Amravati city is the administrative headquarters of the Amravati district in the Maharashtra state. Amravati is the seventh most populated city in the state and is significant part of Maharashtra in terms of culture and literature. The city is a growing industrial centre and a major educational hub today. Amravati is known for its historical temples. The place is a major pilgrimage centre and many mythological stories are associated with this city. According to legends Lord Krishna is believed to have eloped with Goddess Rukmani from her wedding ceremony from the famous Ambadevi Temple situated in the city through a tunnel connecting Ambadevi temple to Koundinyapur. The remnants of this tunnel can still be present in the city.
Amravati is also famous for its host of festivals and fairs which signify the rich cultural kaleidoscope of this vibrant region. There are several places of tourist interest in and around Amravati.
Sri Ambadevi Temple
Shri Ambadevi Temple is located in the centre of the city. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Ambadevi. According to legends King Bhishmak's daughter Rukmini fell in love with Lord Krishna after hearing the tales of his courage. Her brother Rukmiya, fixed her marriage with his friend, King Shishupal of Chedi. Rukmini then secretly sent a message to Krishna. Rukmini, a day before her marriage visited the Ambadevi temple and temple of Goddess Ekvira from where Krishna kidnapped her. With the help of Yadavas Krishna defeated Rukmini’s brother and then married her in a ceremonious manner.
The Navaratri Festival, which falls just before Dasara festival, is celebrated by with gaiety by the people here. Various cultural, religious programs and a big mela are arranged during the nine day celebrations.
Shri Ekvira Devi Temple
Shri Ekvira Devi Temple is located near the Shri Ambadevi Temple. This very old temple dedicated to Goddess Ekvira Devi was built around the year 1660 by the son of Amravati Paramhans, Shri Janardan Swami. Goddess Ekvira Devi is an incarnation of Shakti. Tourists and devotees throng this temple during the festival of Navratri festival which is celebrated with great grandeur here.
Satidham Temple
Satidham Temple is situated in the heart of the city. The idols of Lord Ram and Sita, Lord Krishna and Radha and Lord Ganesha along with Lord Shiva and Sati are present inside the temple. A fair is arranged on the occasion of Janmashthami which is a major attraction here and attracts thousands of devotees.
Bhakti Dham Temple
Bhakti Dham Temple is located on Amravati Badnera road. Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and His consort, Radha. An idol of Shri Sant Jalaram Bappa is also places inside the temple. Behind this temple a small beautiful park is maintained which is a major attraction among the children.
Chatri Talao
Chatri Talao is a reservoir which was built in the year 1888 on a small spring called Kali Nadi. This reservoir was built to supply drinking water to Amravati’s locals but now Amravati City gets water from Upper Wardha Dam. Boating and a garden are the main attraction here. Chatri Talao is 1-km from Dasturnagar Square on Malkhed Railway Road.
Wadali Talao
Wadali Talao is another reservoir located on Chandur Railway Road which was built to supply water in the city. A zoo and a garden are the main attractions here.
Places to visit Around Amravati
Melghat Tiger Reserve
Melghat Tiger Reserve lies at the northern end of the Amravati District on the border of Madhya Pradesh. This tiger reserve spread over an area of approximately 1676.93 sq. km is one of the few remaining abode of the Royal Bengal Tiger in the state. Located in the catchment area of the River Tapti in the south-western Satpura mountain ranges this tiger reserve is a nature lover’s paradise with an amazing variety of Flora and Fauna. Tiger, leopard, wild dog are some of the animals here. The sanctuary is also home to variety of bird and reptile species.
Chikhaldara
Chikhaldara is situated in the district of Amravati which is about 1120 m above sea level. This region which is the sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region is dotted with beautiful lakes, serene lakes and cascading waterfalls. This picturesque hill station has earned the distinction of being the only coffee growing region in the state. Known for its deep valleys covered with thick forests the hill station has many viewpoints like Devi Point, the Prospect Point and the Hurricane Point from one can enjoy a panoramic view of this region. According to legends this is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka. The town of Chikhaldara is best known for its Wildlife Sanctuary which is part as well as an extension of the Melghat Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary is home to several wild animals like sambar, sloth bear, tiger, flying squirrel, mouse deer, porcupine, langur, chausingha, blue bull, Indian bison, wild dog, leopard, pangolin etc.
How to reach Amravati
Nagpur is the nearest airport which is 155 km away from Amravati. Nagpur airport is well connected with most of the cities of India. The nearest railway station from Amravati is that of Amravati and Badnera. Badnera falls on the Mumbai-Kolkata main line. It forms the terminus of the branch line of Central Railway. Amravati has a good network of roads and is well connected with the towns and cities within the state as well as those in the neighbouring states.
Accommodation
The place has many mid-range and budget hotels that offer comfortable stay to the tourists.