Plan 01
1 day in Akola
- 01
Day 1: Old city and Balapur
Visit Akola Fort and the Raj Rajeshwar temple in the morning, then drive to Balapur Fort after lunch for the walls, gateways and Bala Devi temple. Return before dusk.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Akola Fort (Asadgad) About 1 hour Easy Early morning or late afternoon; October to February Raj Rajeshwar Temple 45 minutes Easy Morning; Shravan month for the festival, other times for a calm visit Balapur Fort 1 to 1.5 hours Moderate October to February, morning Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Balapur Fort: The fort has high walls and uneven ground, with limited seating and shade. Some paths are rough, but the main courtyards are reachable without long climbs. Go slowly in the heat.
Plan 02
2 days in Akola
- 01
Day 1: Old city and Balapur
Do Akola Fort and Raj Rajeshwar in the morning and Balapur Fort in the afternoon.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Akola Fort (Asadgad) About 1 hour Easy Early morning or late afternoon; October to February Balapur Fort 1 to 1.5 hours Moderate October to February, morning Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Balapur Fort: The fort has high walls and uneven ground, with limited seating and shade. Some paths are rough, but the main courtyards are reachable without long climbs. Go slowly in the heat.
- 02
Day 2: Katepurna
Leave early for Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary for forest and reservoir birds, and return to Akola by afternoon.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary Half a day Moderate October to February for comfort; summer for animals at water but intense heat Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary: Tracks are unmade and facilities are minimal. Heat in April to June can be severe, so older travellers should visit in the cooler months and keep walking to a minimum.
Plan 03
3 days in Akola
- 01
Day 1: Old city and Balapur
Cover the old city and Balapur Fort.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Balapur Fort 1 to 1.5 hours Moderate October to February, morning Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Balapur Fort: The fort has high walls and uneven ground, with limited seating and shade. Some paths are rough, but the main courtyards are reachable without long climbs. Go slowly in the heat.
- 02
Day 2: Narnala
Spend a full day at Narnala Fort, starting early and carrying water.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Narnala Fort 3 to 5 hours Demanding November to February Pace: Narnala Fort involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.
With parents at Narnala Fort: The complex is large with long walks on uneven stone and little shade. Older travellers should see the main gate and nearby areas only, and avoid hot months.
- 03
Day 3: Sanctuaries
Visit Katepurna in the morning, or make a longer trip to Karanja Sohol Blackbuck Sanctuary in Washim district.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Karanja Sohol Blackbuck Sanctuary Half a day plus the drive Easy November to March, when migratory waterfowl arrive Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
Read before you go
Guides for the stops on these routes
Pacing
Pacing a Akola trip for parents and children
- Visit between November and February; April and May are punishing.
- Choose Balapur and the old city over Narnala if stamina is limited.
- Hire a car with a driver for forts and sanctuaries.
- Carry water and snacks; sanctuaries have minimal facilities.
- Go early at the forts, where there is little shade.
- Heat: April and May reach above 40 degrees Celsius. Plan outdoor sights for early morning from November to February.
Book the pieces
Stay close to the route
Pick a base near the first day's sights. Our guide to where to stay in Akola compares the areas.
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