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Here in the World is Mirzapur! Mirzapur is in the heart of North India, almost exactly halfway between Delhi and Calcutta, and also equidistant between Allahabad and Varanasi. Located in the huge state of Uttar Pradesh with a population of 170 million, Mirzapur has a population of a little over 200,000.
The region is called Purvanchal, which means East Region. Until several years ago Mirzapur District was the biggest district in Uttar Pradesh. Now it has been split into 3 districts, Sant Ravidas Nagar (formerly known as Bhadohi), Mirzapur and Son Bhadra, still in the same Division.
Mirzapur is located on the south bank of the Ganges River which defines its history and its life.
Mirzapur is also located just under the Vindhya hill range that runs through much of Southern Uttar Pradesh. It is this location that makes the city unique. You can reach Mirzapur from those nearby hills over the water falls
...through the canal
under the Ojhala Bridge
and then just down the river as Eric Newby describes in his book, Slowly Down the Ganges.
And arrive through the Bara Dari (twelve arches) of the legendary Pakka Ghat landing (permanent bank).
with a few neighbors and personal baggage.
A short 10 - 15 minute commute to the opposite bank.
The train is another important link with the rest of the country. Morning and evening you can hear the whistle blow to clear the crossings of stray animals, pedestrians and cyclists. If you arrive by train from Calcutta or Delhi you can leave in the evening and arrive in Mirzapur the next morning. A similar schedule is possible for your return journey.
With 2 highway links to Allahabad and Varanasi, Mirzapur most visitors arrive by road, sometimes with an air connection from the Varanasi Airport about 2 hours away.
and often over the impressive Shastri Bridge, named after the Former President of India Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Visitors are welcome. In addition to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism's Hotel Jhanvi there are two new hotels that offer air-conditioned as well as air-cooled rooms.
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