Sonbhadra, a district in Uttar Pradesh, holds a unique geographical distinction. It shares its borders with four states: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
Nestled amidst the Vindhya and Kaimur mountain ranges, this district is rich in minerals and is the second-largest district in Uttar Pradesh after Kheri.
Population and Rivers of Sonbhadra
Sonbhadra is home to approximately 1.5 million people, making it one of the least densely populated districts in Uttar Pradesh with only 198 individuals per square kilometer.
Situated along the banks of the Son River, Sonbhadra is also traversed by other rivers like Rihand, Kanhar, and Pangan.
Historical Significance and Industrial Hub
Established in 1989, Sonbhadra was carved out of Mirzapur district. It holds paramount importance in the industrial history of Uttar Pradesh, boasting rich mineral resources and a thriving industrial sector.
Various industrial activities, electricity production, and mining are the backbone of Sonbhadra’s economy.
Sonbhadra: The Energy Capital of India
Nestled between the Vindhya and Kaimur mountain ranges, Sonbhadra’s natural beauty and its status as a prime destination for mountain enthusiasts earned it the title “Switzerland of India,
” as coined by India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1954. Sonbhadra is also referred to as the “Energy Capital of India” due to the presence of numerous power plants in the region.
Getting to Sonbhadra
Sonbhadra is well-connected via roadways to cities like Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, and Mirzapur.
Buses operate 24/7 from Varanasi to Sonbhadra, and it takes approximately 2 hours to reach the district headquarters, Robertsganj, which is 74 kilometers away from Varanasi.
The easiest way to reach Sonbhadra is by train/air to Varanasi/Mirzapur, followed by a bus or private taxi, both available round the clock, for the remaining journey to Sonbhadra.