Gondiā, India
Region: Maharashtra
Geographic Coordinates: 21.450000, 80.200000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 132821
Language: Gondi
Gondia is a small city situated in Maharashtra, India. It is located on the banks of River Wainganga which enhances its natural beauty. The city has a population of around 200, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 3, 700 square kilometers. One of the major attractions in Gondia is the Navegaon National Park which spans over an area of around 135 square kilometers and houses several species of birds and animals such as tigers, Leopards, Sloth bears, Deer and more. The park also features a beautiful lake that attracts migratory birds during winter.
Another popular attraction in Gondia is the Deekshabhoomi Stupa built in memory of Dr B.R Ambedkar who was a social reformer and architect of India’s constitution. It stands tall at around 120 feet making it one among Asia’s largest stupas. Gondia also boasts several temples that reflect its rich cultural heritage like Shree Ganesh Mandir which dates back to over 100 years ago attracting devotees from all over Maharashtra. The city has numerous educational institutions including government schools & colleges as well as private schools providing quality education to students from various backgrounds.
Agriculture plays a significant role in Gondia’s economy with rice being one among its main crops along with cotton & sugarcane while small-scale industries like textile mills provide employment opportunities for locals. In terms of connectivity, Gondia enjoys good road connectivity with major cities like Nagpur located about 150 km away while railways are another mode through which people can travel easily across India by trains passing through here regularly connecting different cities across India making it easier for tourists or travelers visiting this place for any purpose be it tourism or business purposes etc.
Overall, Gondia offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage & modern amenities making it worth visiting for those looking for an offbeat destination to explore in India.
Important Landmarks
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
- Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
- Navegaon National Park
- Gondia Fort
- Shiv Mandir, Gondia
- Durga Devi Temple, Goregaon
- Nawegaon Dam and Garden
- Mata Bamleshwari Temple, Dongargarh
- Ramtek Gad Mandir
- Taramani Ghumat Art Gallery
Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Mining
- Coal mining
- Limestone quarrying
- Manufacturing
- Textiles
- Leather goods
- Handicrafts
- Metalware
- Retail
- Supermarkets
- Local markets
- Tourism
- Wildlife sanctuaries
- National parks
Gondiā is known for producing:
- Rice
- Pulses
- Oilseeds
- Cotton
- Tobacco
- The town was a part of the Gond Kingdom during the 16th century.
- During British rule in India, Gondia was a major center for trade and commerce.
- Mahatma Gandhi visited Gondia in 1921 during his non-cooperation movement against British rule.
- Vinoba Bhave, a prominent social reformer and follower of Gandhi, started his Bhoodan (land donation) movement from Gondia in 1951.
- The town played an important role in the Indian independence movement, with many freedom fighters hailing from the region.
- In recent times, Gondia has become known for its efforts towards sustainable development and eco-tourism initiatives.
- Notable people associated with Gondia include Vinoba Bhave, Rameshwar Thakur (former Governor of Odisha), Rajendra Shukla (politician), among others.
- Gondia Fort
- Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekadi
- Nagraj Museum and Art Gallery
- Kala Academy Gondia
- Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum
- Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur (located nearby)
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (located nearby)
- Ramtek Temple (located nearby)
- Pench National Park (located nearby)
- Hazara Falls
- Cricket
- Football
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Kabaddi
- Kho-kho
- Gondia Cricket Club which was founded in the 1960s to promote cricket at grassroots level.
- City Football Club is one of the oldest football clubs in Gondia established in the 1980s that participates regularly in local tournaments winning several accolades over the years.
- Shree Shivaji Krida Mandal is a multi-sport club promoting various games including volleyball, badminton and kabaddi among others with an aim to develop sporting culture among youth.
- Ganesh Chaturthi – A 10-day festival celebrating Lord Ganesha’s birthday with great enthusiasm and devotion.
- Diwali – The festival of lights is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by lighting up the entire city with diyas, candles, and electric bulbs.
- Holi – The festival of colors is celebrated in March every year by smearing colored powder on each other’s faces.
- Navratri – A nine-day long festival dedicated to Goddess Durga where people perform traditional dance forms such as Garba and Dandiya.
- Nag Panchami – A Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping snakes that falls on the fifth day of Shravan month (July-August).
- Kali Puja – Celebrated during Diwali time in honor of Goddess Kali who represents strength and power.
- Makar Sankranti- Celebrated on January 14th every year marking the beginning of Uttarayan (the sun’s journey northwards).
- Saoji Cuisine: Saoji cuisine is a spicy and flavorful cuisine that is native to Nagpur but also popular in Gondiā. Some of the must-try dishes include Saoji Chicken, Mutton Kadi, and Bhakri.
- Hotel Annapurna: Hotel Annapurna is a popular restaurant in Gondiā known for its delicious vegetarian food. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes including South Indian, North Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines.
- Shri Krishna Sweets: Shri Krishna Sweets is a famous sweet shop in Gondiā that offers a wide range of traditional sweets such as Gulab Jamun, Rasgulla, Ladoo etc.
- Hotel Adarsh Palace: Hotel Adarsh Palace is another popular restaurant in Gondiā that serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options like biryanis and kebabs.
- Chhaya Garden Restaurant & Bar: Chhaya Garden Restaurant & Bar is a great place to enjoy some drinks along with delicious food options like tandoori chicken or paneer tikka.
- Gandhi Sagar Lake is a popular spot for boating and picnicking.
- Kala Mandir is a park that offers a playground, walking paths, and benches for relaxation.
- Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary allows visitors to go on safaris to see tigers, leopards, and other wildlife.
- Gondia Forest Reserve provides hiking trails and bird watching opportunities.
- Shriram Temple Garden is a peaceful garden with a temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary that offers jeep safaris to see tigers and other exotic animals.
- Navegaon National Park has a lake where visitors can go boating or relax on the shore.
- Deekshabhoomi Stupa is a large Buddhist monument surrounded by gardens and fountains.
- Gorewada Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary allows visitors to enjoy bird-watching or take part in various activities such as trekking or camping.
- Kohmara Hill is famous for its panoramic view of the city of Gondia from the hilltop.
Noteable History
Museums and Things To See
Sports Teams
Gondia District Sports
Gondia district, located in Maharashtra, India, has a rich history of sports and has produced several talented athletes over the years. Popular sports played in Gondia include:
Several local clubs and teams participate in various tournaments and competitions at district and state levels. Notable clubs include:
Sports play an important role in shaping the cultural identity of Gondia district.