Netaji And Tourist Places Associated With Him

23rd January is the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He was a master of disguise and an intensive traveler. The purpose of these disguises and travels boiled down to one aim, the freedom of the motherland, India. He has traveled throughout India, Southern Asia, Tokyo (Japan), Moscow (Russia), Great Britain, and Europe. Let's have a look at Netaji and tourist places in India and abroad associated with the great leader.

Cuttack in Orissa, India

Subhas Bose was born in a large and privileged Bengali family in Cuttack, Orissa (Odisha) during the British rule, on 23^rd January 1897. His early life, as in schooling was done there. Cuttack is seated between the Rivers Mahanadi and Kathajodi. There are sea beaches near Cuttack. Puri is only 80 km from Cuttack. Cuttack is famous for the ruins of Barabati Fort, Chandi Mandir, and Paramahansanath Temple. Netaji's house where he was born is a museum dedicated to him and is the pivotal attraction of Cuttack. Thus when we speak of Netaji and tourist places, Cuttack cannot be ignored.

kolkata in west bengal, India

Subhas Bose was a brilliant student and came to Kolkata from Cuttack to get admitted to college for graduation. In Kolkata Bose stayed in his father's majestic house at Bhawanipore which is converted into a museum today, called, ‘Netaji Bhawan'. In this house, he even stayed when he joined the Indian National Congress and the epic escape of Bose from British eyes also took place from this house. It is a place that one must visit when he comes to visit Kolkata. It is maintained by Netaji Research Bureau today.  The house today is at the heart of the city. It is in a posh area, just opposite the Forum Mall. Within 5 km from Netaji Bhawan, one can reach Kalighat, St. Paul's Cathedral, Victoria Memorial, Red Road, Eden Gardens, and Maidan.    

Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh, India

Dalhousie has a spot called ‘Subhas Chowk' and also a place called, ‘Subhas Baoli' at a hilltop. At Subhas Baoli, Bose often used to visit to meditate in the Himalayas and achieve peace and clarity of thoughts. Netaji and tourist places are related in Dalhousie. Subhas Baoli is an important sightseeing spot in Dalhousie besides St.John's Church and Panchphula. 

Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India

Besides Chennai, Madurai is a major place that makes a relation between Netaji and tourist places when it comes to Tamil Nadu. Netaji had visited Madurai in. He was supposed to travel the whole state to inspire people to join the ‘Azad Hind Fauj'. But he had to leave early due to the advent of World War II. He lectured at Madurai. Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. Both of them are architectural and sculptural gems. There are a few more ancient temples with beautiful architecture present at Madurai.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Azad Hind government obtained control of the islands from the Japanese by the end of 1943, and Subhas Bose arrived in Port Blair on 29th December 29, 1943. He hoisted the Indian Tricolor (flag) at the Gymkhana grounds in Port Blair while a chorus sang the national anthem. Thousands of Indians gathered. It was the first time such a glorious event happened in pre-independent India. Netaji paid tribute to the revolutionaries who had suf­fered and lost their lives at the iconic Cellular Jail. Today it is an important site seeing spot and the sound and light show in the evening is intense. Netaji and tourist places in Andamans are inseparable. The beautiful islands of Andamans and their beaches are the chief tourist attractions. Ross Island is renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Neil Island as Shaheed (Martyrs) Dweep, and Havelock as Swaraj (Freedom) Dweep. (Dweep means Island.)

London in England

 London is one of the world's leading tourist destinations. Netaji was sent to London to study for the Indian Civil Service (ICS).  In July 1920, Bose took the ICS exams in London and ranked fourth. Finally, in April 1921, Bose withdrew from taking up this post with the ICS and returned to India in the summer of 1921. He was fond of his landlord who was a pure Englishman. The London Bridge, Big Ben, and Oxford must have been inspiring Bose. Today's London is different. There's a lot more to see like the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and Harry Potter Museum.

Europe

Netaji traveled intensely across Europe; Italy, Germany, and Austria. In fact, he stayed in Berlin, Germany, for two years, trying to gather support for Indian National Army (INA). Netaji and tourist places of all these countries make a trail that Netaji fans follow. Several Bengalis and/or Indians take up the Netaji trail in Europe. Rome(Italy), Berlin (Germany), and Vienna (Austria) are historically so rich that their art and architecture, together with natural scenic beauty attract numerous tourists from all over the world.

Moscow in Russia

Moscow is currently gaining huge popularity among travelers. If we consider Netaji and tourist places, Moscow plays a significant role. During the great escape from house arrest, Netaji first entered Russia via Kabul and reached Moscow. Moscow's St. Basil's Cathedral at Red Square and Kremlin are UNESCO World Heritage Site and appear on so many picture postcards.

South Asia

Netaji and tourist places in South Asia can be tracked down to some of the World's most popular tourist destinations. These cities were important World War II nodes during his era, where he traveled to gather support for the Indian National Army. Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Taiwan (then called Taihoku), and Tokyo (Japan) are hot spots of the Netaji trail in South Asia. Singapore and Tokyo have Netaji statues.  In fact, it is assumed that Tokyo has the purported location of the ashes of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, preserved since 1945.

Conclusion

This is just a list of Netaji and tourist places while his itinerary is extensive and elusive at times. He was immensely influential and one of those leaders for whom we Indians breathe free air.  His stories of bravery, disguise, diligence, passion, and strategies still inspire us.