Chichagad Fort (also called Tamarind Fort) — Bhandara District, Maharashtra 🇮🇳

 Chichagad Fort (also called Tamarind Fort) — Bhandara District, Maharashtra 🇮🇳

Chichagad (locally Chichgad and historically referred to as Tamarind Fort) isn’t a famous military fort with huge ramparts like many coastal or Sahyadri forts — but it does appear in district historical records as a village and former zamindari headquarters with fort-like reference in its name in Sakoli taluka, Bhandara district of Maharashtra.

I couldn't find specific information about "Chichagad Fort," also known as "Tamarind Fort," in the provided search results. It's possible that the fort may be locally known by another name or lacks detailed documentation in the sources reviewed.

If you meant Sinhagad Fort, which is sometimes colloquially referenced in regional contexts and is historically significant near Pune, Maharashtra, I can provide information on that. Alternatively, Chachadi Fort or Chiktan Fort might be of interest based on the search context.

Historical Context

• The name Chichagad — interpreted locally as “Tamarind Fort” — likely stems from the historic seat of the Chichgad zamindari and possibly a fortification or settlement area in the hills. Maharashtra Gazetteers

• Historically it was the headquarters of a zamindari estate, with the region including 84 villages and extensive forested hills. Maharashtra Gazetteers

• While specific architectural details of an actual fort structure are not widely documented in modern tourism or archaeology references, local history treats the name as associating the place with fort-like significance.

Village & Local Life

• Early 20th-century records list Chichgad as a village community (~1,324 people in 1971) with basic amenities like a post office, school, dispensary and weekly market — typical of significant local settlements in that era. Maharashtra Gazetteers

• The region lay amid hilly terrain and bamboo forests, with bidi (traditional tobacco) making as one noted local industry historically.

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• Nature & Surroundings

  • The area around Chichagad is forest-lined hills and good road connectivity, making it scenic but not heavily developed as a major tourist fort destination.

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  • Summary

    • ✔️ Chichagad / Tamarind Fort refers historically to a village and zamindari center that takes its name from an old fortified settlement region. Maharashtra Gazetteers

    • 📍 It’s located in Sakoli taluka, Bhandara district with a historic hill pass and forest settings. Bhandara District

    • 🏞️ The fort itself isn’t extensively documented with surviving massive ruins like coastal or Sahyadri forts, but the village’s name and records reflect its local historic significance.

     

   

 

Key Features of Gondumari Village

 Gondumari Village (often spelled Gondumri) is a village in Sakoli taluka of Bhandara district, Maharashtra, India — part of the Vidarbha region and an integral rural community in the area.

Gondumari (also spelled Gondumri) is a village in Sakoli taluka of Bhandara district, Maharashtra, India. It was historically the headquarters of the Gond-Umri zamindari estate, and is known for the production of soft matting made from sukhavasa grass by the local Gond community.

Key Features of Gondumari Village

Gondumari is noted for its cultural and historical significance, particularly its association with the Gond tribal community and the erstwhile zamindari system. The village contributes to the local economy through traditional handicrafts, especially grass matting, and maintains a rural agrarian character.

Population & Demographics

• As per the 2011 Census, Gondumari has a population of about 2,690 people living in around 628 households. Census 2011+1

• The sex ratio (females per 1000 males) is approximately 955, higher than the Maharashtra average.

The literacy rate is relatively high (around 83.5%). Census 2011

The village includes residents from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, contributing to its social diversity. 

Facilities & Connectivity

• Gondumari has basic village infrastructure, including amenities like a public bus service and even a railway station (Gond Umri) that connects it with regional rail routes in the area. Mapcarta+1

• Nearby villages include Nilaj, Palasgaon, Mahalgaon, and others, positioning Gondumari within a network of rural communities.

 Historical Note

Historical records (from older gazetteers) mention Gondumari as a settlement linked with local Gond communities and traditional mat making (sukhavasa grass products), as well as being connected with a former zamindari estate in the region.

Bawan Darwajachi Kacheri, Bhandara

 District Collector Office, Bhandara — commonly known locally as the Collectorate Building or historically referred to as “Bawan Darwajachi Kacheri” — is the administrative headquarters of Bhandara district in Maharashtra.

Chandpur Dam, Maharashtra

 Here’s a clear overview of Chandpur Dam near Tumsar in Bhandara District, Maharashtra — a scenic reservoir and local spot often visited for picnics and nature views:

About Chandpur Dam

Chandpur Dam is an earth-fill irrigation dam built on the Chandpur River near Tumsar in Bhandara district of Maharashtra. It was constructed primarily to support irrigation in the region.

