Sonbhadra district

Sonbhadra is an administrative district in Mirzapur division, Uttar Pradesh, stretching across forested hills and river valleys. The district borders Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, forming a southeastern frontier point.

Cave paintings along the Son and Belan rivers document human habitation since the Paleolithic era. The region was separated from Mirzapur to form a distinct district in 1989, taking its name from the Son river.

Local markets sell handwoven textiles and metalwork crafted by artisans using techniques passed down through generations. Riverside settlements preserve architectural styles that recall the region's original tribal communities.

Roads connect smaller towns to larger centers at Robertsganj and Chopan, where lodging and basic services are available. Forest areas require caution regarding wildlife, especially during monsoon season from July to September.

Salkhan Fossils Park preserves fossilized stromatolites that rank among the oldest traces of life on Earth. These structures formed through cyanobacteria that released oxygen into the atmosphere over a billion years ago.

Location: Mirzapur division

Capital city: Robertsganj

Shares border with: Chandauli district, Garhwa district

Website: http://jkgsa.org

GPS coordinates: 24.68972,83.06528

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:31