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.