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Akola
Akola is a municipal corporation and important Historical, Cultural, Political, Religious, Industrial and Agricultural city in the state of Maharashtra located in the Vidarbha region in central India. It is located around 600 km east of the capital city of Maharashtra state, Mumbai (former "Bombay") and 250 km west from the city of Nagpur. Akola is the headquarters of Akola District located in Amravati Division. Akola district forms the central part of Amravati division, which corresponds to the former British Raj province of Berar.
The district of Akola comprise of talukas namely Akot, Telhara, Akola, Balapur, Patur, Barshitakli and Murtajapur.
Akola District has an area of around 54.31 square kilometres and population of 1,629,305 (2001 census). Marathi is the most popularly spoken language, though English and are also widely used. Akola District is bounded on the north and to the east by Amravati District, to the south by Washim District, and to the west by Buldhana District.
Akola (also called Cotton city) is renowned for its cotton production and is the largest cotton producing district in India. The city is also famous for its Pulse or Dal, Oil and Textile mills.
Akola is also renowned for its medical facilities. It is a major center for advanced medical treatments, such as The Elizarov technique, IVF, etc. Major in Akola include the Civil , Chaudhary and Akola Critical Care Unit;and also have some of the top and successful Medical practictioners around, such as, Dr.K.S.Patil, Dr.Omprakash Ruhatiya, Dr.M.R. Chaudhary, Dr. Mahendra and Alka Tamane, Dr.Bhushan Mapari, Dr.Shirish Thorat, Dr.Atul Mahashabde (Ortho).
"Dainik Deshonnati", one of the highest circulated and leading Marathi Newspaper in Vidharbha region originated from Akola. Other prominent Newspapers published from Akola include "Lokmat Samachar" and "Dainik Matrubhumi".
Many old forts from the historic past can still be seen in Akola District viz.:
Narnala Fort, Akot Fort, and Balapur Fort.
Geography and Climate
Sundarabai Khandelwal Tower - Landmark of Akola city.The location of Akola city is latitude : 20.7° North and longitude : 77.07° East.
Akola city is located at an altitude of 925 ft (282 m.) above the sea-level. The climate is tropical and people mostly use cotton clothes. Akola has a National Weather Station facility which serves as the local weather center for Akola and its nearby locations. Annual temperatures range from a high of 48 °C (118 °F) to a low of 10 °C (50 °F). Akola lies on the Tropic of Cancer, so its very Hot during Summer season, especially in May. But even during the hot season the nights are cool. The annual rainfall averages 34 inches. Most of the rainfall occurs in the Monsoon season between June to September, but some rains can also be seen during January and February.
On the north, Akola district is bounded by the Melghat Hills & Forest region. The Morna river flows through Akola city. The Purna River forms the part of north boundary of the district, and the top north portion of the district lies within its watershed along with Aas River and Shahnur River. The Vaan River forms the part of northwest boundary of the district after entering from the Amravati district.
The Maan River drains the southwestern portion of the district, Morna River drains the midsouth portion of the district, while the southeast is drained by the Katepurna River and Uma River.
Here are some of the rivers in Akola, with their tributaries:
Purna River, Uma River, Katepurna River, Shahanur River, Morna River, Mann River, Aas River, Vaan River etc.there are many dams in akola districtlike mahan which is located om katepurna river,and many more
Agriculture
A full grown Cotton Plant. Agriculture or Farming is the main occupation of the people in rural parts of the region. Cotton, Soyabean and Jowar (Sorghum) are the predominant crops grown in the district. Other important crops of the region are Wheat, Sunflower, Canola, Peanut, Bajra (Pearl Millet), Harbara (Chick Peas), Toor (Pigeon Peas), Ulad and Mung (Green Gram) etc.
Transport
Air
The Akola Airport (also known as Shivani Airport) (IATA: AKD, ICAO: VAAK) is the Domestic airport of Akola city. It is having Aerodrome & Airfield at an elevation of 999 ft (304 m) and having 1 Runway (3985 × 145 ft ). The Airport is just 7 km away from the city on National Highway number 6. The nearest International airports are Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. The work of Renovation and Operations of Akola Airport for the future has been taken by Airport Authority of India (AAI). Air Deccan is starting intermittent flights from Mumbai and Nagpur to Akola.
Road
The "NH6", which runs through Akola, is an important National Highway, which runs from Hajira (Surat) to Kolkata. NH6 is apart of Asian Highway 46. Maharashtra state transport buses are most commonly used by people to travel to rural parts of the region. They are the cheapest means of transport. State owned and private air-conditioned bus services run daily buses to most important cities to and from Akola. The bus frequency is extremely good.
Bus
Locally, the Akola Municipal Transport (AMT) is Akola's public transport service. AMT is also an important mode of transport for many people.It has got a huge response since it's launching. In addition, Auto Rickshaw is also widely used in Akola city for commute due to its quick ride.
Rail
Akola also has good railway connectivity with direct trains to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Okha, Kolhapur, Pune, Bhusawal, Wardha, Nagpur, Howrah, Puri, Chennai, Jaipur and Hyderabad.
Religion and Culture
Raj-Rajeshwar Temple, Akola."Raj Rajeshwar Temple" in Akola is a famous pilgrimage place for worshippers of Lord Shiva and has a great historical heritage. (see attached photo) During the marathi calendar month of 'Shravan', there is a huge rush of devotees to worship Lord Shiva especially on every Monday of the month. The month of Shravan is very sacred according to Hindu Religion and worshippers from long distances travel to Raj Rajeshwar Temple to worship Lord Shiva.
Narsingh Maharaj Mandir at Akot and Baladevi temple at Balapur both in Akola District are also famous religious temples near Akola. Also in Balapur, 'Chatri' memento by Raja Jaisingh in the memory of his Horse is also famous.
The Atishay kshatra Shri Antariksh Parshvanath Jain Temple is situated in Shirpur (Akola District) about 75 km away from Akola. The Black colored idol of Bhagawan Parshvanath is very Ancient and is amongst very famous Jain Temples in Maharashtra.
Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj, Shegaon (Buldhana District).Other Temples in Akola city are:
Birla Mandir (Shri Ram Temple) Shreenath Dutta Mandir, Ramdas Peth, Jain Temple
Shegaon (in Buldhana District), a very famous pilgrimage place of "Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj", is just 45 km away from Akola. Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan is the biggest temple trust in the Vidarbha region and is so called as "Pandharpur of Vidarbha". The origin of Sant Gajanan Maharaj is untraceable in history. People from all over Maharashtra visit Shegaon and offer there prayers to Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj.
Akola is known as a colorful city because of its many festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi, Makar Sankranti, Dashera, Diwali, Holi and Eid are celebrated with special enthusiasm.
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