The small but impressive city Akola is our next Indian tourist place. This city of Maharashtra is under Vidarbha region. However, capital Mumbai is 584 kms away from the Akola city whereas Nagpur City is closer to Akola located at only distance of 250 kms from Akola. This developing metropolis is the key city in Vidarbha District. Its grain bazaar, pulses mills, oil mills and cotton industries are world famous. Countless IT companies have been established in Akola so City is growing rapidly and will become the developed city sooner. City is also popular for classical music, theater, spirituality, sports and writing. City is spread in 5431 square kilometers area and its average population is 1,818,617 according to 2011 census. Languages people use of Akola are Hindi, Marathi, English and Urdu.
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Akola region
was formed by the Nizam’s during the BEIC (British East India Company) rule in
1853. In the beginning of 19th century the city was leased to Indian Government
by Nizam ruler on yearly 25 lacs Rupees rent.
Attraction in Akola:
Akola Fort: first and key spot of Akola
is Fort also recognized as Asadgad. Asad Khan built this tourist attraction in
1697 under the ruling period of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. However, the battle
between Nawabz and British in 1870 destroyed most of the part of fort.
Narnala Fort: another place for
voyagers in Akola is Narnala Fort located in Akola region. Travelers have to
attain Satpura hills to reach Narnala Fort, which is close to Shahnur (another
tourist place). Top thing to watch is dense forest surrounded the fort that
includes countless wild animals as well. Attaining to Narnala fort is good
option as voyagers can also visit Jafarabad Fort, which is one closer tourist
destination in Akola region.
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary: Narnala
fort is fully covered with dense forest, hence visitors can enjoy the wildlife in
NWS (Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary) placed close to Akola region. Forest of
Narnala is world famous for its greenery and ancient fort makes it more special
location for voyagers. The park was declared on 2nd May 1997 with accommodation
and safari arrangements for visitors.
Balapur Fort: Maharashtra is popular
for various cities with diverse features and Akola city is one having amazing
forts and the real wildlife park. Balapur Fort is placed in Balapur town
located just 26 kms away from Akola. Mhais and Man are two rivers flowing from
the city. Aurangzeb’s son Azam Shah started construction of fort in 1721,
though Ismail Khan completed construction in 1757.
Raj Rajeshwar Temple: People of Akola
are religious hence there are holy places in the city where voyagers can
attain. Raj Rajeshwar Shrine dedicated to God Shiva is first holy of city. In Shravan
Mas people reach the shrine in huge amount. Attaining to temple on Monday is
better as large amount of followers reach the shrine to pray Lord Shiva.
Mahadev Temple: shrine Mahadev located
at Dhargad is next tourist and holy place of Akola. Thousands of followers
reach the shrine every month to pray to Lord Shiva. This temple is also
dedicated to Lord Shiva, though a fair is conducted on every third Monday of Shravan
Mas (August Month).
Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan: the Sant
Gajanan Maharaj trust or Sansthan is top place for visitors. This trust is having
huge shrine, though travelers have to attain Vidarbha region to reach the
temple. People also recognize the trust as Pandharpur of region Vidarbha.
Attaining to Akola:
By Air: reaching Akola is possible through
air but the limited flights from various cities could be little trouble for
voyagers. Akola domestic airport is linked to major cities but due to fewer flights,
people might get difficult to reach spot. The airport is also recognized as Shivani
Airport located at altitude of 999 feet. Airport is constructed at only
distance of 7 kms from NH (National Highway) 6. Closest International airport is
located at Nagpur, which is 250 kms away, though Aurangabad is also having
international airport allowing flights from Eastern world.
By Road: NH 6 passes from the city Akola
through Hazira, which goes to Kolkata. AMT (Akola Municipal Transport) is
having buses as big transport media to link various cities of state. For local transport,
people can hire auto rickshaw easily available in city. The city roads are
quite congested so travelers might face the traffic problem in city. MST (Maharashtra State Transport) buses are available for Akola connecting various cities of India
to the destination. State buses are cheapest medium of transport in Maharashtra. Private and state AC buses for Akola are available but with
limited quantity. Buses for Akola are available from Bhopal, Nagpur, Indore, Nanded, Hyderabad, Amravati, Nashik, Mumbai, and Jabalpur.
By Train: railway station of Akola has link
and direct trains from New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Okha, Rajkot, Surat, Jodhpur, Nanded, Bikaner, Kolhapur, Jaipur, Pune, Indore, Kamakhya, Mhow, Khandwa, Ujjain, Ratlam, Chittorgarh, Bhopal, Nagpur, Bilaspur, Gondia, Howrah, Puri, Hatia, Chennai, Purna,
Hingoli, Tirupati, Parli Vaidnath, Ganganagar, and Hyderabad.