Places of Interest

Farrukhabad – An Introduction
(A Confluence of Faith, History, and Spirituality)

Farrukhabad is an ancient and historically significant district of Uttar Pradesh. The old cities of Kampilya (Kampil) and Sankasya find mention in the Valmiki Ramayana, Mahabharata, as well as Jain and Buddhist scriptures. Historically, regions such as Fatehgarh, Farrukhabad, Kaimganj, Kampil, Sankisa, and even present-day Kannauj were once part of this district.

It is believed that Kampilya, the capital of Southern Panchala in the ancient Panchala Kingdom—renowned as the land of penance for numerous sages—was also the manifestation site of Draupadi. The town of Farrukhabad was established in 1714 AD by Muhammad Khan Bangash, named after the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar. The district of Farrukhabad was formally constituted on 10 November 1801.

Farrukhabad has been the sacred land of great sages such as Kapil Muni, Rishi Shringi, and Rishi Dhaumya. The four Kalyanakas of the 13th Jain Tirthankara, Vimalanatha, were performed here. The district also shares a close association with Gautama Buddha.

Farrukhabad played a significant role in India’s freedom movement. It is the karmabhoomi of Haji Vilayat Ali of the renowned Farrukhabad tabla gharana; the birthplace of Thumri maestro Lallan Piya; eminent Chhayavaadi poet Mahadevi Varma; Acharya Vachnesh Mishra; Ghulam Rabbani Taban; and Dr. Shiv Om Ambar. Communal harmony remains one of the district’s defining characteristics, enriching its social, cultural, spiritual, and economic identity.

Sankisa (Sankasya)

During the Mahabharata and Mahajanapada periods, Sankisa was a prominent city of the Panchala region, situated approximately 37 km from the district headquarters. The Valmiki Ramayana mentions it as the capital of Kushadhwaja, the younger brother of King Janaka.

Sankisa holds special significance for followers of Buddhism and is regarded as one of the eight major sites associated with the life of Gautama Buddha. According to Buddhist texts, this is the site where Buddha descended from heaven and delivered sermons. It is believed that seven years after attaining enlightenment, he imparted teachings of the Abhidhamma here and descended on the full moon day of Shravan.

Several Buddhist temples and chaityas constructed by various countries adorn the site. An ancient mound preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India stands here, along with an Ashokan Pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka. The noted archaeologist Alexander Cunningham documented this site extensively in his travel accounts. Devotees from Myanmar, China, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Japan visit Sankisa for pilgrimage and circumambulation.

Visiting Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Neeb Karori Dham

Born in Firozabad (then part of Agra), Baba Lakshman Das attained global recognition as Neem Karoli Baba. His penance site near Sankisa in Farrukhabad is known as Neeb Karori Dham. The ancient Hanuman temple and sacred cave mark his spiritual practices.

Revered as an ardent devotee and incarnation of Lord Hanuman, devotees from across India and abroad visit the Dham throughout the year. A unique tradition here involves offering a bell upon fulfillment of one’s wishes. Though his ashrams are spread across India, the principal Neeb Karori Dham is located in Farrukhabad. Darshan is available throughout the day, except between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM (rest hours). Grand Aarti ceremonies are conducted every morning and evening.

Kampil (Ancient Kampilya)

Kampil, historically known as Kampilya, is an ancient and culturally rich town located about 45 km west of the district headquarters. It holds prominence in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Jain scriptures.

Tradition states that Shatrughna, younger brother of Lord Rama, established a Shiva Linga on the banks of the Ganga while proceeding to Mathura to slay Lavanasura. Today, this sacred site is known as the Rameshwar Nath Temple.

During the Mahabharata period, Kampilya served as the capital of King Drupada and Southern Panchala. Draupadi Kund is believed to be the site of Draupadi’s manifestation, and her swayamvara—where Arjuna accomplished the Matsya-Vedha—was organized here.

