Dhule: The West Khandesh Famous For Milk

Dhule

ALSO KNOWN AS 'WEST KAHNDESH', THE CENTRALLY LOCATED DHULE DISTRICT HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT DISTRICT SINCE BRITISH TIMES. DHULE DISTRICT IS FAMOUS FOR ITS HIGH QUALITY MILK. DHULE CITY THE DISTRICT HEADOUARTERS, IS LOCATED ON THE BANKS OF THE PANJARA RIVER. THE CITY IS MADE UP OF A NUMBER OF PARALLEL LANES, THE MUMBAI-AGRA ROAD ITSELF FORMING A PART OF IT.

PLACES OF INTEREST

EKVIRADEVI TEMPLE:

The temple situated near the Karla Caves is dedicated to Ekvira Devi.

THE RAJWADE SANSHODHAN MANDAL MUSEUM:

This museum houses prehisioric stone implements and pottery, Mughal and Rajput paintings, coins, sculptures and old manuscripts.

EXCURSIONS:

ANERDAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

Located on the south western side of Satpura range in Shirpur Tehsil, the sanctuary is home to the barking deer, thinkaras, hares, porcupines and jungle cats. Monitor Lizard is the common reptile found here. Hyenas, jackals, wolves and wild boars are the migrant animals. Qualis, partridges, egrets, herons, cormorants, corts, and owls are the birds at this place. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and February.

BALSANE:

A prominent Jain pilgrim centre, it enshrines a number of temples, built in Hemadpanthi and Bahamani style of architecture. The caves seen here are also worth a visit.

KAPILESHWAR TEMPLE:

Situated at the confluence of Tapi and Panzara Rivers on the border of jalgaon and Dhule Districts, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known as Saptsangam.

LALING FORT:

This fort is 6 miles south, from Dhule city. A 14th Century fort, which is in ruins now and two temples of Hemadpanthi styles are also located here.

NER:

The famous ancient Jain shrine, Ner Tirth that enshrines a 50 cm high, black-colored idol of Bhagvan Manovanchhit Parshwanath in the Padmasana posture, believed to be over 500 years old is the prime attraction here. An annual fair is conducted in this village on the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Phalgun (February-March).

PRAKASHE:

A village in Shahade tehsil, situated on the bank of Tapi River it has been known as a centre of pilgrimage since 17th century. Mahadeo temples located here are the major attractions.

SARANGKHEDA:

A popular pilgrim centre, it is famous for the magnificent shrine of single faced Lord Dattatreya. The tall shikhar of the shrine, which overlooks the village, is worth a visit. A big fair held on Margahsirsha Poornima, to celebrate the birth of Lord Dattatreya, is a major draw.

SHIRPUR (52 KM NORTH):

Situated in the beautiful valleys of Satpuda hills, the largest gold refinery in Asia, Shirpur Gold Refinery is located here. The 120 years old replica of Tirupati Balaji temple Balaji Temple is here. Antariksh Teerth, ajain temple, is located on the outskirts of Shirpur.