amaravati
Location: Maharashtra
Lies In: Tapi Basin
Attractions: Chikhaldara's National Park, Ambadevi Temple, Satidham Temple, Wadali Talao, Melghat Tiger Reserve

Amaravati is situated right in the center of the northern border of the Maharashtra State. Amaravati meaning "abode of immortals" may be traced with the association of Lord Krishna. It lies mainly in the Tapi basin with only some of its parts on the eastern border lying in the valley of Wardha. Besides cotton, Jowar and Tur (lentil), which are the leading crops in the region; orange gardens are also important from the agriculture point of view.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Ambadevi Temple: This temple is situated in the heart of Amravati City. According to the legend it is believed that Shri Krishna abducted Rukmini, when she came to pray at the Amba Devi temple, and married her. The Goddess Amba attracts devotees from all parts of Vidarbha.

Satidham Temple: Satidham Temple is situated in the heart of the city at Rallies Plot. There are beautiful idols of Lord Krishna-Radha, Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Rani Satiji placed within the temple. Every year a fair is arranged on the occasion of Janmashthami, which does large number of devotees attend.

Shri Bhakti Dham Temple: Shri Bhakti Dham Temple is situated on Amravati Badnera road where beautiful idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed. Shri Sant Jalaram Bappa idol is also placed and behind this temple a small park for children is maintained.

Chatri Talao: Chatri Talao is situated towards SouthEast of Amravati, 1-km from Dasturnagar Square on Malkhed Railway Road. It was built in the year 1888 on a small spring called "Kali Nadi". It is a small reservoir built with the intention, then, to supply drinking water to Amravati City, but now Amravati City gets water from Upper Wardha Dam. A small garden and boating facility is also available.

Wadali Talao: Wadali Talao is situated towards East of Amravati, 3-km from Camp on Chandur Railway Road. It was built for a clean and fresh water supply to Amravati Camp. A small garden with a zoo is also there and usually people come here during weekends. One can also enjoy boating on the Talao. This is one of the best places for kids.

Melghat Tiger Reserve: Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of Amaravati district in Satpuda hill range. This tiger reserve of 1676.93-sq-km is one of the last remaining habitats of Indian tiger in Maharashtra.

Wan Sanctuary: Wan sanctuary is located in Melghat area of Amravati District. It is an extension to the Melghat Sanctuary on the southeastern part. This area is part and parcel of Melghat and is rich in floral and faunal biodiversity. The hilly rugged terrain possesses tropical dry deciduous forests.

Chikhaldara: Chikhaldara is the sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region, situated at an altitude of 1118m and has the added distinction of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra. Chikhaldara is full of deep valleys, and these valleys are full of velvet mist and majestic trees. It is a very popular summer retreat. The wildlife sanctuary in this area offers tourists with abundance of wildlife, viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Nagpur is the nearest airport, which is 155-km away from Amaravati.
Rail: Nagpur is the terminus of the branch line of Central Railway on Mumbai-Kolkotta main line. Tourists can access Amaravati from Nagpur.
Road: Regular buses connect Amaravati with the important towns and cities within the state.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Population: 2200057 (1991Census)
Area: 12,210-sq-km
Latitude: 20° 32' to 21° 46'N
Longitude: 76° 38' to 78° 27'E
Climate: Tropical
Clothing: Cotton Clothes

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