There is a district in Uttar Pradesh, which Jawaharlal Nehru called Switzerland of UP. The name of this district is Sonbhadra. This district is also very important from a religious and cultural point of view because evidence of Ramayana and Mahabharata is present here. Many rulers were kept prisoner here by Jarasandha in the Mahabharata war. Apart from the beautiful natural wealth that encompasses nature beauty in the Vindhya region, there are power plants, fossil parks, ancient temples, mythological and historical forts, grand waterfalls, and thrilling caves. Sonbhadra district is an industrial area and has many minerals like bauxite, limestone, coal, gold, etc. Sonbhadra is called the energy capital of India. Let's know about this attractive district of UP...
Sonbhadra touches the borders of four states
Sonbhadra comes in Uttar Pradesh but it also borders Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. This district is quite famous in terms of mining because minerals are excavated in the Kaimur hills and minerals are mined in large quantities. Sonbhadra is a very famous district of Uttar Pradesh which is known for many things. Sonbhadra is a unique district of India that touches the borders of four states simultaneously.
History of Sonbhadra
This district was famous as the second Kashi during the 11th to 13th centuries. In the 9th century BC, the Nagas of the Brahmadatta dynasty divided it. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, the present area of ββthe district was in Kaushal and Magadha. Kushans and Nagas also held supremacy in this area before the advent of the Gupta period. Sonbhadra district was separated from the original Mirzapur district on 4 March 1989. With an area of ββ6,788 sq km, it is the second largest district of Uttar Pradesh.
Vijaygarh Fort
This fort located in the Sonbhadra district of UP was built by the Kol kings in the 5th century. To reach this fort, you have to move from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district towards Mau Kalan village. About 30 km from Robertsganj, you will start seeing this fort after walking away. This 400-foot-high fort is surrounded by the rocks of Kaimur hills from all sides. The most attractive things about this fort include the statues found here, paintings done on stones, and writings. There are also 4 such ponds in this fort in which water remains throughout the year. There are two more ponds near the fort which you should see. Meera Sagar and Ram Sagar are at a short distance from the fort. Between these two is the beautiful Rang Mahal Palace where you can see the fine paintings done on stones.
View of Son River
The spectacular view of the hills, the sun, and the Son River has always attracted tourists. During holidays, a large number of tourists from the border areas of UP, MP, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand come here to enjoy it.
Mukkha Falls
You will get to see a spectacular waterfall in Mukkha Falls. Every year thousands of people come to visit it to see it. Local people come here to have picnics. This waterfall is worth seeing during the rainy season. There is a different fun in visiting this place during the rain. Apart from this, you can also go to Aghori Fort. It is also known as Triber Fort.
Son Echo Point
Son Echo Point is a beautiful place in the district. It is located on Markundi hill. From here you get to see the beautiful view of the district. A small garden is built here, from where you can see the beautiful view all around, mountain pond and forest. There is a lot of rain here during the rainy season. It is fun because, during the rainy season, many small waterfalls flow on this entire hill, which is very wonderful. Here you get to see a very beautiful statue of Ganesha. You can come here to visit. This place is known as Son Eco Point in Markundi on Varanasi Shaktinagar road. There is a lot of crowd here on Sundays.
Son Pahadi
The saying 'Sau Man Sona, Kona-Kona' is very popular in Sonbhadra district and this saying is directly related to Son Pahadi and Agori Fort. The 'Agori Fort' of tribal king Bal Shah is still present in dilapidated condition in the forest of Agori village of Chopan development block of the district. There is a legend among the tribals here that in 711 AD, Kharwar tribal king Bal Shah ruled here, and was attacked by the Chandel rulers. Defeated in this attack, King Bal Shah left the fort along with his soldiers, taking one hundred maunds (four thousand kilograms) of gold from his treasury, and hid in the forests of Panari near the Renu river, just seven kilometers away from the fort, through a secret route. He hid that treasure in every corner of this hill and hid himself too.
When to go
Although it would be more fun to visit Sonbhadra in the winter season. But you can visit here in any season. You will also get guest houses according to your budget to stay in Sonbhadra. However, do not expect any luxury hotel here.
How to reach
You can also go by flight, train, and drive. First, come to Banaras airport by flight and go to Sonbhadra from here. The nearest station to go by train is Mirzapur. From Banaras itself, you can visit Sonbhadra by bus.
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