Forts in Akola
- 01
Akola Fort (Asadgad)
A much-reduced Mughal-era fort on the bank of the Morna River in the heart of Akola, also called Korbandh Fort and Asadgad. Its surviving gates, bastion and Eidgah sit beside the Raj Rajeshwar temple.
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon; October to February
- Tickets
- The fort is described as open to the public. Entry fees, if any, and hours are not published; confirm locally. It is in a dilapidated state.
- 02
Balapur Fort
A Mughal fort on raised ground between the Man and Bhains rivers at Balapur, with high walls, bastions and three gateways set one inside another. Open to the public, though parts serve as government offices.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- October to February, morning
- Tickets
- The fort is open to the public. Entry fees and hours are not published; confirm locally. Parts of the complex are used as government offices and are not for visitors.
- 03
Narnala Fort
A hill fortress complex at the southern tip of the Satpuda range in Akot taluka, with three linked forts, a central lake, huge gates and old tanks, inside Melghat Tiger Reserve.
- Time needed
- 3 to 5 hours
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- November to February
- Tickets
- The fort is inside Melghat Tiger Reserve. Fees, permits and timings are not published here; check with the forest office before you go.
Day trips in Akola
- 04
Karanja Sohol Blackbuck Sanctuary
A small 18 sq km sanctuary in Washim district, set up in 2000 to protect blackbuck, with grassland, teak patches and winter waterfowl. A longer outing from Akola.
- Time needed
- Half a day plus the drive
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- November to March, when migratory waterfowl arrive
- Tickets
- Entry fees, hours and access rules are not published; confirm with the Maharashtra Forest Department before travelling.
- 05
Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary
A dry deciduous forest sanctuary around the Katepurna reservoir, about 30 km from Akola. Known for the four-horned antelope and barking deer, with peafowl and water birds easier to see.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- October to February for comfort; summer for animals at water but intense heat
- Tickets
- Managed by the Maharashtra Forest Department. Entry fees, vehicle charges and permit rules are not published; confirm with the forest office in Akola before you go.
Places of worship in Akola
- 06
Raj Rajeshwar Temple
Akola's oldest Mahadev temple, standing beside the Morna River next to the old fort. Known for a folk tale of a vanished queen and a large Shravan festival.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning; Shravan month for the festival, other times for a calm visit
- Tickets
- No ticket for darshan. Timings are not published; confirm locally. Remove footwear and dress modestly.
