Lucknow/Sambhal, May 5, 2026:

After Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Mathura, Uttar Pradesh is now accelerating efforts to develop Sambhal as its next major spiritual tourism destination, with a strong focus on reviving the district’s ancient pilgrimage network.

In a fresh push, the state government has approved a ₹4.5 crore tourism development project for Vansh Gopal Teerth, one of the most significant religious sites located along Sambhal’s 24-Kosi Parikrama route. A first instalment of ₹3.37 crore has already been released to begin work.

The move is part of a wider plan to transform Sambhal into a structured year-round pilgrimage destination centred around the 24-Kosi Parikrama route and the emerging Kalki Teerth circuit, while boosting local livelihoods through tourism-led economic activity.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the redevelopment is being carried out in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision to revive lesser-known but historically significant spiritual destinations. “Vansh Gopal Teerth is one of Sambhal’s most important faith centres and marks both the beginning and end of the 24-Kosi Parikrama. Along with this, several temples, sacred wells and heritage sites across Sambhal are being restored to strengthen the district’s religious identity and tourism potential,” he said.

Officials said Vansh Gopal Teerth, located in Benipur Chak, holds deep religious significance. Local belief links the site to Lord Krishna and Rukmini, with devotees considering it a sacred stop associated with the origins of Sambhal’s pilgrimage tradition. The teerth remains a key point for devotees undertaking the annual parikrama.

The redevelopment project includes construction of grand entrance gates, a multipurpose hall, pilgrim shelters, toilets, changing rooms, improved pathways, stone flooring and stainless-steel railings to improve visitor convenience.

The government is also restoring Sambhal’s 141-year-old Manokamna Temple, while parallel projects are underway to revive temples, kunds and traditional wells across the district.

Jaiveer Singh said the broader plan goes beyond temple restoration and focuses on creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem. “The government is working on revival of natural assets, better connectivity and integrated pilgrimage infrastructure while ensuring local artisans, guides and communities become part of the tourism economy,” he said.

Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat said Sambhal is being developed as a structured religious tourism circuit. “The larger plan includes restoration of 68 teerth sites, 19 sacred wells and five major pilgrimage centres linked to the 24-Kosi Parikrama and Kalki Teerth route. Visitor amenities, heritage streets and pilgrimage infrastructure are being developed to support sustained tourism flow throughout the year,” he said.

Officials said the larger vision is to position Sambhal as one of Uttar Pradesh’s emerging spiritual destinations by combining faith tourism, heritage revival and local economic growth.