Akole
| Akoleअकोले | |
|---|---|
| City | |
  Akoleअकोले Location in Maharashtra, India | |
| Coordinates: 19°32′27″N 74°00′27″E / 19.54083°N 74.00750°ECoordinates: 19°32′27″N 74°00′27″E / 19.54083°N 74.00750°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| District | Ahmednagar |
| Government | |
| • Body | Nagarpanchaayat |
| Elevation | 593 m (1,946 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 18,278 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Marathi |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 422 601 |
| Telephone code | 02424 |
| Vehicle registration | MH-17 |
| Coastline | 0 kilometres (0 mi) |
| Nearest city | Sangamner |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Shirdi |
| Civic agency | Nagarpanchaayat |
| Website |
akolemaza |
Akole is a city and Taluka in Akole tehsil, Ahmednagar district in the state of Maharashtra, India. Akole is surrounded by the Sahyadri Mountains of Western Ghats, India. Several historical sites in the city honor Akole's connection to the history and culture of Maharashtra.
Geography
- Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra, standing at 1,646 m (5,400 ft).
- Ghatghar – situated 22 kilometres (14 mi) from Bhandardara. Providing views of the Sahyadri range, Ghatghar is also home to the first project of Udanchan Hydro-power, which has a capacity of generating 250 MW.
- Kokan Kada near Harishchandragad is a flat, sharp and deep edge mountainous region.
Points of interest
Despite not being that popular, the region does get some tourist activity. The following are some tourist interests and local points of interest.
River and irrigational projects
- Pravara River, which is one of the major tributaries of Godavari River, flows through the region. It has both historical and mythological significance.[1]
- Bhandardara Dam, also known as Wilson Dam, was built in 1910, and it is located about 150 metres (490 ft) above sea level.[2]
- Umbrella Falls, are a local waterfall, which are named for their visual similarity to an umbrella.
- Randha Falls is a waterfall standing 45 m (148 ft) high. It is located about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from Wilson Dam. Randha Falls is a source of hydroelectricity and is a famous tourist spot at Bhandardara.[3] This location has also been featured in Bollywood films such as Maine Pyaar Kiya and Raju Chacha.
- Nilwande Dam is a dam built on the Pravara River to provide hydroelectricity generation.[4]
Historical sites
Agasti Rishi Ashram is situated on the banks of the Pravara River. Mentioned in the Ramayana, it is believed that Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita visited Sage Agastya here, where the Rishi then offered Lord Ram a miraculous arrow which he later used to kill Ravan.[5]
Amruteshwar Temple is located at the entrance of the Ratanwadi village. It is considered to be over 1,200 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva as the main deity.[6] The temple itself has been constructed in the Hemadpanthi architectural style, featuring beautiful rock carvings on the main shrine.
Sri Gajanan Maharaj Mandir is devoted to a 19th-century saint from Shegaon.
The Jagdamba Temple is situated at Tahakari village. Another Hemadpanthi temple, Jagdamba features a sculpture of the deity Apsaras. Similar in style to the Khajuraho temples, the main deity of Jagadmba is made of wood. It is one of the most famous temples in the Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra. The Temple is situated on the bank of river Aadhala. The festival of Jagdamba Mata is organized by local people and takes place two times a year: first as the Chaitra Pournima two-day Yatra festival and involves many people from nearby villages and districts who travel to Darshan of Jagdamba; second as the Navratri 9-night festival of Jagdamba Mata to focus on the continuous worship of Goddess Jagdamba. Detailed information about Jagdamba Temple Tahakari can be found at the website www.jagdambatahakari.com.
The Patta Fort is also known as Vishramgad. The Kalseshwar Temple in Kalas Bk near Akole is situated on a mountain surrounded by the Pravara River. Harishchandragad is a point to enjoy trekking.
Koltembhe, as a small village at the foothills of Ghanchakkar peak, and Deothan, located 12 km (7.5 mi) from Akole, are both located close to scenic locations and temples.
References
- ↑ "Parivara River, Maharastra". Retrieved 4 May 2012.
- ↑ "Wilson Dam". Retrieved 4 May 2012.
- ↑ "Randha Falls | Akole". Must See India. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
- ↑ "Nilwande Dam". Sahyadree blog. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
- ↑ "Agasti Rishi Ashram".
- ↑ "Amruteshwar Temple". Retrieved 4 May 2012.