Ahilya Nagar
Introduction to Ahmednagar/Ahilyanagar District
Ahmednagar, also known as Ahilyanagar in honor of Ahilyabai Holkar and her legacy in the region. In reverence to its cultural legacy, it is one of Maharashtra’s largest districts. Serving as the administrative headquarters of Ahmednagar district, the city is deeply rooted in the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Mughal era, and the Maratha Empire. With its blend of natural beauty, historic structures, and cultural significance, Ahmednagar attracts travelers from all over.
The Rich History
Ahmednagar boasts a history that captivates with stories of mighty dynasties, brave warriors, and stunning buildings. As you wander through the district, you’ll feel like you’re tracing the paths of great leaders and changemakers who left their mark on India’s past.
At the core of Ahmednagar’s history stands the towering Ahmednagar/Ahilyadevi Fort, showing the military power of the Nizam Shahi dynasty. The 15th century saw its construction, and this strong building has seen hundreds of years of stormy events, including Jawaharlal Nehru’s time behind bars during India’s fight for freedom. As you walk through its huge gates and go up its old walls, you’ll sense the past weighing on you.
The Chand Bibi Palace stands as another must-see architectural wonder named for the brave warrior queen who protected Ahmednagar from Mughal attacks. The palace’s detailed carvings and stylish design show the luxurious life of past royalty. Make sure to check out Farah Bagh nearby, a lovely garden area that once served as a getaway spot for the Nizam Shahi rulers.
Top Tourist Attractions in Ahilyanagar
Religious Sites
- The Shri Mhalsakant Devasthan in Nevasa: To experience some spiritual vibes and see amazing architecture, check out this old temple, which honors Lord Shiva and is known for its detailed carvings and peaceful feel. The temple area also has a museum that shows off old artifacts from the area’s rich past.
Natural Wonders
- The Bhandardara Lake in the Western Ghats tops the list of nature spots in the district. This man-made lake, which the Pravara River fills, sits among green hills and offers a peaceful escape. You can spend time watching the nearby mountains mirror on the still water or hop on a boat to check out its hidden spots.
- The Mula Dam: It stands about 15 kilometers from Ahmednagar city. This engineering feat doubles as a popular spot for picnics. The dam’s big reservoir, with hills around it, makes a pretty place to relax and do outdoor stuff. You can go boating on the quiet water or just enjoy the calm surroundings.
- The Rehkuri Blackbuck Sanctuary: Nature fans should check out this protected area, which houses many endangered Indian blackbucks plus other wildlife species. A guided safari through the sanctuary gives you a chance to watch these elegant antelopes in their natural home.
Forts
- Kalsubai Peak: It stands nearby as Maharashtra’s highest point for adventurers who want a challenge! This 1,646-meter climb gives you a chance to see amazing views of the valleys and Bhandardara Lake spread out below.
- Harishchandragad Fort: It sits high on a steep mountain, mixing history with natural beauty. To reach the fort, you’ll walk through thick forests and pass waterfalls. At the top, you’ll find the impressive Konkan Kada cliff, which lets you look out over the Konkan area.
- Ratangad Fort, which is called the “Jewel of the Sahyadris,” is tough but gives you amazing views of the area around it. To take it easier, think about hiking to Harishchandragad, which mixes natural beauty with a chance to explore history.
Other Attractions
Ahmednagar District gives thrill-seekers and outdoor fans lots of exciting things to do that will get their hearts racing. The area’s mix of rough mountains and deep valleys makes a great setting to try different adventure sports and nature activities. Hiking stands out as a top activity in the area, with plenty of paths for all skill levels.
- Sandhan Valley: People call it the “Valley of Shadows.” Water has carved this deep gorge over thousands of years. It now offers an exciting spot to rappel and climb rocks surrounded by stunning views.
Adventure Activities to Try:
- Hike to Ratangad Fort or Harishchandragad
- Enjoy water sports at Bhandardara Lake
- Explore caves and rappel in Sandhan Valley
- Camp overnight in the Western Ghats
Best Time to Visit
To get the most out of your Ahmednagar trip, you should plan your visit in the right season.
The best time to visit Ahmednagar falls between October and March, when you’ll enjoy nice weather that’s perfect for outdoor fun. During monsoon season (June to September), you’ll see beautiful green landscapes and flowing waterfalls, but some hiking trails and adventure activities might be off-limits for safety reasons. Summer (April to May) gets pretty hot, so unless you don’t mind the heat, it’s better to plan your trip for another time.
Why Ahilyanagar Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
When you go off the usual tourist path and check out this less-known area, you’ll see a part of Maharashtra that not many tourists get to experience. You’ll also help local communities grow in a good way. The friendly people, real experiences, and wide range of things to see and do in Ahmednagar will stay with you long after your trip ends.