Chandpur Dam is an earthfill dam constructed in 1915 on the Chandpur River, near Tumsar in Bhandara district, Maharashtra, India. It serves primarily for irrigation and is managed by the Government of Maharashtra.

The dam has a height of 19 m (62 ft) and a length of 1,051 m (3,448 ft). It creates a reservoir with a total storage capacity of 28,879 km³ and a surface area of 9,072 km². The dam is also a popular tourist destination, featuring a Hanuman Temple nearby and offering scenic views, boating, and picnic opportunities. In 2025, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) inaugurated a new resort at the site to boost tourism in the Vidarbha region. 

Korambhi Temple

 Here’s detailed information about Korambhi Temple in Bhandara district, Maharashtra — a popular local religious site:

Korambhi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess located on a hill in the village of Korambhi, situated in the Bhandara taluka of Bhandara District in Maharashtra, India. The village lies on the right bank of the Wainganga River, which is also known as the confluence point of five rivers, adding to the site's spiritual significance. The temple is a prominent pilgrimage site, especially during Navratri, when large numbers of devotees visit to perform prayers and light lamps, with over 11,000 lamps reportedly lit during the festival

The temple is accessible via a trek of approximately 250 steps from the base, offering scenic views of the surrounding forest, river, and hills. It is considered a holy place among Hindus and is believed by some to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, although this claim is not universally confirmed. The site is also a popular picnic spot, with boating facilities available on the Wainganga River, including both paddle and motor boats.

Korambhi is located about 8 km from Bhandara city and approximately 65 km from Nagpur, making it a convenient destination for day trips. The nearest railway station is Warthi Railway Station in Bhandara, accessible via a one-hour journey from Nagpur Railway Station. Air connectivity is available up to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur. The area has seen environmental improvements, including reforestation efforts by local communities and students, enhancing the natural beauty of the region.

Indirasagar Dam (Gosikhurd Project)

 Here’s a clear overview of Indira Sagar Dam (Gosikhurd) in Bhandara district, Maharashtra — a major irrigation and water-management project on the Wainganga River:

 What It Is

Indira Sagar Dam, commonly known locally as Gosikhurd Dam or the Gosikhurd Project, is a large multipurpose irrigation and reservoir project built on the Wainganga River near Pauni in Bhandara district, Maharashtra.

Indira Sagar Dam, also known as the Gosikhurd Irrigation Project, is a major irrigation project located on the Wainganga River in Pauni Taluka of Bhandara district, Maharashtra, India. The project was launched in 1984 during the 7th Five Year Plan by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and was approved by the Planning Commission of India in 1995. It was declared a National Irrigation Project by the Government of India in 2009

The project involves the construction of a composite dam system, consisting of a 10,452.10-meter-long earthfill dam with a maximum height of 22.5 meters and a 903.90-meter-long concrete gravity dam with a central spillway reaching a maximum height of 28.37 meters. The spillway is ogee-shaped and equipped with 33 radial gates, each measuring 18.30 meters by 16.50 meters, designed to pass a flood discharge of 67,736 cubic meters per second. The dam impounds the Wainganga River, creating Indira Sagar Lake, which has a total capacity of 769,483,000 cubic meters and a surface area of 22.258 square kilometers.

The project aims to irrigate approximately 250,790 hectares of land across Bhandara, Nagpur, and Chandrapur districts, with annual irrigation potential estimated at 89,856 hectares in Bhandara, 19,481 hectares in Nagpur, and 141,463 hectares in Chandrapur. It includes a network of canals, such as a 99-kilometer-long right bank canal and a 22.93-kilometer-long left bank canal, along with four lift irrigation schemes at Akot, Ambhora, Mokharbardi, and Nerla. The Ambhora lifting station is complete, while the canal system remains under construction.

The project has faced criticism over environmental concerns and the displacement of around 92 villages, affecting over 100,000 people. Affected communities formed the Gosikhurd Prakalpgrast Sangharsh Samiti, demanding compensation and rehabilitation benefits in line with 1999 norms and special provisions following the project's national status. Compensation for displaced families was initiated in 2013 under Chief Minister Pruthviraj Chavan.

The dam is situated approximately 75 kilometers from Khandwa and is considered a significant engineering marvel and tourist destination, particularly during the monsoon season when the reservoir is full and the surrounding landscape is lush. It is also a popular spot for fishing, offering fresh water fish and prawns at economical rates. The site is accessible via Nagpur, with travel options including road and rail connections. 

