Lakshagriha’s revival will strengthen Baghpat’s place in India’s religious and cultural tourism, says Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has approved an ambitious plan to develop Lakshagriha, the legendary location in Baranava village (Varanavat), Baghpat district, alongside the banks of the Hindon and Krishna rivers, as a premier religious and heritage tourism destination. The site is remembered as the lac palace constructed by the Kauravas in their failed plot to burn the Pandavas.

The project, approved under the Mahabharata Circuit, has an allocation of Rs one crore for integrated tourism development. Improvements will include beautification, modern lighting, sanitation, drinking water facilities, rest areas, and visitor information centres, making Lakshagriha more accessible and appealing to both pilgrims and history enthusiasts.

Reviving an Epic Landmark

Tourism & Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Lakshagriha is one of the most significant episodes in the Mahabharata, symbolising both conspiracy and resilience. By developing this site, we are not only preserving a cultural treasure but also opening new avenues for tourism and local prosperity. Lakshagriha’s revival will strengthen Baghpat’s place in India’s religious and cultural tourism.”  

Located merely 35 km from Baghpat town and adjacent to the Delhi–Meerut motorway, the site retains visible remnants of its past. A mound with steps leads to the ruins, which are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. For centuries, locals have pointed to traces of the epic episode, where the Pandavas and their mother Kunti narrowly escaped the Kauravas’ fiery plot.

The Lakshagriha story has fascinated generations, from scholars and archaeologists to devoted worshippers. The palace, built of lac and other combustible materials, is referenced repeatedly in the Mahabharata as a major turning point in the rivalry between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Visitors to Baranava can still observe signs of the ancient setting that connect the present to one of India’s most enduring epics.

Baghpat Emerging as a Tourism Hub

Baghpat is rapidly becoming a tourism centre in western Uttar Pradesh. In 2024, the district welcomed nearly 1.7 million visitors, with officials projecting the figure could surpass 2 million in 2025. Its proximity to Delhi and Meerut makes it a convenient stop for domestic and international tourists alike. In addition to Lakshagriha, the district is home to the Pura Mahadev Temple and the Trilok Teerth Dham of Jain tradition, making it a multi-faith tourism destination.

Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, noted that the project is part of the state’s larger plan to transform Uttar Pradesh’s religious and cultural heritage into world-class tourism experiences. “Lakshagriha is not just a historical site — it is a living link to India’s epic tradition. By integrating modern facilities while retaining its sanctity, we are ensuring that visitors, whether pilgrims or history lovers, leave with a deeper sense of connection to our heritage.”