Harishchandragad Fort – History

 Harishchandragad is one of the oldest hill forts in Maharashtra, located in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri range) in Akole taluka, Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar) district. It stands at an altitude of about 1,424 meters (4,670 ft).

At a distance of 8 km from Khireshwar, 50 km from Bhandardara, 166 km from Pune & 218 km from Mumbai, Harishchandragad is a historical hill fort situated in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 1,424 m, the fort once played a major role in guarding and controlling the surrounding region. Harishchandragad is very popular place for trekking in Maharashtra and also one of the famous Bhandardara tourist places.

The fort originally dates back to the 6th century during the rule of Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era and various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century AD. Sage Changdev used to meditate here in 14th century AD. Later the fort was under the control of Mughals and Marathas captured it in 1747 AD. Remnants of Microlithic human inhabitants have been discovered here. The various Puranas like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana have many references about Harishchandragad.

Rohidas, Taramati and Harishchandra are the three peaks in Harishchandragad. Taramati peak is the highest peak in the fort and provides a beautiful panoramic view of the nearby surroundings and the forest area. Many peaks and attractions like Malshej Ghat, Jivdhan, Nane Ghat, Ratangad & Kalsubai can also be seen from here. Konkan Kada or the Konkan cliff is a semi-circular rock wall and resembles a Cobra's hood. Apart from trekking opportunities, this fort has lot of temples and caves within the premises. The fort has a carved Lord Vishnu Temple with many idols and is believed to have been constructed by the Kalchuri dynasty.

Kedareshwar cave is a unique cave which is located on the way to the Harishchandreshwar temple. It is an abode to five feet-tall Shiva linga, surrounded by four pillars, in a pool of water. There are a few other temples including Nageshwar temple and Harishchandreshwar temple in this area. The Buddhist Caves near the fort are other prominent attractions.

There are 3 popular trekking trails to reach the fort - via Khireshwar Village, via Nalichi Vaat and the easiest one via Paachnai village. The trek route from Khireshwar village is a straight trail that goes towards Tolar Khind and it takes 2 to 2.5 hours one way. After Tolar Khind, there is a 100 feet rock patch, which has iron railings for the safety of trekkers. After crossing rock patch a straight way leads to Harishchandreshwar Temple with small hills & streams in between.

There is another way to reach Harischandragad from Paachnai village, which is 48 km away from Bhandardara. One needs to do 5 km trek from Paachnai to reach Harishchandragad. The trekking path is easy and beautiful as one can enjoy the natural beauty of forest. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach to the top of Harischandragad. There are many rocky patches and steep climbs enroute.

The third path is specially meant for hikers, which starts from Belpada village via Sadhleghat. From here, the route goes through Sadhleghat and is extremely difficult. Here one has to climb a straight rock patch on which grips are provided. The trail from here is uphill and continues to remain rocky. It takes 9 hours to reach the fort (on way) and the total distance is about 19 km from Belpada village. Camping is allowed on the peak.

 Kalsubai Peak, standing at 1,646 meters (5,400 feet), is the highest peak in Maharashtra. It is located in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri range) near Bhandardara, in Akole taluka of Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar) district.

  

 Peak is named after a local Koli girl named Kalsu, who is central to the mountain's legend. According to the story, Kalsu worked for a Koli family under the condition that she would not be required to clean pots or sweep. When she was ordered to do so, she complied but then climbed the hill and remained there until her death, seeking freedom from her duties. The places where she performed these tasks are known as Thale Mel (where she cleaned pots) and Kaldara (where she cleared litter).

The peak holds religious significance, with a temple dedicated to Goddess Kalsubai at its summit, believed to have been built in her honor after her disappearance. This temple is a place of worship, especially during the Navratri festival, when special prayers and celebrations are held. The mountain is also associated with historical importance, having been used for surveillance during the Maratha rule due to its commanding view of surrounding forts and the Bhandardara Dam.

Bhandardara Lake

 Bhandardara Lake, also known as Arthur Lake, is a man-made reservoir in Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar) district, Maharashtra. Its history is closely linked to British-era water management projects.

 

   

Bhandardara Lake, also known as Arthur Lake or Lake Arthur Hill, is a horseshoe-shaped reservoir formed by the construction of the Wilson Dam on the Pravara River in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. The dam, built in 1910 by the British, is one of the oldest earthen dams in India and serves as a key source of irrigation and hydroelectric power. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills of the Sahyadri mountain range, creating a serene and picturesque environment ideal for boating, camping, and picnics.

