In the heart of Bundelkhand, Mahoba is gearing up for a tourism renaissance. Once celebrated for its Chandela-era heritage and the epic tales of Alha-Udal, this historic town is now poised to shine as a premier destination under the central government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. A massive Rs 24.98 crore integrated tourism development project is underway, aiming to transform Mahoba into a vibrant cultural and educational hub.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh is accelerating tourism growth beyond Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura. Mahoba, rich in history and sun worship traditions, is receiving special attention. The project includes constructing a state-of-the-art Sun Interpretation Center, developing a triangular garden, erecting grand entrance gates, and installing modern signage systems. With 10% of the funding already released to the executing agency UP PCL Banda, completion is targeted for late 2026.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh emphasized that Bundelkhand embodies India’s civilization and valor. ‘Schemes like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 are preserving Mahoba’s legacy while modernizing facilities,’ he said. Last year, nearly 28 lakh tourists visited, signaling rising popularity.
The Sun Interpretation Center, spanning 4,210 square meters, will captivate visitors with interactive exhibits on solar science, cultural traditions, and global perspectives. Its roof features symbolic designs for the day’s eight phases, complemented by a giant sundial. Eco-friendly elements like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and waste management systems highlight sustainability.
Interactive galleries will trace journeys from Helios to Konark and Martand Sun Temples, exploring astronomy, weather, calendars, and solar impacts on life via 3D projections and audio-visuals. At the triangular garden on Shiv Tandav Road, a majestic statue of Sun God on a seven-horse chariot will stand tall. Three grand gateways will welcome tourists, reinforcing Mahoba’s heritage identity.
Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, Amrit Abhijat noted, ‘This isn’t just about tourism; it’s about connecting youth with Bundelkhand’s history and knowledge.’ This initiative marks a pivotal step in making Mahoba Bundelkhand’s tourism powerhouse.