Chandrakanta tourism circuit to be developed by the Uttar Pradesh government

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to develop a new Chandrakanta Santati tourism circuit. The circuit will be based on the famous and epic fantasy adventure novel written by Hindi novelist Devaki Nandan Khatri. The Yogi Adityanath-led government is planning to develop the Chandrakanta eco-tourism circuit in Vindhya region. With this, the UP government expects to draw a good number of tourists.

The Hindi fantasy novel, published in 1888, is all about a magical world, fantasy island, and imposters. There’s a love story of Chandrakanta, the princess of Vijaygarh and Virendra, the prince of Naugarh. A number of incidents written in the book take place in Chandauli and Sonbhadra districts. "We are getting brochures printed that will tell in detail what all sites the circuit has. There would be other efforts as well that will be taken up to promote and develop the circuit," said Sanjay Singh, MD, Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation (UPFC), a nodal agency for promotion of ecotourism.
The Chandrakanta circuit will have Chandauli, Sonbhadra and Robertsganj. There is a Chandrakanta Van Vishram Grih (forest rest house) that finds its mention in the novel. The place also serves as the summer home of Kashi Naresh or king.

The government will develop Aurwatand waterfall on the Karmanasa River in Chandauli. It is one of the biggest attractions of the circuit. Besides, other attractions are Vijaygarh Fort in the Maukalan village of Sonbhadra and Salkhan fossil park in Robertsganj.