India is seventh largest country in the world and shares its border with Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It has land border of 15200 Km and Coastline border of 7500 Km. There are some beautiful and historical towns and villages that are located on border of India and its neighbouring countries. Here is a list of villages and towns in India that are located on International Border.
1: Attari – Punjab: Attari village is located in Amritsar District of Punjab which is one of the important tourist destination in North India and sacred city of Sikhs. Attari village is just 3 km away from Pakistan border and is famous for its “Beating Retreat ceremony” in which Border Security Force (India) and Pakistan Rangers (Pakistan) participate. It is important to note that Indian name of border is Attari and not Wagah. Wagah village lies in Pakistan and not in India. The Attari Railway station also acts as main station for customs and immigration check of “Samjhauta Express”.
“Beating Retreat ceremony” at Attari Border, India. source: outlookindia.com
2: Chitkul- Himachal Pradesh: Chitkul Village is located in Kinnaur Village of Himachal Pradesh and it is the last village on India-China (Tibet) border. Going further is not permitted without special permission. Kagyupa Temple in Chitkul is a very famous Buddhist temple and it has a highly valued image of the Shakyamuni Buddha. Chitkul is also famous for its potato which are very costly and one of the best in the world.
Chitkul-last village on India-China border. Source:trekearth.com
3: Longewala-Rajasthan: Longewala Village lies in Rajasthan and it is famous for the “Battle of Longewala” that took place during the India-Pakistan war of 1971. With only 120 solders to fight against 2000,Indian Army fought bravely on this front and completely destroyed Pakistani attack. Final casualties were 2 soldiers dead and one jeep destroyed on Indian side compared to 200 solders of Pakistani Army and 34 tanks lost. Battle of Longewala was featured in 1997 movie Border. This village is also famous for “Tanot Mata” Temple and during the war of 1965 with Pakistan, Pakistani army dropped several bombs on this temple but neither any bomb fell on the temple nor any bomb lying nearby exploded.
Pakistani Tank destroyed by Indian Army during Battle of Longewala in 1971. Source: Wikipedia.org
4: Dhanushkodi – Tamil Nadu: Dhanushkodi is a small town located in Pamban Island of Tamil Nadu and managed under Ramanathapuram District. Pamban Island is just 50km away from Sri Lanka. City ofRameswaram, which is one of the holiest place of Hindus and part of Char Dham yatra is very close to Dhanushkodi. Pamban Bridge connects Pamban Island to mainland of India. It is said that pilgrimage to Kashi (Varanasi) is not complete without worshiping at Rameswaram. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India was born here.
Pamban Bridge: It connects Pamban Island to mainland of India. Source:flicker.com
5: Hussainiwala – Punjab: Hussainiwala village lies in Firozpur District of Punjab and on the banks of River Sutlej. Hussainwala is famous for “National Martyrs Memorial” and it is a place where Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were cremated on March 23, 1931. Later on Batukeshwar Dutt (Involved in Bombing with Bhagat Singh) and Vidyawati (Mother of Bhagat Singh) were also cremated here. Batukeshwar Dutt specially mentioned in his will that he should be cremated at the same place where Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were cremated. Every year on 23rd March “Shaheedi Mela” is observed at National Martyrs Memorial.
Statue of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru at National Martyrs Memorial Hissianiwala. Source:Wikipedia.org
6: Moreh – Maniupur: Moreh village lies in Chandel district of Manipur and in local Burmese language it means “I’m tire”. Moreh is important commercial hub at eastern end of India and it is growing rapidly. There is “Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate” that connects India and Burma.
“Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate” in Moreh. It connects India to Burma. Source: e-pao.net
7: Malda – West Bengal: Malda Town is also known as Mango City of India and it is famous for its Mulberry, Jute and Silk products. Malda district is one of the greenest district with lush green flora. Apart from natural vegetation, Neem, Jackfruit trees, tamarind, bamboo, pipul and mango trees can be seen in abundance. One interesting fact about Malda district is that it celebrates its Indepencence day on 17th August as till 15thAugust 1947 it was not sure if the district would go with India or Pakistan. Malda District has first women court in India which was inaugurated in January 2013.
Malda also know as “Mango City of India”
8: Sunauli- Uttar Pradesh: Sunauli Village lies in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh and it is one of the important entry point between India and Nepal. To cross border form any side you need to get clearance from immigration office and get your passport stamped. The best thing is that if you are an Indian citizen then you don’t need any passport or visa. A simple voter Id or Ration Card would work. Sunauli is very close to Gorakhnath Mandir situated in Gorakhpur.
India-Nepal border at Sanauli. Source: Flicker.com
9: Lakhpat Town- Gujrat: Lakhpat is small town in Kachchh district of Gujrat and very close to Pakistani border. The word Lakhpat means millionaire and in past, city was a major trade center but was ruined by the Muslim Invasions in India and Earthquake that caused Indus River to change its flow. There is an 18th Century fort that marks a 7km border with Pakistan. Pir Ghaus Muhammed Tomb and Lakhpat Gurudwara Sahibare major tourist attractions of this place.
Pir Ghaus Muhammed Tomb at lakhpat town. Source: jovemac.in
10: Jaigaon – West Bengal: Jaigaon is a municipal town situated in Alipurduar district, West Bengal. It is situated on the banks of Torsa River and in between lush green Himalayan Mountain. This city is also regarded as the “Gateway to Bhutan” and links north-eastern states of India. Bus and car facility are available up to India- Bhutan border. Famous “Buxa Tiger Reserve”, situated in Alipurduar District has a status of National Park and home to Bengal Tigers is very close from Jaigaon.
Buxa Tiger Reserve situated in Alipurduar District and home to Bengal Tigers. Source: wikipedia.org
11: Bhairabkunda – Assam: Bhairabkunda is a famous picnic spot in Udalguri district of Assam. This town is also famous as it lies on the confluence of Jampani River and Bhairabi River which finally merges withBrahmaputra River. A dam has been constructed on Dhanshiri river and it also serves as another spot for amusement. One more reason for which Bhairabkunda is famous is that it lies on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.
Eastern Himalayan Mountain as seen from Bhairabkunda, Assam.
12: Dawki – Meghalaya: Dwaki is a small town located in Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. It is located on the border of India-Bangladesh and serves as a major route for coal transportation to Bangladesh. Famous for its water resources and lakes there is Dawki Bridge built by Britishers which is a suspension bridge over theUmngot River.
Dawki Bridge is a suspension bridge over the Umngot River built in 1932
13: Minicoy- Lakshadweep: Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep. Meaning of Minicoy is “women only” island. Famous for its beautiful beaches, the population of island is only 9000. Length of island is 10 km with width varying from 6 km to 8 km.
Famous light house at Minicoy island in Lakshadweep, India.
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