Jamkhed is a town and taluka headquarters in Ahilyanagar district, the district formerly called Ahmednagar, on the semi-arid Deccan plateau between Ahilyanagar and Beed. It does not appear on most tourist maps, and that is part of its appeal: a few uncrowded sights in a working farming landscape.
The best-known historical site is Kharda Fort, a square ground fort of the Nimbalkar family where the Nizam's army took refuge during the Battle of Kharda in March 1795. A short distance away, Chondi is the birthplace of Ahilyadevi Holkar, and the state is developing it as a national memorial. In the neighbouring taluka, Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary protects a herd of Indian blackbuck on open grassland.
Jamkhed is also known for the Comprehensive Rural Health Project, founded in 1970 by Dr Raj and Dr Mabelle Arole, whose community health model has influenced health workers around the world.
Plan this as a quiet two-day loop from Ahilyanagar, Pune or Beed. Facilities are basic, distances are long, and the cooler months from October to February are by far the most comfortable.
Before you plan
Jamkhed at a glance
- Best months
- October to FebruaryOctober to February; March to May is very hot and the monsoon is a time for green grassland and difficult roads
- Ideal trip length
- One long day for Kharda and ChondiOne long day for Kharda and Chondi, or two days to add Rehekuri and Siddhatek
- Airport
- No airport in the townNo airport in the town; Pune (PNQ) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (IXU) are the usual choices, each several hours by road
- Railway station
- AhilyanagarAhilyanagar (Ahmednagar, ANG) on the Central Railway is the main railhead, around 80 to 100 km away; confirm closer options locally
- Getting around
- A hired car is the practical way to…A hired car is the practical way to reach Kharda, Chondi and Rehekuri; state buses ply the main highway
- Daily budget
- Low outside the big citiesLow outside the big cities; most costs are transport and meals. Confirm fees locally
- Senior comfort
- Moderate: Kharda Fort and Chondi are…Moderate: Kharda Fort and Chondi are level, but facilities are basic and distances are long
- Language
- Marathi and HindiMarathi and Hindi; English is limited
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Jamkhed: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Jamkhed itinerary
One good day
1 day in Jamkhed
Start at Kharda Fort in the morning, ask in the village for the caretaker, and walk the ramparts, mosque and stepwell. Visit the village temples and, if energy permits, the Kanifnath hill temple. After lunch in Jamkhed, drive to Chondi to see the memorial to Ahilyadevi Holkar.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Jamkhed
Follow the one-day plan, adding the Kanifnath temple at Kharda if you are comfortable with the stairs.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Jamkhed
Spend the morning at Kharda Fort and the village, then climb to the Kanifnath temple late in the day.
Day-by-day plan →
