Akola: Enjoy Gorgeous Winters, Sprawling Forts & More!

Akola is a city in Vidarbha, in the state of Maharashtra, India. Akola is known for its cotton production, as well as for its oil and pulse production. The city has many monuments and temples, as well as a vibrant culture. Situated in the North of Maharashtra, Akola is rich in its historical and cultural heritage.

Akola is located on the banks of the Morna River and it is the district headquarters. It is located on the Deccan Plateau. The city is the 8th largest city in the state of Maharashtra. Situated in the region, which was once known as Berar.

The history of Akola dates back to the 2nd century BC when it was part of an important settlement of the Satavahana dynasty. In the 11th century, Akola was part of the Rashtrakuta empire during the rule of Krishnaraja I and his successor Amoghavarsha I.

It was then ruled by the Chalukyas of Kalyani and later by the Yadavas of Devagiri. After the fall of the Yadavas, it was ruled by the Delhi Sultanate and later by the Bahmanis of Gulbarga. In the 16th century, Akola was part of the Nizam Shahi dynasty.

It was then conquered by the Mughals and annexed by the Maratha Empire in 1699. During the British Raj, Akola was the administrative headquarters of the Berar Province. After Indian independence. Below we have mentioned a few best places to visit in Akola.

Places To Explore In Akola

The majestic forts stand right amid dense forests making it more appealing and captivating. Not to mention, the beautiful lakes and green vegetation add to the charm of the place. Below are the best places to spend your visit or vacation in this state:

Balapur Fort

It is a historical fort located in the Balapur town of Akola. The fort is believed to have been built in the 14th century during the Bahmani Sultanate period and was later captured by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The fort is situated on a hillock and is surrounded by a moat.

It has two main entrances, one on the eastern side and the other on the western side. The fort walls are about 30 feet high and have bastions at regular intervals. Inside the fort, there are several buildings and structures, including a mosque, a palace, and a temple.

The fort has played an important role in the history of the region, serving as a strategic military base during various conflicts.

Narnala Fort

The fort is situated on a hilltop in the Satpura range. The fort was built in the 10th century and has since been under the control of several dynasties, including the Mughals, the Marathas, and the British.

The fort has a unique triangular shape and is divided into three parts – the Zafarabad or Jafarabad, the Khanderao or Akbarabad, and the Narnala proper. The fort walls are made of stone and are about 8 meters high. Inside the fort, there are several buildings and structures. The fort was also a center of learning, with several prominent scholars and poets having lived and worked there.

Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary

It is a protected area in Akola the sanctuary is situated around the Narnala Fort and covers an area of approximately 12 square kilometers. The sanctuary was established in 1997 to protect the flora and fauna of the region. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, wild boars, sloth bears, and several species of birds.

The sanctuary is also home to several species of reptiles and amphibians. The flora of the sanctuary includes teak, salai, khair, and other species of trees.

Kapshi Lake

This is a beautiful artificial lake and was created in the 19th century to provide irrigation water to the surrounding farmlands. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, known for its scenic beauty and serene surroundings. The lake covers an area of approximately 25 hectares and is surrounded by lush greenery.

It is fed by several small streams and is home to a variety of fish species. The lake is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with several species of migratory and resident birds found in the region. Kapshi Lake is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The lake is also a popular spot for photography, with the surrounding hills and forests providing a beautiful backdrop.

Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 200 square kilometers and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is named after the Katepurna River, which flows through it. The vegetation in the sanctuary includes dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrublands.

The sanctuary is home to several species of wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, and chinkaras. The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, including peafowl, quails, and partridges.

Lord Mahadeo Cave

Is also known as the Mahadev Temple, and is a popular tourist attraction located in the Pachmarhi hill station of Madhya Pradesh. It is a natural cave that has been converted into a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The cave is located on the way to the popular tourist spot, Jata Shankar Cave, and is situated at a height of around 100 feet above ground level. Visitors need to climb up around 200 steps to reach the cave.

The temple inside the cave is small but beautiful, and it has a naturally formed Shiva lingam that is worshiped by the devotees

Nehru Park

This public park is located in the city of Mumbai. The park is named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and was opened to the public in 1969. The park covers an area of around 85 acres. The park features a large lake, walking trails, and lush greenery.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the park, such as boating, picnicking, and jogging. One of the main attractions of Nehru Park is the replica of the Indira Gandhi Memorial, which is a miniature version of the original memorial located in New Delhi.

Escape from the noise and chaos of urban life. The park is easily accessible by road and is located in the heart of the city, making it a convenient destination for visitors.

Birla Ram Mandir

Also known as Birla Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama located in New Delhi, India. It was built in the 1930s by the industrialist B.R. Birla and his family and is one of the major attractions is built in the architectural style of the Nagara school of temple architecture and is made of white marble.

The interior of the temple is adorned with beautiful carvings and paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Rama. Birla Ram Mandir is open to visitors regardless of their religion and is a popular destination for tourists and devotees.

Narsingh Maharaj Temple

This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Narsingh, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the most revered and ancient temples in the region and is considered a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus.

The Narsingh Maharaj temple is believed to have been established in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya, a famous Hindu philosopher, and theologian.

Narsingh Maharaj Temple: One of the famous religious place to visit in #Akola dist. This is ancient temple which is visited by lot of devotees from diff parts of the country. The idol is very beautiful by which this temple is the centre of holiness.#VisitAkola#VisitMaharashtra pic.twitter.com/ywXKpseELT

— MAHA INFO CENTRE (@micnewdelhi) January 25, 2018

The temple is situated at an elevation of 1,915 meters above sea level and is surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests.

Best Time To Visit Akola

The best time to visit Akola is from November to February. This time of year is when the climate is most pleasant, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 15-32°C in the daytime to as low as 4°C at night.

If you relish a little chill, the winter months of Nov – Dec offer the best time to explore this city.

How To Reach Akola?

By Road: Akola is well connected to major cities and towns nearby by the network of roads and national highways. So, you can either hire a taxi, come by bus or rent a vehicle yourself to visit at your own pace and convenience 

By Train: Akola Junction railway station is one of the major railway hubs in the Vidarbha region located on the Howrah-Nagpur-Mumbai line. Superfast, express and passenger trains ran frequently to major cities to and from the city.

Since the Indian railway networks are one of the largest it is much more convenient to use the rail. 

By Air: The nearest airport to Akola is located at Nagpur and is around 260 km away Mumbai is also a good option. As Mumbai is among the most popular cities in India it connects to major places and could be reached quickly.

Akola is a fascinating city in India and is known for its wonderful culture, natural beauty, and diversity of languages. This vibrant city has many historic temples and forts, making it an ideal place for pilgrims and sightseers to visit.

Its friendly locals and bustling markets offer an abundance of delicious street food and friendly banter. Akola is also home to several educational institutions, giving it a unique educational atmosphere.

In addition, Akola is even recognized by the World Bank as a model city for its efforts in improving urban infrastructure and sanitation. The best thing about a visit to Akola is that tourists never run out of things to explore.

There is nothing like experiencing a place at its best than spending time here and understanding its culture and people. In short, Akola is a must-visit place for travel enthusiasts

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