Longewala is a small border town in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. It is located about 130 km from Jaisalmer, a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan. While Longewala may not be as well-known as Jaisalmer, it has a fascinating history and offers plenty of things to do and see for tourists.
History of Longewala:
Longewala is most famous for the Battle of Longewala, which took place during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. On the night of December 4, 1971, a small Indian border post at Longewala was attacked by a much larger Pakistani force. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, the Indian soldiers fought back fiercely, using their tanks to hold off the enemy until reinforcements arrived. The battle was a decisive Indian victory and is remembered as one of the greatest military triumphs in Indian history.
Things to do in Longewala:
1. Visit the Longewala War Memorial: The Longewala War Memorial was built in honor of the Indian soldiers who fought and died during the Battle of Longewala. The memorial is located near the border and offers a stunning view of the desert landscape. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in military history.
2. Explore the Thar Desert: Longewala is located in the heart of the Thar Desert, which offers plenty of opportunities for desert exploration. Visitors can take a camel safari or a jeep safari to explore the desert and its many sand dunes. Many local tour operators offer these services at affordable rates.
3. Visit the Tanot Mata Temple: The Tanot Mata Temple is located about 30 km from Longewala and is famous for its association with the Battle of Longewala. Legend has it that during the battle, the temple's deity, Tanot Mata, protected the Indian soldiers from enemy fire. The temple is now a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
4. Visit the Border: Longewala is located very close to the India-Pakistan border, and visitors can get a glimpse of the border from the town. The border is heavily guarded, and visitors must obtain permission from the local authorities to visit.
Getting to Longewala:
Longewala is located about 130 km from Jaisalmer, and the best way to get there is by road. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from Jaisalmer to Longewala. The journey takes about 3-4 hours and offers stunning views of the desert landscape.
Accommodation in Longewala:
Longewala is a small town, and there are only a few accommodation options available. The most popular options are local guesthouses and homestays, which offer basic amenities at affordable rates. Visitors looking for more luxurious accommodations can stay in Jaisalmer and make a day trip to Longewala.
In conclusion, Longewala may be a small border town, but it offers plenty of things to do and see for tourists. Whether you are interested in military history, desert exploration, or local cuisine, Longewala has something to offer. So, if you are visiting Jaisalmer, make sure to take a day trip to Longewala to experience the town's unique history and culture.
