Ahmednagar is a city in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, located around 120 km from Pune and 114 km from Aurangabad. It was founded in 1494 by Ahmad Nizam Shah I after he won a battle against the Bahmani forces near the village of Bhingar. He later started the Nizam Shahi dynasty, making Ahmednagar its capital. The city still has many historical structures from that time. The famous Ahmednagar Fort, known for its strong defenses, was once used by the British to imprison Indian leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, who wrote his book The Discovery of India while confined there in 1944. Today, Ahmednagar also serves as a hub for the Indian Army, housing several military research and training centers.
places to visit in Ahmednagar
Shani Shingnapur
Shani Shingnapur is a small village in Maharashtra, known for its famous Shani temple. The village is famous because of the belief that the deity, Lord Shani, protects it from natural disasters and theft. The temple does not have any doors, and it is said that no one has ever stolen anything from the village. Pilgrims visit from across India to offer prayers for blessings and protection from bad luck.
Ahmednagar Fort
The Ahmednagar Fort is situated near the Bhingar River in Maharashtra. It was the headquarters of the Ahmednagar Sultanate and played a significant role in regional history. In 1803, the British captured the fort during the Second Anglo-Maratha War, and it later served as a prison. Today, the fort is managed by the Indian Army’s Armoured Corps and is not open to the public.
Farah Bagh
Farah Bagh is a historical palace located in Ahmednagar, built by the Nizam Shahi rulers in 1583. It was once the center of a grand palace complex and is known for its intricate architecture. Farah Bagh served as a royal retreat and is part of the region’s cultural heritage, showcasing the grandeur of the Nizam Shahi period.
Salabat Khan’s Tomb
The Tomb of Salabat Khan II is located in Ahmednagar and is often mistaken for the Chand Bibi Palace. Salabat Khan was a prominent figure, and his tomb is a key historical site. The tomb, however, is simple and does not resemble other grand Mughal tombs, offering a glimpse into the past of Ahmednagar’s royal heritage.
Aurangzeb’s Tomb
Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal emperor, is buried in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, in a simple, unmarked grave. Unlike other Mughal tombs, which are grand and ornate, Aurangzeb’s tomb is modest, reflecting his personal wishes for a simple burial. It is located within the shrine complex of Sheikh Zainuddin, a spiritual leader of the time.
Bagh Rauza
Bagh Rauza is a small complex in Ahmednagar that contains the tombs of several important historical figures, including Ahmed Nizam Shah. The site is peaceful and holds historical significance as it is a resting place for prominent personalities of the Nizam Shahi dynasty. It is a place of interest for those studying the history of Ahmednagar and the Nizam Shahi rulers.
Shri Vishal Ganapati Temple
The Shri Vishal Ganapati Temple is a century-old temple known for its impressive 3.6-meter tall statue of Lord Ganesh. The temple is inspired by the architecture of the Birla Mandir in Jaipur. It is located in a marble-floored hall that adds to the grandeur of the temple, making it a popular site for devotees in the region.
Shri Siddhivinayak Temple
The Siddhivinayak Temple in Siddhatek is a well-known Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayaka temples, a set of revered Ganesha shrines in Maharashtra. The temple is the only Ashtavinayaka temple in the Ahmednagar district and attracts many pilgrims who come to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings.
Best time to visit Ahmednagar
The best time to visit Ahmednagar is from November to March, during the winter season. Summers, from March to June, are hot with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. The monsoon season, from June to October, brings heavy rainfall, which might disrupt travel plans. Winters, from October to March, offer pleasant weather with temperatures around 22°C, making it the ideal time for sightseeing. This period is considered the peak tourist season in Ahmednagar.
