Akole

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title: "Akole" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["geography-of-maharashtra"] topic_path: "geography" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akole" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::data[format=table title="Infobox settlement"]

FieldValue
nameAkole
settlement_typeCity
pushpin_mapIndia Maharashtra
pushpin_label_positionright
pushpin_map_captionLocation in Maharashtra, India
subdivision_typeCountry
subdivision_nameIndia
subdivision_type1State
subdivision_name1Maharashtra
subdivision_type2District
subdivision_name2Ahmednagar District
established_title
governing_bodyNagarpanchaayat
unit_prefMetric
elevation_m593
population_total18278
population_as_of2011
population_density_km2auto
demographics_type1Languages
demographics1_title1Official
demographics1_info1Marathi
timezone1IST
utc_offset1+5:30
postal_code_typePIN
postal_code422 601
area_code_typeTelephone code
area_code02424
registration_plateMH-17
blank1_name_sec1Coastline
blank1_info_sec10 km
blank2_name_sec1Nearest city
blank2_info_sec1Sangamner
blank3_name_sec1Lok Sabha constituency
blank3_info_sec1Shirdi
blank4_name_sec1Civic agency
blank4_info_sec1Nagarpanchaayat
::

::callout[type=note] the Akole city in Punya Shlok Ahilyadevi Nagar district, Maharashtra, India ::

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Akole is a city and taluka in the Akole tehsil of Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra, India. It is situated within the Sahyadri Mountains of the Western Ghats. The city has several historical sites that reflect its connection to the history and culture of Maharashtra.

History

According to local beliefs, Lord Rama visited Akole during his 14-year exile, known as Vanvaas. Additionally, it is said that King Harishchandra built the Harishchandragad fort for his wife, Taramati, in the Akole tehsil. Great Maratha emperor Shivaji Maharaj visited Vishramgad in Akole after his campaign in Surat, where he stayed for 30 days to recuperate from the exhaustion of his tour.

Geography

Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra, with an elevation of 1,646 meters (5,400 feet). Ghatghar, located 22 kilometers (14 miles) from Bhandardara, offers views of the Sahyadri range and is the site of the Udanchan Hydro-power project's first installation, which has a capacity of 250 MW. Additionally, Kokan Kada, situated near Harishchandragad, is known for its flat, sharp, and deeply edged mountainous terrain.[[File:Kalbhairav pinnacle Scj.jpg|thumb|right |upright=1.3 |Konkan Kada]]

River and irrigation projects

The Pravara River, a major tributary of the Godavari River, flows through the region and holds both historical and mythological significance. The Mula River originates on the eastern slopes of the Sahyadris, between Ratangad and Harichandragad, and for the first 20 miles, it flows parallel to the Pravara, draining the southern part of Akole taluka.

The Bhandardara Dam, also known as Wilson Dam, was constructed in 1910 and is situated approximately 150 meters (490 feet) above sea level. Nearby, Umbrella Falls, named for its resemblance to an umbrella, is a local waterfall.

Randha Falls, standing 45 meters (148 feet) high, is about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Wilson Dam. It serves as a source of hydroelectricity and is a popular tourist destination in Bhandardara, having been featured in Bollywood films such as Maine Pyaar Kiya and Raju Chacha. The Nilwande Dam, built on the Pravara River, is also used for generating hydroelectricity.

Historical sites

Agasti Rishi Ashram, located on the banks of the Pravara River, is associated with the Ramayana, where it is believed that Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita visited Sage Agastya. The sage reportedly provided Lord Ram with a miraculous arrow used to kill Ravan.

The Amruteshwar Temple, at the entrance of Ratanwadi, is over 1,200 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Constructed in the Hemadpanthi architectural style, it features rock carvings on the main shrine.

The Jagdamba Temple in Tahakari village is a Hemadpanthi temple known for its wooden sculpture of the deity Apsaras. Located on the bank of the Aadhala River, it is one of the notable temples in Ahmednagar District. The temple hosts the Jagdamba Mata festival twice annually: Chaitra Pournima, a two-day Yatra attracting visitors from nearby areas, and Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Jagdamba.

Patta Fort, also known as Vishramgad, and the Kalseshwar Temple in Kalas Bk near Akole, situated on a mountain surrounded by the Pravara River, are popular trekking destinations. Koltembhe, a village at the foothills of Ghanchakkar Peak, and Deothan, 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Akole, are near several scenic locations and temples.

The Shree Gangadhareshwar Temple, built in 1782 by Sardar Potnis from Gwalior, is designed in the Hemadpanti style and situated on a 30-foot-high platform in Akole, a short walk from the ST stand.

Villages

Akole taluka encompasses several small and large villages, including Mehenduri, Balthan, Maveshi, Rumbhodi, Rajur, Kotul, Lingdev, Lahit Khurd, Dhamangaon Awari, Nawalewadi, Dhumalwadi, Virgaon, Samsherpur, Unchakhadak, Indori, Ambad, Dhamangaon P, Brahmanwada, and Sugaon.

Places of interest

Sandhan Valley

Sandhan Valley, often referred to as "The Great Canyon" of the Sahyadri ranges, is a combination of a canyon and a valley. Situated near Samrad village in the Akole tehsil of Punya Shlok Ahilyadevi Nagar district, close to Ratangad Fort, it is also known as the Valley of Shadows. Surrounded by the Ratangad and Kalsubai mountains, the valley is located at an elevation of 4,255 feet above sea level. The trek through Sandhan Valley involves navigating a 200-foot-deep and 2-kilometer-long gorge carved by water between narrow walls. In the film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Sandhan Valley was recreated to depict a battle scene between the Mughal army and the Marathas.

References

References

  1. Hardiman, David. (2007). "Histories for the Subordinated". Seagull Books.
  2. "Parivara River, Maharastra".
  3. "Wilson Dam".
  4. "Randha Falls {{!}} Akole". Must See India.
  5. "Nilwande Dam". Sahyadree blog.
  6. "Agasti Rishi Ashram".
  7. "Amruteshwar Temple".

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geography-of-maharashtra