On the occasion of the Mahasamadhi Day of Saint Neem Karoli Baba, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken a major step towards bringing his spiritual legacy to devotees from across the country and the world. The Tourism Department is developing the Neem Karoli Baba Circuit, connecting key sites associated with Baba’s life, spiritual practice, birthplace, and samadhi. The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation has also launched five special tour packages in Baba’s name for devotees and tourists.
The government’s focus is not limited to connecting religious sites; modern facilities for accommodation, food, travel, and information related to Baba’s life are also being developed at these sites. To this end, tourism projects worth approximately ₹12.93 crore are underway in Firozabad and Farrukhabad.
A circuit will connect the birthplace of Neem Karoli Baba to the samadhi site of Vrindavan.
Preparations are underway to connect the key sites associated with Neem Karoli Baba with a systematic tourist route. This circuit will include Akbarpur village in Firozabad, the Neem Karoli Ashram Dham Temple in Farrukhabad, the Hanuman Setu Temple in Lucknow, and the Samadhi Temple in Vrindavan. Vrindavan is the place where Baba attained Mahasamadhi in 1973. The ashram in Farrukhabad is associated with Baba’s spiritual practice, where he meditated in an underground cave for approximately 12 years.
Akbarpur to Change the Picture with an Investment of 8.65 Crore Rupees
Akbarpur in Firozabad is being developed as the birthplace of Baba Neem Karoli. In the first phase of the project, 8.65 crore rupees have been spent on developing tourism facilities. More than 60 per cent of the work on the second phase, estimated to cost approximately 2.22 crore rupees, has been completed, with completion targeted by December 2026. Additionally, a rural tourism project worth 55.44 lakh rupees will soon be launched in Akbarpur.
From auditoriums to dormitories, what will be built?
A complete package of modern tourism facilities is being developed in Akbarpur. Facilities such as a multipurpose auditorium, a cultural block, a modern exhibition hall based on Baba’s life, a dining hall, a cafeteria with a capacity of 50 people, a kitchen and toilets, and a dormitory with a capacity of approximately 60 people are being developed. In Phase 2, a guard room, public utilities, and stone pathways are also being constructed. As part of the rural tourism project, entrance gates, signage, mural walls, and other tourist amenities will be developed.
Farrukhabad Ashram Also Developed
The Farrukhabad Ashram associated with Baba Neem Karoli has also been equipped with tourism facilities. A project worth ₹1.51 crore has been completed. The ashram complex includes accommodation for pilgrims, a main gate, and public utilities. The government aims to develop these sites associated with Baba not just as local religious centres, but as organised spiritual tourism destinations for devotees from India and abroad.
Five Special Tour Packages, Operating from Delhi and Lucknow
On the occasion of Mahasamadhi Day, UPSTDC has launched five special tour packages in the name of Baba Neem Karoli. These include 5-day, 3-day, and 2-day trip options. In response to tourist demand, these packages will be operated from Delhi and Lucknow. This will be of great benefit to devotees who wish to visit various places associated with Baba but face difficulties arranging travel and accommodation and gathering information about the locations.
Why is the Neem Karoli Baba Circuit Special?
Neem Karoli Baba’s popularity is not limited to Uttar Pradesh. He has followers in various parts of the country and abroad. Consequently, the government is striving to develop the sites associated with Baba into a tourist circuit, allowing devotees to connect with his spiritual and cultural heritage. According to Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, Baba’s message has always been one of faith, simplicity, and service. The government is working to preserve his legacy and disseminate it to a wider audience.