The ashram of Kapil Muni, proponent of Sankhya philosophy, is also located here, lending the town its name “Kampil.” According to Jain tradition, the city was founded by Indra. It is the birthplace of the 13th Tirthankara Vimalanatha, where his four Kalyanakas were celebrated. Magnificent Shwetambar and Digambar Jain temples stand here today.

The Chinese traveler Xuanzang and archaeologist Alexander Cunningham both documented the historical grandeur of Kampil.

Pandaveshwar Nath Temple

Located on Railway Road in Farrukhabad, this temple dates back to the Mahabharata era. It is believed that during their exile, the Pandavas, under the guidance of their family priest Rishi Dhaumya, established a Shiva Linga here in the presence of Lord Krishna at the behest of their mother Kunti. The temple represents a profound confluence of faith and history.

Ancient Ganga Ghats of Farrukhabad

Panchal Ghat is the most prominent among the ancient Ganga ghats of the district, lined with historic temples and frequented by devotees throughout the year. Other significant ghats include Quila Ghat, Rani Ghat, and Bargadiya Ghat.

Historically, around 36 ghats extended from Kampil to Khudaganj, including Ataina Ghat, Dhai Ghat, Mughal Ghat, Chunnilal Ghat, Shahji Ghat, and Rani Ghat. During the British era, these ghats served as major trade centers, where boats traveling from Kolkata to Garhmukteshwar transported goods such as salt, indigo, opium, and textiles.

These red sandstone ghats are renowned for intricate carvings and fine craftsmanship. Natural pigments derived from lime, lentils, milk, and flowers were used in decorative artwork, enhancing their architectural beauty. These ghats remain enduring symbols of Farrukhabad’s artistic and historical legacy.

Shree Ramnagariya Fair

Held annually during the month of Magha at Panchal Ghat (formerly Ghatiyaghat), the Shri Ramnagariya Fair is among the most prominent fairs in the state. Lakhs of devotees undertake Kalpavas, residing in huts along the Ganga and observing 21 strict disciplines for spiritual purification.

Beyond its religious importance, the fair serves as a hub of cultural and economic activity. Development exhibitions, marketplaces, cultural programs, literary gatherings, and spiritual discourses are organized. Like the Kumbh, ascetics participate with their akharas. Entertainment attractions such as circuses and traditional performances add to its vibrancy. The fair represents a vital cultural heritage of Farrukhabad.
Official Website: https://melashreeramnagariya.com/

Kuthila Lake

Located near Amritpur on the Farrukhabad–Badaun road, Kuthila Lake spans approximately 4.650 hectares. It is an eco-tourism site known for its scenic beauty and migratory birds. During the monsoon, waters from the Ganga and Ramganga rivers replenish the lake, making it a picturesque destination.

All Souls’ Memorial Church

Situated within the St. Anthony’s School campus in Fatehgarh Cantonment, All Souls Memorial Church was constructed on 2 November 1857. It commemorates the Christian victims of the 1857 uprising. A memorial well, where 108 victims were interred, stands before the church and is preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Rajput Regiment

Established in 1778, the Rajput Regiment Centre has a distinguished military history. Its soldiers have displayed exemplary valor in both World Wars and subsequent national conflicts. The site also houses centers of the Sikh Light Infantry and the Territorial Army. Maharaja Duleep Singh of Punjab was once detained here; it is associated with the historic transfer of the Kohinoor diamond to Queen Victoria.

Connectivity

Airports:
Kanpur (Chakeri) – 129 km
Agra (Kheria) – 211 km
Railway Stations: Farrukhabad, Fatehgarh, Kaimganj, Kamalganj, Neeb Karori, Kampil Road
Bus Stations: Farrukhabad, Fatehgarh, Kaimganj
Road Connectivity: Connected via the Farrukhabad–Agra Expressway, Uttar Pradesh State Highways 29 and 29A, National Highway 730C, and State Highway 43.