Akola, India
Region: Maharashtra
Geographic Coordinates: 20.700000, 77.000000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 425817
Language: Marathi
Akola is a city situated in Maharashtra, India. The population of the city is approximately 500, 000 people and it is located on the banks of the Purna River. The cultural heritage of Akola dates back to ancient times with evidence of human habitation found in the area dating back to at least 2000 BC. The Maratha Empire played an important role in Akola’s history. It was a center for trade and commerce during this time with many merchants and traders coming here from all over India and beyond.
Today, Akola has a thriving agricultural sector with crops such as cotton, Soybeans, Wheat, And jowar grown in abundance. There are also many small-scale industries that contribute to the local economy. One of the most famous landmarks in Akola is its fort – also known as Akot Fort – which provides stunning views of both Akola itself as well as surrounding countryside.
Another popular attraction is Melghat Tiger Reserve which covers an area of more than 1, 600 square kilometers and is home to several endangered species including tigers (its name), Leopards, Sloth bears, Wild dogs (dholes), Bison (gaur), Sambar deer among others. Akola offers multiple colleges offering degree courses across various disciplines including engineering & technology; pharmacy; law; management studies; science & arts etc., Making it an ideal destination for students seeking higher education opportunities within Maharashtra state. Overall then, Akola has a rich history and culture along with a thriving economy making it an interesting place to visit or live.
- Narnala Fort – a historical fort located on a hilltop with scenic views and ancient architecture.
- Raj Rajeshwar Temple – a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with intricate carvings and sculptures.
- Balapur Ganesh Temple – another famous Hindu temple known for its grand celebrations during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
- Nehru Park – a beautiful park with lush greenery, walking trails, and recreational activities for visitors.
- City Mall Akola – a modern shopping mall with various stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Shegaon Anand Sagar Resort & Water Park – an amusement park featuring water rides, adventure sports, and accommodation facilities.
- Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Shegaon – a religious complex dedicated to Saint Gajanan Maharaj with temples and meditation centers.
- Akola Fort Museum – a museum showcasing the history of Akola through artifacts and exhibits from different eras.
- Shivani Palace Cinema Hall- one of the oldest cinema halls in Akola that still attracts movie-goers today.
- Mauli Garden- A beautiful garden located near Shivaji Nagar which is perfect for picnics or just relaxing after exploring other sites around town.
- Agriculture
- Textile manufacturing
- Food processing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Retail
The city is known for:
- Cotton production
- Textile mills
- Rice mills
- Oilseed extraction plants
The pharmaceutical industry is growing in the city with several companies setting up their manufacturing units here. Retail businesses such as supermarkets and malls are also becoming increasingly popular in Akola. Additionally, the city has a thriving service sector with banking, insurance, healthcare facilities and education institutions being major contributors to the economy.
- The city of Akola was founded by the British in the 19th century as a military outpost.
- During the Indian independence movement, Akola played an important role in organizing protests and demonstrations against British rule.
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a famous Indian freedom fighter, visited Akola several times during his political career.
- After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Akola became part of the newly-formed state of Maharashtra.
- Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh is one of the most notable people associated with Akola; he was a prominent social reformer and politician from Maharashtra.
- Vasantrao Naik, another notable figure from Akola, served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for three terms between 1963 and 1975.
- In recent years, several infrastructure projects have been undertaken in Akola to improve transportation and connectivity within the city and surrounding areas.
- The city is also known for its agricultural production; cotton and soybeans are major crops grown in the region.
- Akoli Taluka was once home to many great saints like Sant Gadge Baba Maharaj, Sant Janardan Swami (Mouli Maharaj), Sant Keshavadas Maharaj (Keshavdasji), Sant Raghunathdas Maharaj (Dada), etc., who had their ashrams here.
- Kusumagraj, a famous Marathi poet spent some time teaching at New English School before moving on to Mumbai where he made his mark on Marathi literature.
- Raj Rajeshwar Temple
- Narnala Fort
- Balapur Fort
- Akola Fort
- Nehru Park
- Shivani Park
- Gajanan Maharaj Temple
- Shri Sant Gadge Maharaj Museum
- Swami Vivekananda College of Engineering and Technology Museum
- Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli Sansthan Museum
- Akola Kalamahotsav is a cultural festival that showcases various art forms such as music, dance, drama, and poetry.
- Dussehra is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Akola. It signifies the victory of good over evil.
- Ganesh Chaturthi is another significant Hindu festival celebrated in Akola with pomp and show.
- Diwali or the festival of lights is also celebrated fervently in Akola where people light diyas and decorate their homes with rangolis.
- Holi, the colorful festival where people smear each other with colors and water, is also observed in Akola.
- Navratri, a nine-day long Hindu festival dedicated to goddess Durga, is also celebrated in Akola.
- Urs-e-Sharif is an annual Muslim religious event held at the Hazrat Shah Muntajibuddin Dargah located near Akot town in Akola.
- Christmas celebrations are observed by Christians residing within the city every year on 25th December through attending Midnight Masses at churches across the city followed by feasting on traditional delicacies like plum cakes, cookies etc.
- Misal Pav: This is a spicy curry made with sprouted beans and served with bread called pav. Some popular places to try this dish are Shri Krishna Misal, Gavkari Misal, and Nandini Misal.
- Poha: This is a breakfast dish made with flattened rice flakes, onions, potatoes and spices. Some popular places to try this dish are Rajashree Poha Center and Jai Bhawani Poha Center.
- Bhakarwadi: This is a crispy snack filled with spices and coconut that originated in Maharashtra. Some popular places to try this snack are Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale and Kaka Halwai.
- Biryani: This is a rice-based dish cooked with meat or vegetables along with spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon etc. Some popular places to try this dish are Hotel Surya Palace, Hotel Royal Regency, Zaika Biryani House.
- Vada Pav: This is the most famous street food of Maharashtra which consists of potato fritters (vada) stuffed inside buns (pav). Some popular places to try this snack are Joshi Vada Pav Centre and Shri Krishna Vada Pav Centre.
- Nehru Park is a popular public park in Akola that offers various amenities such as a children’s play area, walking track, and a pond.
- Balapur Fort is an ancient fort located on the outskirts of Akola that provides hiking and trekking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.
- Gandhi Hill Garden is a scenic garden in Akola that offers breathtaking views of the city and is perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.
- Shivani Lake is a picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery in Akola that offers boating facilities to visitors.
- Suresh Deshmukh Stadium is an indoor sports arena in Akola that hosts various sporting events throughout the year.
- Gajanan Maharaj Mandir is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha situated in Akola, which attracts thousands of devotees every year.
- Shri Sant Gadge Maharaj Udyan is a botanical garden with many trees, flowers & plants located in Akola.
- Raj Rajeshwar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built-in 12th century AD situated near Akola.
- Akola City Mall- A mall with many shopping options along with food court.
- Khandoba Temple- A temple dedicated to Khandoba situated near Shegaon close to the city of Akola.
