The Kalinga War Memorial also known as ‘Khalinga War Memorial’ is located about 4 km from the city centre Clock Tower. It is the world’s first war memorial erected by an army for their opponent and is a famous tourist attraction of Dehradun. The Khalanga War Memorial was built by the British in the memory of their General ‘Gilapsy’ and other valorous army men and their opponent Gorkha General ‘Balbhadra Thapa’ as a tribute to their courage jointly after the battle of Nalapani which was fought in 1814.

Kalinga War Memorial- A salute to the Bravery and Valour of Gurkhas by the British

The Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816) also known as Anglo-Gurkha War was fought between the British and Gorkhas of Nepal. During the battle of Nalapani around 600 Gurkhas fought fiercely against the 3,000 odd soldiers in Khalanga Fort near Nalapani, Dehradun. The Gurkhas protected the fort for six long weeks and survived without food and water. Impressed with their fighting spirit, the British erected the Khalanga War Memorial to honour the Gurkha soldiers. After that, the British started recruiting Gurkhas in their army and the ritual is followed even today. At present, the Kalinga War Memorial is protected by ASI.

How to reach Khalanga War Memorial

Khalanga War Memorial on Sahastradhara road is located about 4 km from Clock Tower and about 11 km from ISBT Dehradun. One can reach the Khalanga War Memorial by taking the bus or Vikram to Sahastradhara. The memorial is situated about 47 km from Rishikesh, 60 km from Haridwar and around 254 km from Delhi. Dehradun railway station at 6 km away is the nearest railhead and Jolly Grant airport at 31 km away is the closest air connectivity to Khalanga War Memorial.