Following the release of the film 'Hanuman Ansh', interest in Nib Karoli Baba has significantly increased, as the movie is based on his life. As the film has been successfully released, people's devotion to Baba has also intensified, and pilgrims are flocking to the Nib Karoli Baba ashram to visit the holy sites.
On the occasion of the great cremation day of the revered Santnim Karoli Baba, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has taken significant steps to spread his spiritual heritage among pilgrims from around the world. A new spiritual tourism route is currently being developed, combining key places associated with the life and legacy of Nib Karoli Baba.
In this regard, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has launched five special tourist packages for pilgrims and tourists. Additionally, approximately 12.93 crore rupees will be spent on developing tourist infrastructure and basic facilities in Firozabad and Farrukhabad.
Development of Baba's Birthplace in Akbarpur
Akbarpur in Firozabad is being developed as the birthplace of Baba Nib Karoli. Phase-1 involved an expenditure of 8.65 crore rupees on developing tourist attractions. Furthermore, Phase-2, valued at 2.22 crore rupees, is more than 60% complete and is planned to be finished by December 2026. A rural tourism project in Akbarpur, costing 55.44 lakh rupees, will also start soon. Meanwhile, the project to develop the Nib Karoli ashram in Farrukhabad has been completed with an investment of 1.51 crore rupees. The goal of all these initiatives is to transform the places associated with Baba into an organized spiritual tourism experience with improved amenities.
The Minister of Tourism and Culture, Jaivir Singh, noted that the great cremation day of Nib Karoli Baba is an opportunity to remember such a saint whose message of faith, simplicity, and service continues to inspire people not only in India but also worldwide. He emphasized that until 2017, insufficient attention was paid to the tourism potential of places related to Baba's life and legacy. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government is now focused on preserving his heritage and disseminating it widely among the public. Through tourism projects, improved amenities, and specially designed travel experiences, Baba's living legacy is being sustained, and new opportunities for spiritual and cultural tourism in the state are being created.
Modern Amenities for Tourists
Modern amenities are being created for tourists and pilgrims in Akbarpur. A multi-purpose hall, a cultural block, and a modern exhibition hall dedicated to Baba's life and spiritual journey are being constructed here. In addition, a canteen, a cafeteria for 50 people, a kitchen, toilets, and a dormitory for about 60 people are being developed. In Phase-2, guard rooms, public facilities, and stone pathways are being built. Within the rural tourism project, entrance gates, signboards, murals, and tourist facilities will be developed. At the Nib Karoli ashram in Farrukhabad, buildings for traveler accommodation, a main entrance, and public facilities have also been constructed.
Key Sites Included in the Route
Key sites related to Baba's spiritual path are now being combined into the Nib Karoli Baba route. This route includes the cremation temple in Vrindavan, where Baba had his great cremation in 1973. The route also includes the village of Akbarpur in Firozabad, the Nib Karoli Baba Dham Mandir ashram in Farrukhabad, and the famous Hanuman Setu temple in Lucknow. There is a belief that Baba meditated in an underground cave at the Farrukhabad ashram for about 12 years. Thus, efforts are being made to link Baba's spiritual journey from his birthplace to his cremation site in one tourist direction.