Trips that kindle patriotic spirit

India is celebrating its 70th Republic Day this January 26. It’s also an occasion for travel enthusiasts to visit a few distinctive landmarks in India. Here are five patriotic vacation ideas to help you celebrate!

Republic Day Parade, Delhi
The parade organised at the national capital is the largest and the most important one of all the parades marking the Republic Day celebrations in India. It begins after the Indian President hoists flag at Rajpath. The parade showcases the country's defence capability and cultural and social heritages in front of the world.

 Wagah Border, Amritsar
Located near Amritsar, the Wagah Border is quite famous for the flag-lowering ceremony held here every day since 1959. Every evening before sunset, the ceremony takes place where both the BSF and the Pakistan Rangers lower the flags of their respective nations. A humorous display of military tradition and might proceeds the actual flag lowering, along with music, dancing and races.

India Gate, New Delhi
India Gate, situated in the Rajpath region, is a memorial to more than 70,000 soldiers who died in the First World War and the third Anglo-Afghan war. Names of more than 13,000 martyrs have been depicted on the walls of India Gate. Just being at the spot evokes patriotic spirit. Amar Jawan Jyoti is located near this.

Jhansi Fort, Uttar Pradesh
Jhansi Fort was one of the main centres of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Below the walls of the fort is a depiction in the form of diorama, the bloody battle in which Rani of Jhansi gave her life to save her people from the hands of the British. The fort is located in the middle of the Jhansi city.The Karak Bijli and Bhawani Shankar cannon of the queen are also kept inside the fort. It also has a museum, which provides an insight into the history of Bundelkhand.     

Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
Sabarmati Ashram is situated about 5 km away from the centre of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Ashram has a museum, comprising an office, library, two photo galleries and an auditorium. There are original manuscripts of Gandhiji's letters and articles. The Ashram is open from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm throughout the year and admission is free.

(The writer is co-founder and director of Travelyaari)