[jyotirmoy]

Chunar is situated in the Vindhya range at a distance of 42 kms. from its District headquarter Mirzapur which is a very famous for its natural beauty, Historical events, Handicrafts & other Industrial setups and from the religious aspects as well. Especially Chunar town is existing in a triangular form on the right bank of holy   Ganga and the left bank of the Jirgo. The view from the ramparts of the fort is very beautiful.
As Per Puranas the oldest name of Chunar was Charanadri as Lord Vishnu had taken his first step in his Vaman in carnation in the dynasty of Great King Bali in the age of Satyug. It also told that a very powerful man had travelled from Himalya to Kanya Kumari in the age of Dwapar and took rest here whose feet impression a rock became todays Chunar. The third one deals with Bhartihari, the ruler of Ujjain who came here for penance. A kingdom was later on built here. The forth story sheds light on a rock statue built by Raja Sahadeo, who named the place as Nainagarh.
The fort of Chunar was established by Maharaja Vikrmaditya the King of Ujjain to commemorate the stay of his brother Raja Bhartihari who had taken his Samadhi in alive stage and still that Samadhi Sthal is worshiped. In 1772AD this fort was captured by East India Company who established in it a depot of Artillery and ammunition. Later it was taken by Maharaja Chet Singh of Benaras temporarily and after Chet Singh out break in 1781AD. Warren Hestings retired for safety to Chunar where a force was collected by Major Phophan, which expelled Chet Singh from his strong hold in his neighbourhood. Hastings liked the situation and climate, his residence is still standing.
Chunar fort is constructed at a height of 80’ to 175’ from the land level of Chunar. The fort area is approx. 3400 Sq. yard, its length is 800 yard & width is 133 to 300 yard. At present the fort is it self worth seeing with Sonva Mandap, Raja Bhartihari Samadhi, Bavan Khamba & Solar watch are the sight seeing places inside the fort.
Siddhanath Dari is a beautiful water fall at distance of 14kms from Chunar.

Chunar Pottery especially Clay, Toys etc. are worth collecting.
Nearest Airport Babatpur (Varanasi) is at a distance of 61 kms.          
Well connected with all the major cities of India by rail as well as road.