The lake is a central attraction in Bhandardara, a popular hill station known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and adventure opportunities. It is particularly renowned during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons (June to February), when the water level rises, waterfalls come alive, and the surrounding landscape turns lush green. The lake is also a key site for observing fireflies during their mating season, although tourism during this period can disrupt their natural behavior.

Visitors can enjoy various activities at Bhandardara Lake, including boating, fishing, and evening strolls along the lakeside. The area is also a gateway to several other attractions, such as the Umbrella Falls, which is visible from July to October when the dam overflows, and Randha Falls, a 170-foot waterfall located about 10 kilometers away. The highest peak in Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai at 1,646 meters, is accessible via a trek starting from nearby Bari Village, offering panoramic views of the region

Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary Maharashtra

 Here’s an overview of the history and background of the Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra:

Blackbucks, also known as Indian antelope, is famous all over India for of its unique jump and being the sole extant member of the genus Antilope. In India, only four picturesque wildlife sanctuaries were made to preserve the number of blackbucks and the most beautiful amongst them with the highest chances of spotting them (blackbuck) is Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary. In Maharashtra, blackbucks are seen only in Rehekuri Wildlife Sanctuary. Initially, when the wildlife sanctuary was formed, the population of blackbuck was hardly 15. And to one's astonishment, the current no of blackbucks are 400. Blackbucks in Maharashtra are referred as 'kalvit' and the male blackbuck easily stands out from among a group of antelopes for its long spiral horns roaming in the grasslands.

The tradition of protecting the blackbucks has been going on in full swing since the rule of Bishnois of Rajasthan. Though the park is small in size as compared others, hardly 2.17 square kilometers, but it provides interesting exploration trails. Apart from the blackbucks, here one can spot chinkaras, wolves, and the Indian fox too. Trekking is the best way take a stock of the sanctuary. And if tourists have extra time at their disposal, then they should visit Lord Ganesh temple and Rashin Devi temple.

Siddheshwar Temple(s) in Ahmednagar

 Here’s a history and overview of the Siddheshwar Temple(s) in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra — because there are multiple Shiva temples named Siddheshwar in the region with distinct historical backgrounds:

The Siddheshwar Temple in Solapur, Maharashtra, dates back to the 12th century, when it was founded by the revered saint Shri Siddharameshwar, a disciple of Shri Mallikarjuna of Srisailam. According to legend, the saint had a vision instructing him to install 68 Shiva Lingams across Solapur, with the temple at the center as a sanctum of divine power, aiming to bridge the spiritual divide between followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Shri Siddharameshwar, a key figure in the propagation of Lingayatism, attained Jeeva Samadhi within the temple complex, making it a site of significant spiritual importance.

Another Siddheshvar Temple is located in Rajgurunagar, near Pune, which was built on March 4, 1725 CE, by Trimbaka Śeth, an ancestor of resident Kāśikara Madhve. The construction of the Bhāgīrathī Kuṇḍa (Puṣkaraṇī) in front of the temple was completed on October 12, 1735 CE. This temple complex includes a traditional Maratha stepped well, Dharmaśālās, Tulasī Vṛndāvana, and several shrines, with inscriptions providing historical details about its construction and patrons.

In Akole, the Siddheshwar Temple is believed to have been built during the 5th century AD on the bank of the Pravara River during the rule of the Shilahara family. The temple was buried under river deposits until the 18th century and was later excavated and restored, with one of the mukhmandapas reconstructed in the later Peshwa period style. This temple is notable for its unique features, including a floor made of cow dung and rare camel sculptures in the temple carvings.

In Talegaon-Dhamdhere, the Siddheśvara Temple was constructed on March 16, 1732 CE, by Mora Sheti Karanje and his relatives, who were moneylenders of the Peśvās. The temple complex includes a gūḍhamaṇḍapa, antarāḷa, and garbhagṛha, with a Sanskrit inscription detailing its construction. The temple is part of a larger complex that includes other significant temples and historical remains, reflecting its importance in the region.

Additionally, the Amruteshwar Siddheshwar Temple Complex in Pune includes a Siddheshwar Temple built in 1738, dedicated to Guru Dakshina, and other temples constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The complex features an underground shrine and has undergone various restorations over time

Farah Bagh

 Farah Bagh is an important historical Mughal garden complex located near Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar), Maharashtra, India.

Archaeologists studying Farah Baug, a 16th-century summer palace of the Ahmednagar sultanate, have found that the building used a unique lime technology that kept those staying there cool in the blistering Deccan summer.