Ravanwadi Dam

 

Ravanwadi Dam (also spelled Rawanwadi Dam) — Bhandara District, Maharashtra

Overview:
Ravanwadi Dam is an earth-fill irrigation dam located near Bhandara in Bhandara district, Maharashtra. Built in the 1960s as part of a government irrigation project, it is popularly known locally as Ravanwadi Lake / Ravanwadi Talav. The dam impounds a local stream (nallah) rather than a major river and serves irrigation and water supply purposes.

Ravanwadi Dam, also known as Rawanwadi Dam or Rawanwadi Lake, is an earth-fill irrigation dam located in Bhandara District, Maharashtra, approximately 19 km from Bhandara city and 90 km from Nagpur. Constructed in 1960 by the Government of Maharashtra, the dam is built on a local nallah and serves primarily for irrigation and water supply. It has a maximum storage capacity of 6.9 MCM and a live storage capacity of 8.75 MCM.

The dam is situated in a hilly, forested area, making it a scenic tourist destination known for its tranquil waters, lush greenery, and peaceful atmosphere. It is a popular spot for picnics, boating (seasonal), fishing, trekking, and outdoor games. Facilities include a children's park, a small temple dedicated to Amba Mata, and designated areas for relaxation and photography.

 

Karhandla Gate - Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary / umred pauni karhandla Gothangao Wild Life Sanctuary

 Karhandla Gate - Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary / umred pauni karhandla Gothangao Wild Life Sanctuary (commonly known as Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary) — a major wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra, India, spanning parts of Bhandara and Nagpur districts. It’s an important protected area connecting several tiger landscapes in central India.

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located approximately 50 to 58 kilometers from Nagpur in the Nagpur and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra, India. It spans an area of about 189 square kilometers (73 sq mi), covering Pauni Tahsil in Bhandara district and Umred, Kuhi, and Bhivapur Talukas in Nagpur district. The sanctuary was established in 2013 and is bounded by the Wainganga River and Gose Khurd Dam to the northeast, State Highway 9 and Bhiwapur Town to the south, Umred to the west, and a narrow 10 km long range of hills (600–800 m elevation) to the northwest.

The sanctuary is ecologically significant due to its connectivity with the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve via forest corridors along the Wainganga River, enhancing regional biodiversity and wildlife conservation. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, dholes (wild dogs), sloth bears, gaur, nilgai, sambar, and other deer species. The sanctuary also hosts over 90 bird species, including migratory and endangered birds, and more than 26 reptile species, six of which are endangered, such as the Indian cobra, Russell's viper, and Indian rock python

A major factor contributing to the sanctuary’s rising popularity is the presence of the iconic male tiger named Jai, who migrated over 130 km from Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and became a symbol of the region’s growing tiger population. Jai, admired as one of the largest and most handsome tigers in India, has drawn significant tourist interest, making Umred Karhandla one of the most visited tiger safari destinations near Nagpur. The sanctuary is also known for rare species like flying squirrels, pangolins, and honey badgers.

Visitors can access the sanctuary through multiple gates, including Kharandla, Pauni, and Gothangaon Gates. The sanctuary is closed on Mondays and remains shut during the monsoon season. The peak tourist season runs from October 15 to June 30, with winter and summer being particularly favorable for wildlife viewing. The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, about 11 km away, and the nearest railway station is Nagpur Railway Station, approximately a 1.5-hour drive.

The sanctuary features dry tropical deciduous forests, with teak trees comprising up to 60% of the forest composition, along with associated species like Dhaoda, Ain, and Tendu. Conservation efforts, including water management programs by the Wildlife Trust of India, support the sanctuary’s ecological balance.

Koka Wildlife Sanctuary

 Koka Wildlife Sanctuary – Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhandara District, Maharashtra 🌿

Overview:
Koka Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area in Bhandara district of Maharashtra, established as an official sanctuary in 2013 and covering about 92.34 sq km. It forms part of the larger Nawegaon–Nagzira Tiger Reserve ecosystem, acting as a vital refuge and corridor for wildlife from nearby forests like Nagzira and New Nagzira. The sanctuary has rich biodiversity including tigers, leopards, gaurs, sambar, chital, sloth bear, wild dogs and various migratory birds. 

The Koka Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bhandara District of Maharashtra, India, approximately 20 km east of Bhandara town. It spans an area of 92.34 km² and was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2013. The sanctuary forms part of the Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR), serving as a vital transit corridor for wildlife between Nagzira and New Nagzira Sanctuaries.

