Akola

Akola lies in the Vidharba region of Maharashtra and is situated approximately 600 km away from the state capital, Mumbai. Spread across an area of 54 square km, it is known as the ‘cotton city’ of India. Akola produces the most amount of cotton in the country. Apart from cotton, Akola is also known for its oil, pulses and textile mills.

Akola, together with Berar, was part of the magnificent kingdom of Vidarbha. The region, until the 14th century, saw the rule of many dynasties, viz. the Mauryans, the Chalukyas, the Satvahana, the Rashtrakuta and the Yadava dynasty. In the late 14th century, the region came under Muslim Rule with the coming of Alauddin Khilji. It remained under the rule of the Bahmani Sultanate until the late 15th century.

It was in the 1670s that the region came under the Maratha rule, under the guidance of Chatrapathi Shivaji. The Maratha regime was at its prime during that time. The region saw many wars during the British Rule, and Akola along with Berar was finally ceded to the Nizam of Hyderabad after the Marathas lost to the British.

After India’s independence the states and provinces were shuffled and Akola became a part of the newly formed state of Maharashtra. The city has various forts which stand testimony to its vibrant history which include the Narnala Fort, the Akot Fort and the Akola Fort.

Apart from being an industrial hub, Akola also holds religious significance. A large number of devotees make a pilgrimage to Raj Rajeshwar Temple here, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some other significant temples of the city include the Birla Mandir, Jain Temple, Shreenath Dutta Mandir and Swami Samarth Temple.

Akola also holds a cultural significance. It has played host to the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan twice which is a significant conference on Marathi Literature.

With the Melghat Hills lying to its north and the Purna River flowing through it, the city at an elevation of 925 ft above sea level has a tropical climate. The temperature hovers at about 28-32° Celsius throughout the year, with high levels of humidity.

The city is well connected by all means of transport - road, rail as well as air. Akola has a domestic airport as well as multiple railway stations which connect it to different cities of India.