Amravati: Most Sacred Buddhist Pilgrim In South India

 Amravati

LITERALLY MEANING, 'ABODE OF IMMORTALS', AMRAVATI DISTRICT IS THE MOST SACRED BUDDHIST PILGRIM CENTRE IN SOUTH INDIA AND IS HOME TO THE GREAT STUPA OR MAHA CHAITYA. WATERED BY THE PURNA RIVER, THE DISTRICT COMPRISES OF TWO DISTINCT GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS - THE HILLY 'MALAGHAT' REGION AND THE ‘PAYAN GHAT’ PLAINS. AMRAVATI TOWN IS THE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS.

Places of Interest:

AMBADEVI TEMPLE:

Situated in the heart of the city, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Ambadevi. One of the major attractions of the temple is the Navratri Festival, when the whole temple gets beautifully decorated. People from neighbouring cities false congregate here during this time, to catch a glimpse of the Goddess. During Navratri, a huge mela (fair) is organised on the grounds of the Ambadevi Temple, in which the devotees participate with full enthusiasm.

CHATRI TALAO:

Situated on the Malkhed Railway Road, this is a small reservoir built in 1888 on a small spring known as Kali Nadi. The reservoir provided drinking water to the Amravati city before the construction of the Upper Wardha Dam. It houses a beautiful garden and boating facilities are available here.

SHRI EKVIRA DEVI TEMPLE:

Situated near the famous Ainhadevi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ekvira Devi, it dates back to the year 1660. The Goddess enshrined here is believed to be an incarnation of the Shakti. There is a huge rush every year, during the Navaratri festival.

SATIDHAM TEMPLE:

Situated at Rallies Plot, the temple enshrines the idols of a several Gods and their consorts, including Lord Krishna and Radha, Lord Ram and Sita and Lord Shiva and Sati, along with Lord Ganesha. One of the major attractions of the temple is the fair organised every year, on the occasion of Janmashtami.

SHRI BHAKTI DHAM TEMPLE:

Situated on the Badnera Road, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and His consort, Radha. Also enshrined inside the temple is an idol of Shri Sant Jalaram Bappa The temple, with its small park, is also very popular among children.

VENKATESH DHAM TEMPLE:  

An ancient shrine located in the heart of the city, it enshrines the idol of Lord Tirupati Balaji (Venkateshwara). Adjacent to the temple is the Jaistambh, which was built on the occasion of Indian independence in 1947.

WADALI TALAO:

Situated on the Chandur Railway Road, it is approximately 3 km away from the Amaravati Camp. It is another reservoir, built with the purpose of serving clean and fresh water to the people of Amaravati. A small garden and a zoo, a favourite amongst the kids of the city are located here. A popular picnic spot, people come here during weekends.

Execursions:

BIR LAKE:

Situated at Chikhaldara, Birr was built by the British Government in December 1890. The soldiers in the British Government used it. Hence the lake is named so. There is an old garden near the lake.

CHILKALDARA:

The only hill station in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, it derives its name from Kichaka, who was killed by Bhima for insulting Draupadi. Chikaldara Wildlife Sanctuary that forms a part of the hill station boasts of a rich and varied wildlife. Of the valley below. Spots like Hurricane point, Prospect point and Devi point offer amazing views of the wildlife sanctuary. The best time to visit the sanctuary is From October to June. Gavilgad Fort, Narnala Fort, Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, Tribal Museum, and Semadoh Lake are nearby, and worth visiting.

GUGAMAL NATIONAL PARK:

Known as a core area of the Melghat Tiger Reserve, it spreads over an area of 361 sq. km of dry deciduous type. The inhabitants include leopard, panther, tiger, sloth bear, fishing cat, four horned antelope, sambar deer, barking deer, wild beer and cheetah. Python and various bird species are also sheltered. The best season to visit is March to June.

MELGHAT TIGER RESERVE:

A prime habitat of tigers, this reserve is located on the southern offshoot of the Satpura Hill Range in Chikhaldara. Gugamal National Park forms part of this reserve. It spreads over 1,597 sq. km of tropical dry deciduous forest. Tapti River borders the northeastern boundary of the reserve. Leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, jackal, sambar deer, flying squirrel, wild boar, langur, rhesus monkey, pangolin, mouse-deer, python, caracal and black napped hare also dominate the reserve. The best time to visit is October to June. Wan Sanctuary is an extension of the reserve.

PANCHBOL:

One of the famous and important points in Chikaldhara, the specialty of this place is that, the echoing sound which is considered to be five times - hence also known as five echo Point. A deep valley, formed by four mountains, makes it more attractive.

RIDHPUR:

Also known as the 'Kashi of Mahanubhav’, it is a major pilgrim centre for the Mahanubhav cult throughout the country. Thousands of pilgrims visit Ridhpur on Ashadhi Purnima, Chaitra Purnima and Govind Prabhu Jayanti (August-September).

SHAKKAR LAKE:

Located on the way to Gawilgarh Fort, it is an ideal picnic spot. Boating facilities are available here. Devi Point is a nearby attraction.

VISAPUR FORT:

Located at Visapur to the east of Lohagad Fort and built in the 18th century, the fort is situated at an altitude of 3,550 ft above sea level and is renowned for its protective walls with intricate designs. There is a semicircular pass between Visapur and Lohagad forts, which can be seen from the railway bridge at Lonavala Railway Station.

THE WILSON DAM:

Built in 1910 on the Pravara River, almost 150 m above sea level, a marvellous swimming pool and a circular garden are located at the base of the dam. When the water level in the lake is high, one can catch sight of the beautiful Umbrella Falls from here.

WAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

Located in Melghat area, Wan Wildlife Sanctuary is an extension of Melghat Sanctuary. Vegetation consists of dry deciduous forests; tigers, leopards, hyena, wild dogs, bison, sambar deer, barking deer and wild boar are found in large numbers here. The best time to visit is October to February.