Top 8 Places To Visit In Sonbhadra | How To Reach | Ultimate Tour Guide

Sonbhadra, situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, holds the distinction of being the second-largest district in the state by area. It uniquely shares borders with four other states: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar. Renowned for its abundant natural resources, including bauxite, limestone, coal, and gold, Sonbhadra is often referred to as the “Energy Capital of India” due to the presence of multiple power plants within the district. Beyond its industrial significance, Sonbhadra boasts a diverse cultural heritage, featuring ancient monuments, forts, and caves that narrate the rich history and artistry of the region. Notable attractions in Sonbhadra include the Rihand Dam, the Salkhan Fossils, the Shivdwar Temple, and prehistoric rock paintings in caves, collectively showcasing the district’s scenic beauty, industrial development, and historical importance.

Best Places To Visit In Sonbhadra:

Sonbhadra is often referred to as the “Power Capital of India” due to its significant contribution to the country’s power generation. The district is renowned for its coal reserves, which play a crucial role in supporting various thermal power plants. Geographically, Sonbhadra is characterized by lush greenery, forests, and rivers, contributing to its picturesque scenery. The Son River flows through the region, adding to its natural beauty. The district is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries, making it a destination for nature enthusiasts.

Here are some place to visit in Sonbhadra:

1. Renukeshwar Mahadev Temple

The Renukeshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Renukoot, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh. Constructed by the Birla Group in 1972, the temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings. Positioned near the Rihand River, also known as Renu River, the temple derives its name from this location. A prominent attraction in Renukoot, it draws numerous devotees, especially during the festivals of Shravan and Shivratri. The temple complex includes a garden adorned with fountains and a sizable statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull. For those interested in visiting, additional information can be found on the website or through private tours available from Varanasi.

2. Salkhan Fossils Park

Situated 12 km from Robertsganj, near Salkhan village on state highway SH5A in Sonbhadra district, the Salkhan Fossils Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, is a notable fossil park in Uttar Pradesh, India. Housing fossils estimated to be nearly 1.4 billion years old, predominantly consisting of algae and stromatolites that create distinctive rings on the boulders, the park covers approximately 25 hectares in the Kaimur Range, adjacent to Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary. Recognized as a geological heritage site, the park is a magnet for researchers and tourists alike.

3. Obra Dam

Located in Obra, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, the Obra Dam is both a dam and a hydroelectric power station constructed in 1974 along the Rihand River, a tributary of the Ganga. Spanning 450 meters in length and reaching a height of 29 meters, the dam plays a crucial role in supplying water to the Obra Thermal Power Station, boasting a total capacity of 1550 MW. The power station itself has a 99 MW capacity. As part of an ongoing expansion initiative, the power station is set to add two super-critical units, each with a capacity of 660 MW, anticipated to be operational by 2021. This landmark, positioned near the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, stands as one of the key tourist attractions in Sonbhadra district.

4. Hil Cinema

Situated in Renukoot, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, HIL Cinema is a movie theater nestled within the Hindalco New Shopping Mall, conveniently situated near Plant-1 Road. This cinema exhibits the latest Bollywood and Hollywood releases, offering the convenience of online ticket booking through platforms like Book My Show. A visit to HIL Cinema provides a pleasant and comfortable environment, making it an ideal destination to enjoy movies with friends or family.

5. Rihand Dam

Located at Pipri in Sonbhadra District, Uttar Pradesh, the Rihand Dam is a concrete gravity dam situated on the Rihand River, a tributary of the Son River. Its reservoir area spans the border of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Constructed between 1954 and 1962, the dam stands at a height of 91.46 meters with a length of 934.45 meters. Accompanying the dam is a hydroelectric power plant generating 300 MW of electricity, in addition to providing irrigation water to the surrounding region. The reservoir, known as Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar, holds the distinction of being the largest artificial lake in India.

6. Rock Painting

Rock paintings in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, depict the culture of prehistoric communities and are found in cave shelters of the Vindhya and Kaimur ranges. Notable sites include Panchmukhi Caves (8 km from Robertsganj), Kauva Khoh Caves (near Churk), Lakhania Caves (22 km from Robertsganj), and Lakhma Caves (near Mau Kalan village). These paintings, dating back around 4000 years to the Mesolithic and Heliolithic periods, offer valuable insights into the history and culture of Sonbhadra’s ancient people.

7. Shivdwar Temple

Shivdwar Temple, also recognized as Uma Maheshwar Temple, is a venerable site dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Situated 10 km from Ghorawal and 40 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, the temple houses a black stone idol depicting Shiva and Parvati in a distinctive posture, believed to date back to the 11th century. Renowned as the second Kashi, the temple holds significant religious importance, drawing devotees, particularly on Mondays and during the festivals of Shivaratri and Shravan, who come to offer prayers and holy water to the deities.

8. Sonkar Hills:

If you are looking for a place to experience the beauty and diversity of Uttar Pradesh, look no further than Sonkar hills. These hills are the highest in the state and offer stunning views of the valleys and forests. You can also explore the rich mineral resources and wildlife of the region, or enjoy some adventure activities like trekking, camping, and paragliding. Sonkar hills are not only a natural wonder, but also a cultural hub, where you can witness the influence of Manoj Sonkar, the mayor of Chandigarh and the namesake of the hills. You can also find inspiration from the movies and songs that were shot or composed in the Sonkar hills, such as Sonkar: The Legend of the Hills, a biopic of Manoj Sonkar starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone. Sonkar hills are a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to discover the hidden gems of Uttar Pradesh.

These were some places to visit in Sonbhadra. Hope you liked it. Have a safe journey!

How To Reach Sonbhadra:

1. By Air:
   • The nearest major airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, approximately 150 kilometers away from Sonbhadra. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sonbhadra.
2. By Road:
   • Sonbhadra is accessible by road, and you can use buses or private vehicles to reach the district. National Highway 19 (NH19) passes through the region, providing connectivity.
3. By Train:The main railway station in Sonbhadra is Robertsganj Railway Station. It is well-connected to major cities in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India. You can check train schedules and book tickets to Robertsganj or other nearby railway stations.

Here is a table of trains running from Delhi to Roberts ganj Railway Station, along with their name, number, timing and charges.

These trains running status may vary according to trains schedule, timing & availability. For accurate details you can visit official website of railway – IRCTC

Sonbhadra Weather & Temperature

The current weather in Sonbhadra is clear and pleasant, with a temperature range of 9°C to 22°C, 26% humidity, and a wind speed of 3.49 km/h. The forecast for the next few days suggests similar conditions with slight variations. Sonbhadra has a subtropical climate, experiencing high temperature differences between summer (30 to 46 °C) and winter (2 to 15 °C). The rainy season, from July to October, brings enjoyable weather. No rain or snow is expected in the upcoming days. Sunrise was at 6:41 AM, and the sunset is expected at 5:38 PM.

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