Jaisalmer War Museum

A saddening tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, valour, sacrifice and rich combat background, especially their adventures in Rajasthan’s challenging desert terrain – Jaisalmer War Museum. Located on the Jodhpur Highway, approximately 10 km from the Golden City of Jaisalmer, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the unprecedented role Indian troops have played in national security.

History of Jaisalmer War Museum

A huge respect for the war heroes of the country, especially in the western theatre, gave rise to the Jaisalmer War Museum. Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Desert Corps, gave the idea that was further executed by the Indian Army’s Desert Corps.

Jaisalmer was chosen as the location due to its significant historical value as a battle site, most prominently as the location of the famous Battle of Longewala in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. The museum was specifically created to honor the warriors of this pivotal battle, a small band of Indian troops who fought off a huge armoured invasion of Pakistan.

On August 24, 2015, Lieutenant General Ashok Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Indian Army, officially dedicated the museum to the country and opened it to the public. Its role as a memorial and learning center for India’s military achievements was doubly finalized when its inauguration occurred in the Golden Jubilee Commemoration Year of the 1965 India-Pakistan War.

The museum was established with the prime objective of raising public consciousness of the martyrdom of the gallant men and women of the Indian Army in general and the whole of the Armed Forces in general, and the Armed Forces in general, and of collecting and showcasing India’s rich military history.

Architectural Layout of Jaisalmer War Museum

The interior of the museum was designed with utmost care to offer an interactive and educational experience that would allow travellers to connect to the reality of war and the strategies adopted by the Indian Army. Here are some of its major attractions –

Indian Army Hall is an area devoted to provide illustration of the Indian Army’s overall history and particular conflicts. The 1948 Indo-Pakistan War, the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War and the 1999 Kargil War are only a few of the many conflicts it covers.

Laungewala Hall is dedicated exclusively to the great Battle of Longewala 1971, possibly the most crucial part. It all recreates the buildup of the battle in terms of photographs, instructional sand model and detailed 3D birds-eye view models.

Audio-Visual Hall is a special room that regularly screens short movies and documentaries, like one that details the happenings and bravery of the Battle of Longewala. It offers visitors an energetic and engaging means of comprehending the severity and significance of the military operations.

Victory Path is a striking outdoor exhibition of heavy military machinery on the grounds of the museum. Also known as the Vijay Path, has an intimidating group of tanks, artillery guns, old war vehicles and war remnants.

Honour Wall is a sacred space that is a memorial building with the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry awards of India.

The Light and Sound Show during the evenings (most likely from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, is another feature that graphically narrates stories of martial glory and the glorious history of the Indian Armed Forces.

Timings and Entry Fees:

The Jaisalmer War Museum is available every day during normal business hours and is meant to be accessible to all members of the general population.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week.

Entry Fee:

Indian National Adults – 10/-* to 25/-* per person

Indian Students: 5/-* per person

Foreign Adults: 50/-* per person

Foreign National Students: 25/-* per person

Having a still or video camera on the property typically involves an additional charge. The Light and Sound Show and the screening of the Audio-Visual Hall may also have an extra modest change. It is a highly inclusive cultural and historical site due to its low cost.

Best time to visit Jaisalmer War Museum

The winter season from October to March is the best time to visit the Jaisalmer War Museum and the city of Jaisalmer as a whole.

Winter (October – March) is are peak tourist season. The weather in these months is quite comfortable, with the temperatures during the day going from a pleasant 10 degree Celsius to 27 degree Celsius. The sunny and cool weather is perfect for sightseeing, exploring the outdoor displays of the museum and overall making the visit comfortable.

Summer (April – August) is dominated by intensely hot and dry weather, with temperatures frequently reaching well into the 40 degree Celsius to 48 degree Celsius.

Monsoon (July – September) brings very little rain during these months. While days are hot and sometimes sticky, the weather is less oppressive than it would be at the peak of summer.

An early morning visit in the winter months is highly recommended if you wish to enjoy the museum and the large outdoor exhibits to the fullest without the intense heat of the sun. Plan a visit to include the evening Light and Sound Show for a complete experience.

Places to visit near Jaisalmer War Museum:

Jaisalmer Fort is a 10 to 12 km site from the museum, one of the largest intact fortified cities in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its golden hue during sunset and the fact that it is built of yellow sandstone, Jaisalmer is also known as the Golden City.

Havelis of Jaisalmer like Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmalji ki Haveli, and Salim Singh ki Haveli are known for its intricate construction, facades and detailed stone carvings. They offer a glimpse into the rich lifestyle of wealthy merchants.

Gadisar Lake is enclosed with a few temples and shrines, a peaceful man-made lake built in the 14th century. It is a peaceful spot for boat cruises, bird watching and watching the sunset.

Sam Sand Dunes is about 42 to 45 kms from the city, ideal for desert outings like night camping, camel safaris and jeep safaris, also entail stargazing, traditional dance and music shows.

The Tanot Mata Temple is famous for having miraculously survived the 1971 war.

Bada Bagh is widely famous for witnessing sunsets and is an incredible historical site.

Kuldhara Village is approximately 18 kms away, a mysterious abandoned village, famous for the legend that its people vanished overnight.

Conclusion –

The Jaisalmer War Museum is a travel destination for every patriotic Indian and an interesting learning experience for tourists from across the globe. It accurately relates the tale of India’s steadfast military heritage, emphasizing the savagery of desert fighting and the extraordinary courage shown by its armed forces, especially during the most decisive Indo-Pak War.



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