Bhiwandi, India
Region: Maharashtra
Geographic Coordinates: 19.296700, 73.063100
Temperature Range: 18.0°C to 35.0°C (64°F to 95°F)
Climate: Bhiwandi has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, with heavy rainfall.
Population: 709665
Language: Hindi
Bhiwandi, Located in the Thane district of Maharashtra, India, Is a city known as the ‘Manchester of India’ due to its rich history of textile production dating back to the 19th century. The city’s economy revolves around its textile industry and other industries such as manufacturing, Warehousing, And logistics. Bhiwandi has several historical landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world. Kharbao Dam is one such landmark built during British rule in India that still serves as a source of water for nearby villages. Birla Mandir is another popular attraction known for its intricate architecture and beautiful surroundings.
The city also has several religious sites visited by devotees throughout the year. Hanuman Temple attracts large crowds during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations every year while Ganesh Mandir is where devotees come to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. In recent years, Bhiwandi has become an important hub for e-commerce companies due to its strategic location near Mumbai port and excellent connectivity through roadways and railways. This has led to an increase in demand for warehousing facilities in the area.
Despite being one of Maharashtra’s most industrialized cities with modern infrastructure facilities like electricity supply networks & water supply systems; traffic congestion can be seen on roads during peak hours due to increasing population density & narrow roads leading towards industrial areas. Overall, Bhiwandi offers visitors a unique blend of historical landmarks combined with modern-day industries. Its rich cultural heritage coupled with its economic growth makes it a fascinating place to visit and explore.
Important Landmarks
- Hanuman Tekdi Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the city.
- Jai Bhavani Mata Mandir: This temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani attracts devotees from all over the state.
- Bhiwandi Fort: Also known as Bhairavgad Fort, this 18th-century fort built by the Marathas is now in ruins but still attracts history enthusiasts.
- Kala Talao Lake: This picturesque lake surrounded by hills is a popular spot for picnics and boating.
- Shangrila Water Park: Located on Mumbai-Nashik highway, this water park offers various water rides and activities for families and kids.
- Vihigaon Waterfall: Situated about 20 km from Bhiwandi, this scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery is a popular weekend getaway destination.
- Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary: Located about 30 km from Bhiwandi, this sanctuary houses various species of flora and fauna including leopards, monkeys, deer etc., making it an ideal place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to visit.
Primary Industries
- Bhiwandi is renowned for its vast textile industry, earning it the moniker Manchester of India. The city houses numerous textile mills and power looms that manufacture a diverse range of fabrics, including cotton, silk, polyester, and rayon.
- In addition to textiles, Bhiwandi serves as a critical logistics and warehousing hub due to its proximity to Mumbai’s port and airport. It also boasts several chemical manufacturing companies that produce dyes, pigments, resins, and other chemicals.
- The city has a thriving packaging industry that produces corrugated boxes, cartons, bags, pouches etc., as well as many furniture manufacturing units producing wooden items such as beds, sofa sets, dining tables etc.
- Several food processing companies in Bhiwandi manufacture packaged food products such as biscuits, namkeens, confectionery items etc.
- Finally yet importantly the plastic manufacturing industry is also well-established with many factories producing plastic goods like water tanks, buckets etc.
Noteable History
- Bhiwandi is located in the Thane district of Maharashtra, India.
- The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation discovered from the Stone Age.
- During the Mughal era, Bhiwandi was a crucial center for textile production and continued to be so during British rule.
- Bhiwandi played a significant role in India’s fight for independence, with many freedom fighters hailing from the city.
- Dr. Zakir Hussain, who served as India’s third President from 1967 to 1969, is one of the most notable people associated with Bhiwandi.
- Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who has starred in several critically acclaimed films such as Gangs of Wasseypur and The Lunchbox, is another famous personality from Bhiwandi.
- In recent years, Bhiwandi has become known for its booming logistics industry with numerous warehouses and distribution centers located in the area.
- Unfortunately, in September 2020, Bhiwandi made headlines when a building collapse claimed at least 39 lives and injured dozens more.
Museums and Things To See
- Bhiwandi Fort
- Jai Bhavani Temple
- Hanuman Mandir
- St Mary’s Church
- Shree Ganesh Mandir
- Mahadev Mandir
- The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
- Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Vajreshwari Hot Springs
- Kanheri Caves
Cultural Events
- Bhiwandi Mahotsav is an annual cultural festival in Bhiwandi that highlights local music, dance, and food.
- Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in Bhiwandi every year.
- Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrated by the people of Bhiwandi with traditional dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas.
- Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with great fervor in Bhiwandi where people decorate their homes with lights and diyas.
- Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim community in Bhiwandi after the end of Ramadan month by offering prayers at mosques and feasting together.
- Holi, the colorful festival of victory over evil, is also observed in Bhiwandi where people play with colors and water to celebrate.
- Although a minority community celebration, Christmas is also observed by Christians living in Bhiwandi who decorate their homes and attend church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Cuisine
- Misal Pav – A spicy Maharashtrian dish served with bread.
- Vada Pav – A popular street food made of a potato patty stuffed inside a bread bun.
- Bhel Puri – A savory snack made of puffed rice, vegetables, and chutney.
- Chicken Tikka Masala – A popular North Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato sauce.
- Veg Kolhapuri – A spicy vegetable curry from the Kolhapur region of Maharashtra.
- Hotel Sagar Family Restaurant – Known for its delicious vegetarian thalis and biryanis.
- Hotel Sai Palace Veg & Non-Veg Restaurant – Famous for its seafood dishes like prawn fry and fish curry.
- Hotel Shabari – Known for its authentic Maharashtrian cuisine like vada pav, misal pav, and thali meals.
- The Royal Dhaba – Popular for its North Indian dishes like butter chicken and tandoori roti.
- Rangla Punjab Restaurant – Offers delicious Punjabi food like chole bhature, paneer tikka masala, and dal makhani.
Parks and Recreation
- Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bhiwandi Sports Complex
- Jai Bhawani Garden and Water Park
- Sagar Vihar Garden and Lake
- Upvan Lake and Garden
- Naneghat Hills Trekking Trail
- Bhiwandi Fort Trekking Trail
- Kharghar Hills Nature Trail
- Kala Talao Lake and Garden
- Ulhas Valley Trekking Trail