Akole

History

According to local beliefs, Lord Rama visited Akole during his 14-year exile, known as Vanvaas. Additionally, it is said that King Harishchandra built the Harishchandragad fort for his wife, Taramati, in the Akole tehsil. Great Maratha emperor Shivaji Maharaj visited Vishramgad in Akole after his campaign in Surat, where he stayed for 30 days to recuperate from the exhaustion of his tour.

Geography

Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra, with an elevation of 1,646 meters (5,400 feet). Ghatghar, located 22 kilometers (14 miles) from Bhandardara, offers views of the Sahyadri range and is the site of the Udanchan Hydro-power project's first installation, which has a capacity of 250 MW. Additionally, Kokan Kada, situated near Harishchandragad, is known for its flat, sharp, and deeply edged mountainous terrain. The Pravara River, a major tributary of the Godavari River, flows through the region and holds both historical and mythological significance. The Mula River originates on the eastern slopes of the Sahyadris, between Ratangad and Harichandragad, and for the first 20 miles, it flows parallel to the Pravara, draining the southern part of Akole taluka. The Bhandardara Dam, also known as Wilson Dam, was constructed in 1910 and is situated approximately 150 meters (490 feet) above sea level. Nearby, Umbrella Falls, named for its resemblance to an umbrella, is a local waterfall. Randha Falls, standing 45 meters (148 feet) high, is about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Wilson Dam. It serves as a source of hydroelectricity and is a popular tourist destination in Bhandardara, having been featured in Bollywood films such as Maine Pyaar Kiya and Raju Chacha. The Nilwande Dam, built on the Pravara River, is also used for generating hydroelectricity.

Most-observed species

• Red-vented Bulbul

  Pycnonotus cafer (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  60
• Purple Sunbird

  Cinnyris asiaticus (Latham, 1790) · Aves
  40
• Saxicoloides fulicatus (Linnaeus, 1766)

  Saxicoloides fulicatus (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  35
• Green Bee-eater

  Merops orientalis Latham, 1801 · Aves
  32
• House Crow

  Corvus splendens Vieillot, 1817 · Aves
  31
• Greater Coucal

  Centropus sinensis (Stephens, 1815) · Aves
  29
• Rock Pigeon

  Columba livia J.F.Gmelin, 1789 · Aves
  24
• Large-billed Crow

  Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler, 1827 · Aves
  23

Most recent

• M 3.8 — 2026-08-08
  32 km NNE of Trimbak, India