Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary

Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary

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Of the several wildlife sanctuaries crowding the country, one most definitely worth visiting is the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary. Located around 40 km ahead of Akola District, the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over 12 sq. kilometres of land and is one of the most beautiful and densely populated wildlife sanctuaries in the state of Maharashtra. A continuity of the Melghat Tiger Reserve in the Amaravati District, the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in an area that is characterized by its hilly and rugged terrain and comprises of tropical dry deciduous forests. Teak, Ain, Tiwas, Salai, Lendia, Dhawda, Dhaman, Bamboo, Kusum and Sterculia are some of the principal plant species in the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary. Amongst the fauna, the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is a rich habitat of leopards, sambars, barking deer, wild boars, serpents, porcupines and several kinds of birds. While tourists crowd the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary all year round, the months from October to April see the most visitors. A big favourite with wildlife enthusiasts, this Sanctuary is a must visit for all animal and bird lovers. Not ruined by the usual bustle of the supremely famous sanctuaries, this one is a pristinely quiet getaway, worth a visit with your partner, family or even a group of friends looking to unwind!

Balapur Fort

Balapur Fort

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Balapur, situated about 26 km from Akola, is a town located at the junction of the rivers Man and Mhais. A historical town, with a massively built fort, which is probably the strongest in Vidarbha and Khandesh regions of Maharashtra, the Balapur Fort was started in 1721 by Azam Shah, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb, and was eventually completed by Ismail Khan, the Nawab of Ellichpur in 1757. Situated on an elevated ground between the two rivers, the fort has very high walls and bastions built of the best brickwork of its time. The fort has three gateways, one within the other. With Balapur hailed as an important military station during the times of the Mughals, the fort too was built keeping in mind the town s military responsibilities and position. Complex architecture used in the fort ensured its safety, as well as eased the discharge of missiles and other ammunitions from within the fort, rendering it one of the most impenetrable forts in the county. During the rains, the Fort gets surrounded by floodwater except at one point. The temple of Bala Devi, from which the town has derived its name, lies just under the Fort, on the southern side. Still in a relatively good condition, the Balapur Fort is now as used by the Government to run some of its offices. A quiet spot, this fort held supreme importance during the time of the Mughals. Not so well-known, this is a must-see, especially since there will be no worries of hordes of tourists ruining your visit.