Best Places to Visit in Shivar, Akola, Maharashtra [Updated-2025]

Best Places to Visit in Shivar, Akola, Maharashtra

Here are the best places to visit in and around Shivar, Akola district, Maharashtra:

1. Shivner Fort (25 km from Shivar)

• Why Visit?

  • Historic hill fort with connections to Chhatrapati Shivaji

  • Panoramic views of the surrounding plains

  • Ancient temples and water cisterns within the fort

2. Akola Fort (30 km)

• Highlights:

  • Mughal-era fortress built in 1697

  • Houses the famous Raj Rajeshwar Temple

  • Well-preserved fortifications and bastions

3. Balapur Fort (40 km)

• Special Features:

  • Important medieval fort on ancient trade routes

  • Unique double-walled construction

  • Temple of Goddess Jagadamba inside the fort

4. Murtijapur (50 km)

• Attractions:

  • Ancient Jain temples with intricate carvings

  • Important pilgrimage site for Jains

  • Beautiful 12th-century architecture

5. Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km)

• Must-See:

  • Home to leopards, sloth bears and diverse birdlife

  • Contains the historic Narnala Fort complex

  • Great for nature walks and wildlife spotting

6. Patur Fort (45 km)

• Why Visit?

  • Impressive hilltop fortress

  • Offers spectacular sunset views

  • Less crowded historical site

7. Akola’s Gandhi Garden (30 km)

• Features:

  • Beautiful colonial-era public garden

  • Houses a planetarium and zoo

  • Peaceful green space in the city

8. Shivani Temple (Local)

• Significance:

  • Ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Shivai

  • Important local pilgrimage site

  • Traditional Marathi architecture

9. Mahanubhav Temple, Akola (30 km)

• Special Aspect:

  • Important site for Mahanubhav sect followers

  • Unique medieval-era temple design

  • Peaceful spiritual atmosphere

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Pleasant weather (18-32°C)

• July-September: Lush green landscapes (monsoon)

• Avoid peak summer (April-June) when temperatures exceed 40°C

How to Reach

• By Road: Well-connected via NH161 and state highways

• Nearest Airport: Akola (30 km)

• Rail Access: Akola Junction (major station)

Local Specialties to Try

• Vidarbha’s Saoji cuisine (spicy mutton/chicken curry)

• Puran Poli (sweet flatbread)

• Hurda (fresh roasted sorghum in winter)

Unique Experiences

• Attend Shiv Jayanti celebrations at Shivner Fort

• Explore rural craft villages near Shivar

• Visit local cotton farms (major crop of the region)

Shivar offers a mix of historical forts, spiritual sites and Vidarbha’s rural culture – perfect for offbeat travelers exploring Maharashtra’s heartland. The area is particularly rewarding for history buffs and those interested in medieval Indian architecture.