Military and War Museums to Learn About India’s Greatest Wars

India has the world’s largest voluntary army in addition to other military forces; Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coastal Guards and paramilitary forces. The brave men and women have fought many great battles to protect our nation.

Not many of us know the glorious history of different armed forces. Here’s a list of some fascinating military and war museums in India learn about the Indian military’s celebrated missions.

Naval Aviation Museum, Goa

The Naval Aviation Museum in Mormugao, Goa, is 6 km from Vasco da Gama and about 27 km from Panjim city. Maintained by the Indian Navy, it has about 20 fighter jets, helicopters and other naval aircraft. While the Indian Navy uses some, the others are models. The indoor museum consists of weapons, machinery and vintage photographs that throw light on the navy’s rich history. The museum also houses a replica of the INS Viraat, the flagship aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy.

While driving through the fields and beaches of Goa, keep your Ford Endeavour’s panoramic sunroof open and take in the beautiful skies, refreshing breeze and scenic views.

Indian Air Force Museum, New Delhi

The Indian Air Force Museum in New Delhi is less than 1.5 km from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, history buff or just a curious soul, this museum is a must-visit. You will learn about the glorious history of the Indian Air Force (IAF), right from its inception in 1932 to the Second World War and the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Aircraft, war relics like weapons, tankers, jeeps, machinery, photographs, IAF uniforms, and flags are well preserved and displayed at the museum.

Did you know that the interiors of the iconic Ford Mustang are inspired by a cockpit. The toggle switches, slick gear stick & precise steering all help deliver an exhilarating performance that’s next only to an aircraft.

INS Kursura Submarine Museum, Andhra Pradesh

Located on the RK beach in Visakhapatnam, the INS Kusura Submarine museum is about 18 km from the city centre. INS Kusura was India’s fifth submarine and served the Indian Navy for 31 years, after which it was preserved for public viewing.

This museum is worth a visit because it presents a rare opportunity to enter an actual submarine, understand its engineering and gain insights on the Indian Naval force’s life onboard. During this visit, stop by at the Victory Sea Memorial, dedicated to the martyrs of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

Jaisalmer War Museum, Rajasthan

The Jaisalmer War Museum, which is about 13 km from the city of Jaisalmer, is a place to pay your respects to war heroes. The museum consists of two information display halls that take you through the journey of the Indian Army, including the Battle of Laungewala and the Siachen war. It also has an honour wall dedicated to the sacrifices and bravery of the Indian soldiers. Take time off to immerse yourself in India’s history at the audio-visual room that displays a short documentary. Don’t forget to stop by the souvenir shop and check out their range of mementoes.

A trip to Jaisalmer will be incomplete without a visit to the massive sand dunes of the Thar Desert. The capable Ford Endeavour, with its segment-best Terrain Management System, would be your vehicle of choice to wade through tricky terrain and mighty sand mounds. It’s an off-roading experience that you must strike-off your to-do list.

Cavalry Tank Museum, Maharashtra

One of its kind in Asia, the Cavalry Tank Museum in Ahmednagar is about 250 km, a 5-hour drive from Mumbai. It houses around 50 armoured fighting vehicles, ranging from those of Russian and British origin to those that served the Indian cavalry throughout history. The best part is that each exhibit includes detailed information on the awe-inspiring past of the tank. And next to the museum, is the 16th century Faria Bagh Palace in its ruinous beauty.

The Ford Aspire will keep you and your family comfortable on your road trip to Cavalary Tank Museum.

A visit to these military and war museums will not just make you more aware of Indian Armed Force’s valour and history but will also make you incredibly proud of their achievements. So, the next time you plan a weekend getaway, head to a military and war museum.