It is home to a rich diversity of fauna, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, chital, sambar deer, wild dogs, and migratory birds from Siberia during winter. The forest consists of century-old trees and tropical dry deciduous vegetation. Notably, there are no human settlements within the sanctuary, as the area was declared a reserved forest in 1879.

The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur (~60 km away), and the closest railheads are Bhandara Road and Warthi Railway Station. Regular buses operate from Bhandara Bus Stand.

Maha Samadhi Bhumi

Maha Samadhi Bhumi, Bhandara District refers to a memorial (samadhi) site in Bhandara district, Maharashtra, associated with a revered saint or spiritual figure. Such places are typically visited for darshan, meditation, and religious gatherings, and may host annual bhandaras, kirtans, or festivals on samadhi days.

Maha Samadhi Bhumi is a significant spiritual and tourist site located in Bhandara district, Maharashtra, India. It is associated with Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon, a revered saint in the region. The site serves as a memorial and pilgrimage destination, reflecting deep religious and cultural importance for devotees.

The complex is maintained as part of the district's heritage and tourism initiatives by the Government of Maharashtra, highlighting its role in promoting spiritual tourism.

Khazana Well (Khazana Bavdi) is a historic stepwell in Beed

 Khazana Well (Khazana Bavdi) is a historic stepwell in Beed, Maharashtra, known for its ingenious water management system and architectural beauty. It has supplied water for centuries and remains a symbol of the region’s heritage.

Key Facts about Khazana Well (Khazana Bavdi)

• Location: Aher Wadgaon, Beed district, Maharashtra
• Type: Stepwell (locally called Bavdi or Vihir)
• Historical Significance: Built during the Nizam period, showcasing advanced irrigation planning
• Unique Feature: The water level remains unchanged even during droughts, making it a reliable source of water
• Engineering Marvel: A canal was constructed inside the well to supply water to Beed city’s Balgujar area, irrigating about 450 acres of farmland without mechanical equipment
• Inscriptions: Contains Urdu inscriptions inside, adding to its cultural and historical value
• Cleanliness: Known for its clear water where the bottom of the well is visible

Historical Importance

• The Khazana Bavdi is considered an architectural masterpiece of stepwell design in Maharashtra.
• It reflects the blend of utility and aesthetics, serving both as a water source and a heritage monument.
• Stepwells like this were crucial in semi-arid regions, ensuring year-round water availability.

Challenges & Preservation

• Risk: Urbanization and neglect may threaten its structure.
• Action Needed: Regular cleaning, inscription preservation, and tourism promotion.
• Opportunity: It can be developed as a heritage tourism site, educating visitors about traditional water systems.

Aurad Shahajani BEED

 

Aurad Shahajani    BEED

It seems there is a mix-up in your query. Aurad Shahajani is not located in Beed district; it is a village in Nilanga taluka of Latur district, Maharashtra.

In September 2025, Maharashtra faced heavy rains causing flood-like conditions, particularly affecting regions like Latur, Beed, and Solapur. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Aurad Shahajani to assess the damage and interact with farmers. He assured compensation for losses due to crop damage before Diwali and announced flood-control measures, including protective walls and barrage renovations.

The village is known for its historical significance, including the Madhyavarti Hanuman Temple, and has educational and healthcare facilities such as Master Deenanath Mangeshkar College and Dr. D.S. Kadam Hospital.

Morala Fort, Ashti, Beed

 

Morala Fort, Ashti, Beed

Morala Fort is a historical fort located in Morala village, Ashti taluka, Beed district, Maharashtra, approximately 30 km from Ashti town. It is a local landmark associated with Dharmaji Prataprao Garje, a Vanjari leader from Hatola village in Ashti taluka, who is believed to have led one of the earliest uprisings against British and Nizam forces in the region in 1818. The fort served as his stronghold during the resistance, where he and his followers defended against British troops led by Mortza Yarjungu and Lieutenant Sutherland.

The fort is recognized as a point of historical interest and has an average visitor rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on travel platforms

Historical Significance

• Served as a strategic defensive fort in Marathwada

• Used to control local trade routes and surrounding villages

• Played a role in regional military campaigns of medieval Deccan

Architecture & Features

• Stone fortification walls (partly in ruins)

• Bastions and watchtowers for defense

• Main entrance gate and inner enclosures

• Water storage tanks / cisterns to support garrison during sieges

• Positioned on a hilltop, providing a panoramic view of surrounding area

Present Condition

• Mostly in ruins, but remnants of walls and structures are visible

• Popular among history enthusiasts and local trekkers

• Surrounded by peaceful rural landscapes, making it good for exploration