Farah Baug is a 16th-century summer palace of the Ahmednagar sultanate.(HT Photo)

Also called Farah Baksh Bagh or Faria Bagh, it was built in 1583 by the Nizam Shah rulers, and sits at the centre of a huge palace complex. Delhi-based National Museum Institute (NMI) of the History of Art, Conservation and Museology, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Chennai, which analysed material used in the palace’s construction, found that its 13-cm-thick lime plaster was embedded with stone, fired pottery and brick pieces that may have improved its permeability. Sand, jute fibre and dry paddy stem increased porosity, durability and flexibility, helping the plaster absorb moisture from the surrounding water fountains. In the summer heat, the moisture escaped slowly through the plaster, cooling the interiors. The natural cooling technique, said MR Singh, lead author and professor, department of conservation, NMI, kept temperatures inside the building 8-12 degrees Celsius lower than the 46 to 48 degrees Celsius that the region experiences between March and June.

The study ‘Architectural features and characterisation of 16th century Indian Monument Farah Bagh, Ahmed Nagar, India’, was published in the International Journal of Architectural Heritage on May 8.

“Lime plaster and potsherds, which absorb water 300% more than their volume, exhibited almost the same porosity. The high open porosity of air lime and the ability of potsherds to hold moisture contributed towards the exchange of moisture from the underlying materials without causing any functional instability,” said Singh. “Instead, the embedded potsherds provided mechanical strength to the plaster and helped in its survival.”

The high percentage of air pores in the plaster mix also contributed to the diffusion of moisture from the underlying building materials. Researchers said the construction technology of Farah Baug is rare, unlike palaces in India that used wind to cool to interiors.

“The architectural form, the building location, the context of large pools of water around it, and the vegetation that it was set in, are the major factors that would shape temperature,” said Pushkar Sohoni, cultural historian and assistant professor, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, who was not involved in the study.

Meherabad – Information

 Meherabad is a place of major spiritual importance located near Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar), Maharashtra, India.

Meherabad is today one the most famous pilgrimage centers of Ahmednagar city. Located around 9 kilometres in the south of Ahmednagar city, Meherabad is home to Samadhi (tomb shrine) of famous spiritual saint Meher Baba, after whom the small town Meherabad has been named. For people of Ahmednagar, Meher Baba was one of the greatest souls to have walked on the planet Earth. Born as Merwan Sheriar Irani in 1894 in the city of Pune, Meher Baba dedicated his entire life to spiritual enlightenment and social service.

Meher Baba’s special bond with Ahmednagar and its people began in 1923, when Meher Baba along with his few disciples shifted from Mumbai to a small place in Ahmednagar city. Meher Baba later named this place as Meherabad and made it the main center for all his spiritual and social service activities. Meherabad was, however, more than a mere home or a service center for Meher Baba, it was his beloved spiritual oasis. As this place had inspired and deeply intensified his spiritually quest and eventually helped him realize his final goal of becoming a spiritually awakened person. In fact such was Meher Baba’s deep bond with Meherabad that his last wish was that his body must be cremated and his Samadhi must be built at this very place after his death. A wish that was obviously fulfilled by his sincere devotees after Meher Baba left this world on 31st January 1969.                          

Today the Samadhi of Meher Baba located on Meherabad Hill draws thousands of Meher Baba’s devotees not just from Ahmednagar but from far across the world. One unique thing about this sacred Samadhi, which is worth mentioning, is that the dome structure under which it is laid was completed in 1938 itself, i.e. more than 30 years before Meher Baba’s death. This is because Meher Baba had decided his place of Samadhi during his lifetime itself and hence its construction had begun much before his death.

In the proximity of this sacred Samadhi are many buildings including a museum and library that have stored many of Meher Baba’s artifacts and books. The museum and building, needless to say, are kept completely open for visiting devotees. But, the place that prospective visiting devotees must surely visit is a small and humble house located on the Lower Meherabad, not very far away from the Samadhi. It is at this very small & humble house that Meher Baba spent most part of his life while practicing his forty-four years of silence. This house unarguably played a critical role in Meher Baba’s spiritual quest and hence deserves a visit by his sincere devotees.
        

Tomb of Salabat Khan II

 Here’s the detailed info on the Tomb of Salabat Khan II in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra — a notable historic monument set on a hilltop

Salabat Khan Tomb Ahmednagar

Located 13 km away from Ahmednagar at Mehkri, a three storey stone structure sprawled on the crest of a hill - Tomb of Salabat Khan II, erroneously known as Chandbibi Mahal or Chand Bibi Palace, is a beautiful tomb stretched into the distance as far the eye could see. Each level is encircled by verandahs and huge casements, thus allowing ventilation from all directions of the tomb. The basement carries the relics of the constructor and his wife buried in it, whereas three other graves of Salabat Khan’s wife; Chand Bibi and their sons reside outside the tomb. Salabat Khan II, was a loved and respected minister of Murtaza, the fourth Nizam Shah, who ascended the throne in the year 1565 and announced Salabat Khan as his minister in 1579, after killing his own minister in a fit of anger and suspicion.

