Akola: The Region For Folk's Arts

RECENTLY BIFURCATED INTO AKOLA AND WASHIM DISTRICTS, THE REGION IS KNOWN FOR ITS FOLK ARTS. THE FAMOUS MAHABEEJ FACTORY PRODUCING SUPER-QUALITY SEEDS AND VIDARBHA’S ONLY AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY ARE LOCATED HERE. AKOLA TOWN IS THE DISTRICT’S HEADQUARTERS.

Places of Interest:

RAJ RAJESHWAR TEMPLE:

The famous pilgrim centre for worshippers of Lord Shiva has a great historical heritage. During the Marathi calendar month of ‘Shravan’, there is a huge rush of devotees to worship Lord Shiva especially on every Monday of the month. The month of Shravan is very sacred according to Hindu religion and worshippers from long distances travel to temples to worship Lord Shiva.

ANTARIKSH TEERTH (72 KM):

A Jain temple situated outside Shirpur village, this temple is dedicated to the Jain god Parshwanath. The idol of the deity is believed to be very ancient. The deity is believed to have the power to remove the diseases and suffering of the devotees. The temple was constructed under the patronage of the saint Acharya Abhaydev surishvarji. The temple has been renovated several times in the course of its history. A temple dedicated to the Jain god Vighnahara Parshwanath, the remover of all obstacles, is situated nearby.

AMBASI:

Located on the Patur-Alegaon Road, it hosts a 1,500 years old banyan. Spread over an acre of land, it is considered as one of the rare wonders of the world. The tree is a marvellous sight for visitors as it appears like a long wall of vegetation.

BORI (42 KM):

Located on the Pune-Nashik Road, this village has vast deposits of silver collared volcanic ash. This volcanic ash, which was naturally flown by wind for about 3,000 km from the Sumatra Islands, was deposited here 7 lakh years ago. This silver collared ash deposit is spread over 10 km in the river basin of the Kukdi river and has thickness varying from 1 to 2 m.

BALAPUR:

A historic town named after goddess Baladevi. Positioned between the two rivers Mana and Mhais, the place is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot. There is a fort at the confluence of Mana and Mhais rivers, and a stone made canopy of Raja Jai Singh is located here. A haveli built by Sayed Amjad (a local saint), and mosque in Kasarpura are also worth visiting in the area.

KAZIMAHAL:

Located at Barshi Takli, it functioned as the seat of administration of the area during reign of Alamgir under a kazi. The structure is in a dilapidated condition but still exudes the glory of Mughal architecture.

KHOLESHWAR TEMPLE:

A highly revered shrine in Barsi Takli, it is built of black stones and is one of the two Hemadpanti temples erected during the 12th century. The ramparts of the temple resemble Rajput forts and palaces. The presiding deity is Goddess Bhavani, whose idol is kept in such a way that the first rays of the sun fall directly on the head of the goddess through two tiny windows, each in the form of a cross. Other idols found here are of Lord Ganesh, Goddess Mahakali and Mahishasuramardini. The temple has a star-shaped shrine and a rectangular mandap (hall), both exquisitely decorated with moulding’s and figures. It also carries a long Sanskrit inscription, dating back to the Shaka year 1098.

KATEPURNA SANCTUARY (40 KM):

It is the catchment area of Katepurna reservoir, which attracts water birds. The vegetation is of southern tropical dry deciduous forest. Noted for the four horned antelope and barking deer, the sanctuary is inhabited by other animals such as black buck, wolf, leopard, hyena, wild boar, nilgai, hare, jungle cat and monkey. Peafowl can also be spotted. The best time to visit is from October to June.

NARNALA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (40KM):

It spreads over 12 sq. km and is the extension of the Melghat Tiger

Reserve in Amravati District. Sambhar deer, Leopard, wild boar, serpents, porcupines and birds inhabit the sanctuary.  Time to visit is  October to June.

NARNALA FORT:

Also known as Shahanur Fort, it is of considerable antiquity and is the largest fort on the hills of Satpuda. Narnala comprises of three small forts: Zafrabad in the east, Narnala at the centre and Teliagarh in the west. The fort was modified by Badshah Shahbudeen Ahmadhaha Wall during the 15th century.

SHRI RUDRAYANI TEMPLE (43 KM):

Also known as Rudrayani Chincholi Temple, the shrine is situated on a hill, and is ideal for trekking. Goddess Durga is the presiding deity here. A large number of devotees flock here on the occasion of Navratri, when the whole area is illuminated.