A fund of ₹2 crore has been sanctioned under the Mahabharata Circuit scheme to develop tourist facilities and restore the grandeur of this sacred site.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has approved a landmark project for the integrated development of Ahichhatra, an ancient city in Bareilly district that finds mention in the Mahabharata and holds deep significance for Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions.
A fund of ₹2 crore has been sanctioned under the Mahabharata Circuit scheme to develop tourist facilities and restore the grandeur of this sacred site.
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UP Tourism & Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said here on Saturday that Uttar Pradesh is committed to transforming its historic and religious centres into world-class destinations. "Ahichhatra is not just a site of antiquity, it is a living testimony to our cultural continuity - from the Mahabharata era to Jain enlightenment and Buddha's teachings. By developing it with modern amenities, we aim to give pilgrims and tourists an experience where faith, heritage, and comfort come together," he said.
Ahichhatra, located about 50 km from Bareilly city, was once the capital of Northern Panchal during the Mahabharata era. It was here that Draupadi's kingdom flourished, and traces of a massive fort from that period still stand, now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Excavations during the 19th and 20th centuries unearthed valuable artifacts, confirming its role as a thriving commercial and cultural hub in ancient India.
For Jain devotees, Ahichhatra holds unmatched reverence as the place where the 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanath, attained Kevalya Gyan (omniscience). The site continues to draw large numbers of Jain pilgrims every year.
Ahichhatra is equally significant for Buddhists. Tradition holds that Lord Buddha spent seven days here, delivering sermons and initiating the serpent kings into the Dharma. Later, Emperor Ashoka commissioned stupas at the site, and the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang recorded its grandeur in his chronicles.
Under the approved plan, Ahichhatra will see the development of entry gates, beautification, lighting, rest areas, clean drinking water facilities, toilets, and an information centre. The aim is to ensure that both domestic and international visitors enjoy a safe, clean, and enriching experience while connecting with its layered history.
Bareilly has emerged as a fast-growing tourism hub. In 2024, over 1.15 crore visitors arrived in the district. In just the first three months of 2025, nearly 28.6 lakh tourists visited, and the number is projected to cross 1.25 crore by year-end. This surge is not only boosting faith tourism but also strengthening local businesses, generating jobs, and uplifting the rural economy.
Minister Jaiveer Singh emphasised that Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as India's leading state in religious and cultural tourism. "From Ayodhya to Kashi, from Kushinagar to Ahichhatra, our government's vision is to revive ancient centres of faith and culture and place Uttar Pradesh firmly on the global tourism map," he added.