The octagonal structure of the tomb is away from all intricacies and doesn’t boost of any architectural supremacy. It is believed that the planning was for to built seven stories, but only three were finally built. The tomb is about 939 m above sea level, is now used as military sanitarium. It offers splendid views of the lush green hills and the whole of the city, that makes the visit to this ruined and depleted place worthwhile.

Cavalry Tank Museum

 Here’s a comprehensive overview of Cavalry Tank Museum — one of India’s most fascinating military history attractions:

The Cavalry Tank Museum is a military museum located in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, established by the Armored Corps Centre and School in February 1994.

 It is the only museum of its kind in Asia and houses a collection of approximately 50 vintage armored fighting vehicles, including tanks, armored cars, self-propelled guns, and specialized vehicles.

 The museum's collection spans from the First World War to modern conflicts, with the oldest exhibit being the silver Ghost Rolls-Royce Armoured Car (Indian Pattern), a 1914 model that served on battlefields such as Cambrai, the Somme, and Flanders.

The museum features a wide array of tanks from various nations and eras, including British models like the Valentine, Churchill Mk. VII, Matilda II, Centurion Mk. II, and the Archer tank destroyer; American tanks such as the M3 Stuart, M22 Locust, M3 Medium Tank, Sherman Crab mine-flail tank, and M47 Patton; German vehicles like the Schwerer Panzerspähwagen heavy armoured car and a captured 88mm anti-aircraft/armour field-gun possibly from the 15th Panzer Division of the Afrika Korps; Japanese tanks including the Type 95 Ha-Go light tank and Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank; and Soviet models such as the PT-76 amphibious tank and the T-55 and T-72 tanks.

 It also displays war trophies captured from Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971, including the M41 Walker Bulldog and Chaffee light tanks.

Specialized vehicles on display include bridge-laying tanks, mine-flail tanks, and amphibious recovery vehicles like the Sherman BARV Sea Lion.

 The museum also includes a Memory Hill, which houses souvenirs from all regiments of the Indian Army’s Armoured Corps.

 Educational displays in three dedicated halls provide historical context on armored warfare, cavalry history, and military artifacts through photographs, maps, and narratives.

The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays.

 Entry fees are ₹50 for adults and ₹25 for children aged 6 to 12, with additional charges for photography and video recording.

 Facilities include restrooms, sitting areas, refreshments, a souvenir shop, and guided tours available in Hindi, Marathi, and English.

 The museum is situated in a military cantonment and is accessible by road, rail, or air, with Ahmednagar Railway Station and Pune International Airport being the nearest transport hubs.

 It is also a popular destination for school trips and family outings due to its educational value and well-maintained grounds.

Ahmednagar Fort

 Here’s comprehensive information about Ahmednagar Fort — a major historic fort in Maharashtra, India

Ahmednagar Fort

Ahmednagar Fort also known as Kot Bagh Nizam is one of the oldest forts of India. Built in the 16th century, the fort standing for over 400 years now, is having the most enticing history of all times. It was the Royal residence and Administrative Centre of Nizam Shahi Dynasty from 1490 AD. It was initially built-in 1490 AD by Ahmed Nizam Shah and rebuilt with the present stone masonry with the moat around in 1553 to 1565 by Hussein Nizam Shah.

This fort is oval in form, 1.70 km in circumference and is strengthened by 24 bastions. Originally it had two entrances, one on the West side for wheeled traffic and other on the East side for foot passengers in the form of sally port and suspension bridge. These were closed and the present entrance was constructed by British during 1943 by breaking the Fort wall and filling the portion of the moat. It is peculiarly well planned and strong built fort with stone walls rising about 30 feet from the bottom of the moat. Although lying on comparatively low ground yet it cannot be spotted within a large distance. Portuguese are said to have helped to build this fort. First Prime Minister of free India, Pandit Nehru wrote Discovery of India when he was imprisoned in this fort here in 1944. Leaders rooms are still alive inside the fort, where leaders of freedom struggle were imprisoned from 1942 45. Although, the Indian army occupies the fort, entry into the fort is allowed by signing at the gate. But photography is not allowed inside the fort.

Bani Begum Gardens

 Bani Begum Gardens

Location: Near Khuldabad, close to Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Built In: 18th century (during the Mughal period).

Named After: Bani Begum, the wife of Mughal prince Azam Shah.

Type of Place: Mughal-style garden with historical structures.

