UP adds new tourist spot to Mahabharat circuit: Kampil, ‘linked to Draupadi’

The BJP government has approved a Rs 4 crore project to upgrade basic amenities, restore dilapidated structures, and highlight the site’s religious and archaeological significance to attract both pilgrims and heritage tourists.

Kampil draws visitors to the Draupadi Kund, a venerated pool thought by devotees to mark Draupadi’s birth and her ‘swayamvar’.

The proposed works will focus on beautification, improved lighting and signage, creation of a tourist information centre and provision of drinking water, toilets and resting areas. Authorities also plan signature entry gateways to give the site a stronger identity for visitors.

“The city was known as “Kampilya” and was once a significant and glorious capital, having played a prominent role in the times of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It was the Kingdom of Panchala, led by King Draupad. There are some dilapidated remains and the famous Draupadi Kund, which is regarded as the birthplace of Draupadi and is a worship site as well,” said a senior official with the Tourism Department.

The senior official added, “We want to connect the Draupadi Kund visit with other local attractions such as the Rameshwar Nath Temple and prominent Jain shrines, and present Kampil as part of a wider cultural route.”

Officials said that as per the historians, the “Shivling” at the Rameshwar Nath Temple is believed to be the same that Lord Ram had brought from Lanka after defeating Ravan, thus maintaining that the town has links with the Mahabharat, but also Ramayan.

Kampil also hosts an ancient Digambara Jain temple associated with the 13th tirthankara, Vimalnath, and is regarded by some as his birthplace. “There is an ancient Digambar Jain Temple in Kampil, which attracts Jain pilgrims as it is the temple of the 13th Tirthankar, Lord Vimalnath, and is also believed to be his birthplace,” said the official.

Archaeological evidence suggests Kampil was an important settlement from early historic times. Excavations and surveys indicate occupation layers dating back to around the 7th century BCE, with finds including Painted Grey Ware (PGW) and Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW).

Later discoveries, terracottas from the 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE, and stone remains from the 8th–10th centuries, point to long-term habitation. Alexander Cunningham identified Kampil with ancient Kampilya in 1878, and a local mound is listed as a centrally protected monument, officials said.

Officials say the restoration will be undertaken “with sensitivity to the site’s ecology and community needs”.

“This is not merely about promoting an epic-era narrative; it is also about preserving archaeological remains and creating livelihoods for the local population,” said Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, adding that the project aims to showcase Kampilya globally while benefiting villagers and small businesses.

As part of a broader push to boost Farrukhabad’s tourism economy, the government also plans to promote the district’s traditional zardozi embroidery and textile crafts, including efforts to secure a geographical indication (GI) tag for Farrukhabad prints and develop a linked textile ecosystem. Officials expect such measures to create local employment and increase the value of handicrafts sold to tourists.

Tourism figures for Farrukhabad point to growing interest: the district recorded about 25.47 lakh visitors in 2024 and roughly 11 lakh in the first quarter of 2025.

Authorities have set an ambitious target of 35–40 lakh tourists for the current financial year and hope the Kampil project will help meet that goal.

The Kampil initiative is part of a larger effort by the state to develop theme-based circuits that connect religious, historical, and rural attractions.

“The project will enhance Draupadi Kund, Rameshwar Nath Temple, and Jain shrines with better amenities and infrastructure. Our focus is to showcase Kampilya globally while benefiting the local community,” added Meshram.

Farrukhabad Footfall

2024: 25.47 lakh

Quarter 1 of 2025: About 11 lakh

Govt aims to increase footfall to 35-40 lakh tourists in current year

Funds released: Rs 4 crore

Project to involve preserving “epic-era heritage” with signature entry gateways, beautification, lighting, signages, tourist info centre, drinking water, toilets, and resting areas.

Tourist Hotspots: Draupadi Kund, Rameshwar Nath Temple– sites of both Jain, as well as, Buddhist pilgrimage in Sansika.