Indian Bureaucracy, Lucknow, September 03, 2025 | The Uttar Pradesh government has approved an ambitious plan for the tourism development of the ancient site Kampil in Farrukhabad district under the Mahabharata Circuit. Witness to the Ramayana and Mahabharata periods, Kampil will receive ₹4 crore for integrated development.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the project reflects the government’s priority of reviving epic-era heritage. “Kampil holds special significance as the birthplace of Draupadi and the venue of her swayamvar. It also connects deeply to traditions from the Ramayana. Our aim is to strengthen its identity on the national and global tourism map,” he said.
Farrukhabad district, already known for its heritage sites, has experienced steady growth in visitors. In 2024, it welcomed over 2.54 million tourists. By the first quarter of 2025, more than one million visitors had arrived. By year’s end, the number is expected to reach between 3.5 and 4 million. Authorities think the Kampil project will further boost this trend, enhancing the district’s status on both national and international levels.
A Town of Legendary Associations
Kampil was the capital of Panchal during the Mahabharata period. According to tradition, Draupadi was born here and married the Pandavas in a swayamvar that continues to resonate in Indian folklore. The Draupadi Kund still stands as a reminder of that history and remains a draw for visitors. The town is also home to the Rameshwar Nath Temple, where legend holds that Lord Ram installed a Shivling brought from Lanka after his victory over Ravana, a lingam once worshipped by Sita in Ashok Vatika. Devotees continue to gather here in large numbers, especially during the month of Shravan.
Besides its Hindu connections, Kampil holds importance in Jain history. An ancient Digambar Jain temple enshrines Lord Vimalnath, the 13th Tirthankara, who is believed to have been born in this town. Jain texts also link Kampil to Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, further establishing it as a multi-faith pilgrimage site.
Development Blueprint
The Department of Tourism will implement a development program to improve the visitor experience. The plan includes building entry gates, beautifying the area, adding lighting, creating modern information centers, and providing public facilities like drinking water and resting areas. Officials believe these upgrades will help preserve Kampil’s religious and cultural identity while preparing it for modern tourism.
Strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism Push
Minister Singh highlighted that the state is moving forward with its religious tourism plans. With circuits dedicated to the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, Uttar Pradesh aims to enhance its position in global tourism. Farrukhabad has sacred sites linked to multiple faiths. By developing these areas together, we want to position Uttar Pradesh as a leading international destination for cultural and spiritual tourism, he said.
Kampil’s redevelopment is not just about building infrastructure; it seeks to renew a site where myth, faith, and history converge. As the project progresses, the town is expected to become not only a center for pilgrimage but also a vibrant link to India’s epic traditions, welcoming generations of pilgrims and travelers eager to connect with its rich past.