Travel Essentials
Here are the travel essentials one should know
Weather
27 - 38°C
Ideal Duration
2 - 3 days
Best Time
October to March
Planning a Trip?
Visit us now
Gallery
Top Attractions
Discover the beauty and culture of Maharashtra through our curated experiences
Meher baba samadhi
Meher baba samadhi Meher Baba Samadhi is in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra State of India, lovingly known as Meherabad. This is a small walkable hill with “Samadhi”, Babas room and Museum and library etc.,
Cavarly tank museum
Cavarly tank museum Cavalry Tank Museum was established by Armoured Corps Center & school in 1994. Set among pristine lawns it is the only museum of its kind in Asia for the tank enthusiasts. It houses 53 exhibits of World war vintage oldest being the Silver Ghost Rolls Royce Armoured car of 1914.
Bhandardara lake
Bhandardara lake Bhandardara Dam also known as Wilson Dam has its existence on Pravara River and is situated 150 metres above ground level. This dam is located in holiday resort village of Bhandardara on the western coast of India.
Shani maharaja temple
This lies in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Shani maharaja temple Shani Shingnapur[1] or Shani Shinganapur[2] or Shingnapur is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated in Nevasa Taluka in Ahmednagar district, the village is known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet (graha) Saturn.
Meherabad
Meherabad is the final resting place of Meher Baba and situated on the outskirts of Ahmednagar, approximately 20 mins from Ahmednagar railway station and 45 mins from Ahmednagar Bus station. The place is serene, tranquil and self-rejuvenating to give you a spiritual high.
Rrandha water
Rrandha water falls This waterfall is the third largest waterfall in Maharashtra state. Near the waterfall, there are some newly built wooden structures for sitting and footover bridges for viewing the falls as well as the river Pravara. One can visit the Ghat as well as the Ghorpada Devi Temple nearby.
Sandhan valley
Sandhan Valley is also known as Valley of Shadows (as the sun’s rays don’t reach the ravines). It is a spectacular canyon in the Sahyadri mountains. It is one of the most challenging and enjoyable treks in Sahyadri. Located near Bhandardara near Igatpuri, Sandhan Valley offers adventure experience like no other.
Shri siddhivinayak temple
Shri siddhivinayak temple Located on the banks of river Bhima, Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek is almost 101km east of Pune in the Karjat Taluka district of Ahmednagar. It is one of the popular temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Amruteshwar Temple is ancient and
Amruteshwar temple
King Jhanj of the Shilahar dynasty built it in the 9th Century. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is around 1200 years old. This Temple is built on Black stone and you will find a great architect and great sculpture.
Ahmednagar fort
The Ahmednagar Fort is a fort located close to the Bhingar Nala near Ahmednagar in Maharashtra state western India. It was the headquarters of the Ahmednagar Sultanate. In 1803, it was taken by the British during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. It was used as a prison during the British Raj.
Shiva Temple Parner
Temple of Shiva on either side of the stream There are two temples of Shiva located at a distance of nearly 1.5 km from Parner at the meeting of two small streams and they are locally known as Sangameshvara and Trimbakeshvara temple.It is datable to 12th century AD.
Five stone Gates
Five stone Gates, Tisgaon Five stone Gates were the part of large fortification of medieval origin build during Nizamshahi regime of Ahilyanagar. The gates are built in stone and domes are built in bricks and lime masonry. Three of them have four arches supporting the superstructure while two of them are single arched gates.
Siddheshwar,Devi and Vishnu temple at Toka
A group of three temples at Kayegoan Toka within complex is located at confluence of Rivers Pravara and Godavari.It comprises Siddheshwar Mahadev temple,Devi and Vishnu temple and spacious ghats along the river attached to the temple complex.
Dhokeshwar Caves
The Dhokeshwara Cave is a large hall with triple cells, on the east side of one of two rugged hills rising from a stony plateau. The largest is 18.28m deep and 13.7m wide, front open and supported by two massive square pillars and two pillars and two massive pilasters, a little inside of these another similar row supports a great architrave running right across the temple, and within this again is the shrine, hollowed out of a rectangular block left standing from floor to roof, and surrounded by dark passage
Ratangad
The fort is located at a height of 4250 feet. Ratangad Fort is 400 year old fort, which was used by Maratha warrior Shivaji Maharaj.
Kharda Fort
Khadka fort in taluka Jamkhed, Kharda fort is known as the oldest Shivapatan .On Mar 11, 1795, Marathas defeated Nizam at this place.This fort was built by Sardar Nimbalkar in 1745. The wall of this fort, the entrance is still in good condition and there is a barawa and mosque inside. There are 12 Jyotirlingas in the village and there is a huge crowd of devotees in month Shravan.