the 2,420 members of the armed forces who laid down their lives in the Kameng district during the war.
