Explore the Dark Side of History: Nostalgic Dark Tourism & Visiting Historical and Tragic Sites

Have you ever been curious, to experience the history and tragedy as much as the beauty of India? Live and breathe the experience with one of these ten dark tourism sites in India! From tragedy, to history, to literature, experience it all, through one of these ten dark tourism sites in India.

1. Sabarmati Ashram, Gujarat

This Ashram was home to Mahatma Gandhi where he followed his dream of “Satya, Ahimsa, and Truth.” Learn about the struggle for India’s independence and the life and peaceful non-violence protest of the man himself. It is here that Gandhi launched the famous Salt March, a campaign against the taxation implemented by the British. Partly destroyed in 2001 by a vandalistic mob, it still stands as a tribute to a revolutionary figure.

2. Cellular Jail, Andaman Islands

The Cellular Jail, also known as Kaala Pani, serves as an important reminder of the British Raj. Located in the Andaman Islands, the Cellular Jail was one of the many prisons built in British India. It is said that this Cellular Jail stands as a testament to the strength and courage of those who fought for India’s independence. You can learn more about its history as many of the original cells and barracks still stand in the prison.

3. Jallianwala Bagh, Punjab

In April 1919 British troops opened fire on a public gathering in Jallianwala Bagh, killing 379 people and injuring another 1,200 individuals. Since then it has been listed in UNESCO’s list of minimum endangered sites and memorials in India. Feel the emotions that surge within as you pass the beautiful Jallianwala Bagh memorial and a reminder of the British atrocities.

4. Memorial to Rajiv Gandhi, New Delhi

Rajiv Gandhi was one of the most beloved Prime Ministers of India and is remembered fondly even today. Visit his memorial located outside Rajghat in New Delhi and pay tribute to the beloved leader who fought for the rights of the poor. Learn more about the tragic assassination of the beloved Prime Minister and pay your respects at the Rajiv Gandhi memorial.

5. Ajmer Sharif, Rajasthan

Ajmer Sharif is another important site for pilgrims of India. The graves of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is located here. The Dargah of Ajmer Sharif has been a pilgrimage for people of many religions for centuries. Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs come together to pay their respects at this hallowed ground.

6. Rana Kumbha Palace, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

The Rana Kumbha Palace has a long and eventful history, having been built in the 700s. Since then, it has been the focal point of several major battles. The palace serves as a reminder of a bygone era and is a great place to explore the history and mythology of one of India’s greatest kingdoms.

7. Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

The Bibi Ka Maqbara is often known as the “Taj Mahal of the Deccan” due to its striking similarity to the world-famous mausoleum. It is a tribute to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s first wife, Rabia-ud-Daurani. This beautiful monument stands as a reminder of love, loss, and the beauty of Mughal architecture.

8. Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi

Built in 1572, this stunning mausoleum is a reminder of a magnificent era in Indian history. It is situated close to the city center and is the site of the annual monsoon festival in the mid-year. Seek to capture the essence of the Mughal era, and pay your respects, at Humayun’s Tomb.

9. Bangalore War Cemetery, Bangalore

The Bangalore War Cemetery is a memorial of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, built in 1951. The cemetery remembers those who died in both World Wars, and underlines the importance of appreciating the more somber aspects of India’s modern history.

10. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

The Mehrangarh Fort literally translates to “The Mighty Fort”, having been built in the mid-1400s. The massive fort is remembered as the site of the Battle of Khejarli, whereby hundreds of volunteers were beheaded in an attempt to protect a grove of sacred trees. The walls of the fort still stand proud as a reminder of this darker part of Indian history.

Conclusion

The ten dark tourism sites in India are a reminder of the tragedy, history, and resilience of India. From the struggle for independence to the tragedy of communal violence, explore this side of Indian culture and learn what makes India so culturally diverse and resilient. Pay your respects, feel the emotions, and make memories with one of these ten dark tourism sites in India.

Frequent Asked Questions

Below are the frequently asked questions about dark tourism and visiting historical and tragic sites, along with their corresponding answers.

What is dark tourism in India?

Dark tourism in India is the practice of visiting monuments and sites of tragedy and brutality in the country, such as prisons and war memorials. It is an opportunity to pay respect to the trials of those from previous generations and to gain perspective on the events which have formed the organisation and composition of today’s society.

Is it safe to visit dark tourism sites in India?

Most dark tourism sites in India are well-maintained by responsible custodians and are as safe as any other tourist attraction. Overcrowding and poor hygiene should be avoided as normal, and personal precautions should still be taken when travelling.

How are certain sites marked out as dark tourism?

The UNESCO World Heritage site list is an impartial marker of the world’s most important sites, including those considered as ‘dark’ or places of trauma or struggle. Furthermore, many major tourist sites in India have been associated as important cultural sites and may fall under the category of ‘dark’ tourism.