Main Features:

• Beautiful fountains

• Water channels and pathways

• Arches, pillars, and pavilions

• A peaceful mausoleum (tomb) of Bani Begum

Architecture: Reflects traditional Mughal garden layout—symmetrical, with greenery and flowing water.

Attraction: Popular among tourists for photography, relaxation, and history lovers.

Jayakwadi Dam

 Jayakwadi Dam

• Location: Near Paithan town in the Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India.

• River: Built on the Godavari River.

• Project Name: Nath Sagar / Jayakwadi Project.

• Type of Dam: Earthen dam with a masonry spillway.

• Purpose:

  • Irrigation for drought-prone regions of Marathwada

  • Drinking water supply to nearby cities (Aurangabad, Jalna, Beed, etc.)

  • Industrial water supply

  • Flood control

• Reservoir:

  • The reservoir created is called Nath Sagar Reservoir

  • One of the largest earthen dams in India

• Special Features:

  • Has a bird sanctuary (famous for migratory birds)

  • Important for agriculture and regional water management

Salim Ali Lake information

 Salim Ali Lake information

Where is it & Basic Info

• Salim Ali Lake is located near the Delhi Gate of Aurangabad, in the northern part of the city, opposite Himayat Bagh. Marathwada Tourism+2Holidify+2

• It’s also referred to as “Salim Ali Sarovar / Talab” (talab = lake). Marathwada Tourism+1

• Historically, during the Mughal period it was known as “Khiziri Talab.” Over time, it was renamed after the famous ornithologist Salim Ali. 

• What Makes It Special — Nature & Heritage

  • The lake + its surroundings once formed part of a larger marsh/tank system along the northern wall of old Aurangabad. Over time, parts were reclaimed (for gardens etc.), but the remaining waterbody became Khiziri Talab, now Salim Ali Lake. Wikipedia+1

  • It hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna. Reportedly, there are ~ 16 tree species, 11 shrub types, 8 climbers, 32 terrestrial herbaceous plants, 12 aquatic herbs, 10 kinds of algae, along with aquatic insects, molluscs & crustaceans, fish, reptiles, mammals and a large number of insect species. Marathwada Tourism+2Wanderlog+2

  • For birds — both resident and migratory — the lake area has been a hotspot. Common sightings include various waterfowl, ducks, coots, moorhens, waterhens and other birds. 

  • What You Could Do / See (or in past)

    • Bird-watching: Ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers — especially in winters (when migratory birds come) around October to March. The Times of India+2Trans India Travels+2

    • Boating: When the lake has enough water (typically rainy or winter seasons), boating was possible. Holidify+2The Times of India+2

    • Leisure / Photography / Watching sunrise or sunset: The lake + greenery + a watch-tower (built at one time) provided nice vantage for photography and relaxed outings. The Times of India+2Holidify+2

    ⚠️ Current Situation & Conservation Concerns

    Sadly, the state of the lake has deteriorated over time. Some of the issues:

    • Pollution & contamination: The lake reportedly faced frequent pollution events; dead fish were at times noticed — suspected due to oxygen depletion in water, possibly from sewage inflows. Lokmat Times+1

    • Overgrowth of invasive aquatic plants: Growth of water-hyacinth has been reported, which poses threat to the lake’s biodiversity because such plants can reduce oxygen and disturb aquatic ecosystems.

    • • Encroachment & illegal construction: There have been concerns around illegal structures, encroachments and human activity near the lake’s fringe, which environmentalists argue threatens the delicate ecosystem. The Times of India+2The Times of India+2

      • Access restrictions: The lake was closed to general public in September 2014 after a directive from a bench of the Bombay High Court (Aurangabad bench), due to concerns over conservation and biodiversity protection. The Times of India+2The Times of India+2

      • Neglect / Degradation: Recent visitor reports say that the surrounding garden — once a pleasant spot for families — is now permanently closed, environment looks neglected and the overall condition has degraded. Wanderlog+1

      Because of its ecological importance, many environmentalists have been pushing for declaring the lake a “biodiversity hotspot” and restricting public access to protect flora, fauna and water quality. Marathwada Tourism+2The Times of India+2

      ✅ What to Check / Keep in Mind if You Visit (or Plan to)

      • The status of access — since public entry has been restricted (post 2014), check if the lake & surrounding garden are open before visiting.

      • Birds & biodiversity — if you’re a bird-watcher or interested in nature, winter (Oct–Mar) is the best time (if accessible).

      • Environmental sensitivity — treat it as an ecological site: avoid littering, noise, or disturbing the habitat.

      • Realistic expectations — given the neglect, pollution and other issues, the place may not look like a pristine “tourist-spot” of past; current condition reportedly degraded.