Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has launched a special three-day tour package covering major places associated with spiritual figure Neem Karoli Baba. The package has been introduced under the ‘Visit My State’ campaign on the occasion of World Tourism Day and will be available from September 25 to 27.
The special package has been priced at Rs 8,500, against the regular cost of Rs 16,500, offering tourists a discount of nearly 50 per cent.
Neem Karoli Baba was born in Akbarpur village in Firozabad district and attained samadhi in Vrindavan. The Tourism Department is developing Akbarpur as an important destination under the state’s proposed spiritual tourism circuit associated with the Baba.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the package would provide visitors an opportunity to explore lesser-known destinations connected with Neem Karoli Baba and discover his Uttar Pradesh links. He said the growing interest in the Baba’s life and legacy highlights the potential of spiritual tourism to connect visitors with such destinations.
The tour will begin from Lucknow. On the first day, tourists will travel to Farrukhabad, visit the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram and then proceed to Sankisa, where the itinerary includes the Ashoka Pillar, Buddhist stupa and ancient Buddhist remains and monasteries.
On the second day, the group will visit Akbarpur village in Firozabad, regarded as Baba’s birthplace, before proceeding to Mathura and Vrindavan. The Mathura itinerary includes Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Dwarkadhish Temple, followed by a visit to Prem Mandir in Vrindavan in the evening.
The final day will focus on sites associated with Baba’s spiritual legacy in Vrindavan, including his samadhi site, Banke Bihari Temple and ISKCON Temple, before the group returns to Lucknow.
The package includes air-conditioned accommodation on a double-sharing basis, breakfast, lunch, dinner, high tea, tour guide services and entry fees.
UPSTDC Chairman Amrit Abhijat said the initiative was aimed at introducing travellers to major sites associated with Neem Karoli Baba and highlighting his connection with Uttar Pradesh.
Interested travellers can contact 91490 99890 or 83030 19844 for bookings. Details are also available on the UPSTDC website, while queries can be sent to uptourslko@upstdc.co.in.
