The National War Memorial Southern Command is a military memorial in Ghorpadi, Pune, dedicated to soldiers who died in conflicts after Indian independence. Its memorial features and military displays offer a focused introduction to Pune military history.
- Location: Ghorpadi, Pune
- Visiting hours: Open Wednesday to Monday; closed Tuesday
- Admission and access: current fees and visitor requirements are not confirmed
About the memorial
The National War Memorial Southern Command commemorates service personnel who died serving the country after Indian independence. A report on the memorial describes its honorees as officers, junior commissioned officers and other ranks, sailors and airmen from Southern Command and Maharashtra.
The memorial is in Ghorpadi, in Pune. Its role is distinct from the National War Memorial in New Delhi, so check information specifically for the Southern Command memorial when planning your visit.
What visitors can expect
The memorial grounds combine commemorative features with military displays, including a decommissioned MiG-23 aircraft, a replica of INS Trishul and a Vijayanta tank.
Other reported places of interest include eight pillars of battle operations, busts of 21 Param Vir Chakra recipients, a museum and galleries dedicated to Rajasthan, Maratha history and munitions. A souvenir shop is also listed. These features give the visit several distinct elements, from the memorial itself to the exhibits and outdoor displays.
A laser-and-sound show has been reported on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at sunset, around 6:45 pm. Confirm whether it is running before you plan your visit around it.
How do you get to the memorial from the hotel area?
The memorial is about 1.6 km from Trance Sunderban, a hotel in Pune; the supplied travel times are about 15 minutes by car or 47 minutes on foot.
The memorial’s location is in Ghorpadi, but specific public transport directions are not confirmed here. If you plan to use buses or trains, check routes for your starting point before travelling.
Pune’s metro, bus and train options are covered in this guide to getting around Pune.
Access rules and visiting details
Reported visiting hours are 9:30 am–12:30 pm and 4:00 pm–7:00 pm. These hours come from a news report rather than confirmed current official guidance, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday and Wednesday to Sunday: 8:30–13:00 and 15:00–19:30
- Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Current information about civilian eligibility, identification requirements, admission fees, security screening, photography and bag restrictions is not confirmed. Check current access requirements before setting out, and be prepared to follow instructions at the entrance.
Planning a respectful visit
Allow time to take in the memorial and its displays without treating the grounds as a casual photo stop. The site commemorates people who died in military service, so follow posted directions and any guidance from staff.
If the evening show is part of your plan, verify its schedule alongside the visiting hours. For another Pune landmark, the Bund Garden visit guide covers what to see there.
FAQs
Where is the National War Memorial Southern Command?
It is in Ghorpadi, Pune. It is separate from the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
What is the memorial dedicated to?
It honours soldiers who died in conflicts after Indian independence, including service personnel associated with Southern Command and Maharashtra.
Are there exhibits as well as a memorial?
Reported features include a museum, galleries, battle-operation pillars and military displays such as a decommissioned MiG-23 and a Vijayanta tank.
What are the visiting hours?
Open Wednesday to Monday; closed Tuesday. Current official hours are not confirmed. Verify them before travelling.