Gonda District lies between 26 degree 47 minutes and 27 degree 20 minutes north latitude and 81 degree 30 minutes and 82 degree 46 minutes east longitude. This administrative district of Uttar Pradesh is bounded by Balrampur District in the north, by Bahraich District in its west, by Basti District in its east. In the south it is separated from Barabanki District and Faizabad District by Ghaghara River.
History of Gonda District
According to the history of Gonda District, this region formed a portion of Kosala kingdom and it was a part of Awadh region. After the annexation of Awadh region by the British government, Gonda District was separated from Bahraich District. Rulers of Gonda District opposed against the Muslim invasion as well as against the British. Gonda District contributed hugely in the freedom movement of India.
Geography of Gonda District
Geography of Gonda District includes no mountains or plateaus as such. The general slope of the district is from west to east. It can be divided into two physiographic divisions namely Uparhar and Tarhar. Gonda District has an irregular shape. There are several rivers in the district, which have got immense significance in the development of the region. The drainage system of Gonda District comprises Ghaghara River, Saryu, Terhi, Manwar, Bisuhi and Kuwana rivers. There are various lakes too in Gonda District; prominent ones are Banki, Kodar, Aranga, Parwati and Pathri. Banki is situated in the west near Dubaha Bazar. Gonda District being a plain district has a tropical monsoon climate. There are three seasons, summer, rainy and winter. Summer is from March to June. The average temperature of the summer season is nearly 30 degree Celsius. Hot wind blows in May and in early June. Rainy season is from July to October. November to February constitutes the winter season. Gonda District is quite rich as far as its vegetation is concerned. Gonda District mainly has loamy soil which is highly fertile.
Tourism in Gonda District
There are several places of religious importance in Gonda District. Swami Narain Chhapia, Varahi Dev, Paska, Tirrey Manorama, Prash, Prithvi Nathan Mahadeo, Jhali Dham, Colonelganj, Parvati Mahadeo, Wazirganj, Nawabganj, Rauza Peer and Sri Nagar Math are some of the main attractions of Gonda District. Through some of these sites the rich history of the region gets reflected.
Majority of the people in the district is engaged in farming and other agriculture associated activities. Economy of Gonda District is agrarian in character.