Gondia: The Rice City

Gondia

A DISTRICT OF MANY RIVERS AND LAKES, GONDIA DISTRICT SHARES ITS BOUNDARY WITH BHANDARA DISTRICT IN THE WEST. GONDIYA TOWN, THE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS, IS KNOWN AS THE 'RICE CITY', BECAUSE OF ITS MANY RICE MILLS.

Places of Interest:

NAGRA (5 KM):

It is an ancient place of great archeological significance. The 15th century Shiva Temple built in Hemadpanthi style is the major attraction here. Numerous ancient temples can be found here.

Excursions:

DAKRAM SUKDI (40 KM):

A religious place, the Chakradhar Swami Temple situated here is the major attraction. It is a highly revered shrine of Mahanubhav sect. The annual fair, held here in the month of Chaitra (April), draws thousands of pilgrims.

HAZARA FALL (50 KM):

This glittering waterfall, cascading amid emerald, green vegetation is a favoured picnic spot as well as a good camping site.

ITIADOH DAM (85 KM):

 It is the main source of water for paddy irrigation not only in Gondiya District, but also in Bhandara and Gadchiroli districts. Itia Dam is also renowned for Katla fish and Prawn culture. The Norgying Tibetan settlement, with the Tibetian carpet weaving centre is located nearby.

KAMTHA (15 KM):

A historical place, it was once the administrative headquarters of the Kamtha Zamindari. The major point of attraction here is the famous shiva Temple built by Saint Lahri Baba. a small fort, which was stormed by the British in 1818, is also located here.

KACHARGADH (55 KM):

A historic place, the chief attraction here is a cave in the hills belonging to the Paleolithic age. Large numbers of ancient stone weapons are excavated from here. Kachargadh, situated in dense forest, is also ideal for trekking.

NAVEGAON NATIONAL PARK:

Located at Navegoan and established in the 18^th century, it is one of the most popular for est. reserves of the Vidarbha region of thestate. Sprawling over an area of almost 135 sq. km, the wildlife park comprises a deer park, an aviary, 3 landscaped gardens and Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Flowing through the Navegaon Wildlife Park is the beautiful Navegaon Lake. A series of cascading trails leads one to the lake, which stretches over an area of somewhere around 11 sq. km. There is also a Watchtower inside the wildlife park, from where one can get awesome views of the entire region. The best time to visit Navegaon National Park is during the months of April and May. For bird lovers the best time to visit the park is October to June. During this time, Navegaon Lake is visited by huge flocks of migrating ducks, which seem to wake you up with their loud calls. Infact, the bird sanctuary at the national park is home to more than half of the bird species found in Maharashtra. The Park is open from 4.00 AM to 7.00 PM.