Jalgaon district General information

Location

Jalgaon District is located in the north-west region of the state of Maharashtra. It is bounded by Satpuda mountain ranges in the north, Ajanta mountain ranges in the south. Jalgaon is rich in volcanic soil which is well suited for cotton production. It is a major business centre for tea, gold, pulses, cotton and bananas. Languages spoken are Marathi, Ahirani, Hindi, and English. Jalgaon District receives an average rainfall of about 690 mm and the temperature varies from 10 to 48 degree Celsius.

Population

It hosts a population of about 4 million in an area of about 11,700 sq km. It is abounded by many religious places and cultural establishments. The major tourist attractions are Pal hill station at Raver, Patnadevi temple at the confluence of Tapi and Purna rivers and hot water springs at Unapdev in Chopda Taluka.

Climate

Jalgaon has got pretty diverse climate. It is exceptionally hot and dry during summer with temperature reaching as high as 45 degrees Celsius. Jalgaon receives about 700 mm rainfall during monsoons, which is followed by pleasant temperature in winter.

River

The principal natural feature is the Tapti River. Unlike the rest of the Deccan, whose rivers rise in the Western Ghats and flow eastward to the Bay of Bengal, the Tapti flows westward from headwaters in eastern Maharashtra to empty into the Arabian Sea. The Tapti receives thirteen principal tributaries in its course through Kandesh. None of the rivers is navigable, and the Tapti flows in a deep bed which historically made it difficult to use for irrigation. Most of Kandesh lies south of the Tapti, and is drained by its tributaries the Girna, Bori and Panjhra. The alluvial plain north of the Tapti contains some of the richest tracts in Kandesh, and the land rises towards the Satpuda hills. In the centre and east the country is level, save for some low ranges of barren hills. To the north and west, the plain rises into rugged hills, thickly wooded, and inhabited by the tribal Bhil people.

Access

The World famous Heritage site Ajanta Caves is near to Jalgaon (50 kms) making it as one of major International Tourist hub.   The District has excellent rail and road connectivity and is a central destination to reach out to major places in India.

Economy

Jalgaon Market is mainly known for Gold, Pulses, Wholesale Tea, Agriculture, Grains Trading. Banana and cotton are Jalgaon's main crops. Jalgaon district is known for its advances in horticulture. Its production of bananas and cotton, especially by resorting to drip irrigation, has created a role model for cultivators in other parts of India. Bananas grown in the district are exported outside the State and to other countries. Jalgaon is largest banana growing district in India.

Education

Jalgaon is also growing up as a premier educational place with many colleges in the field of engineering and computer science. Modern Jalgaon is now boasts of vast industrial area, educational institutes and good hospitals. The city is well developed with good roads, shopping centres, residential areas, with good infrastructure in communication and transport.

Tourist Place

Sri Padmalaya : Among the two and a half Shree Ganapati Peeths in India, this is regarded as the half Peeth. It is called as Padmalaya Kshetra. This temple is located at the top of a hill. There are small temples on all sides of the main temple. The padukas of Shree Govind Maharaj are located in front of the temple. There is a huge bell next to the padukas. There are two self existent (Swayambhu) Ganesh idols in the sanctum. One idol has its trunk curving to the right and the other to the left. Padmalaya also known, as "Prabhakshetra" is a religious place located in Erandol Taluka about 4.8-km from Erandol. It is famous for the temples of Lord Ganapati and Hanuman.
    

Pal :Pal, located in Yawal Taluka, is very famous for its cool temperature and the natural peace with dense forests. The small river and forests make a ideal picnic spot. There is a guesthouse also if you want to stay overnight.

Parola Fort :Parola fort was built in 1727 and the size of the fort is 160 to 130-sq-meters. It is believed that the fort belongs to the father of the Great Rani of Jhansi, Laxmibai. Hence, Parola is believed to be the native of Rani Laxmibai.
    

Swinging Towers Of Farkande : Swinging Towers located 16-km from Erandol on the bank of Utawadi River are a great example of old construction techniques. Both the towers are 15m long and when one of them is waved the other towers also starts waving automatically. It is believed that the construction is 250 years old.

Patnadevi : Patnadevi is an religious place. It is also the birthplace of the great Scientist Bhaskaracharya.
    

Unapdeo :Hot-water springs are situated in the Satpudas at Unapdeo in Chopda tehsil. Like Unapdev, Sunapdev, Nijhardev are two other hot water breezes generated in Satpuda hills range. All these three places have special mention in ancient holy 'Ramayana' and had auspicious touch of Lord Rama during his fourteen years expulsion from Ayodhya.

Saint Muktabai temple :Saint Muktabai temple is region's ancient temple with Goddess Muktabai being honoured at deity of region. There are two temples of this deity namely Mehun temple and new Muktabai Temple located in MuktaiNagar city.
    

Changdeo Temple: Changdeo Temple is located at beautiful natural location in back water area of Hatnur dam. The location also has confluence of Tapi and Purna rivers. The Temple is given Protected Monument status by ASI India with its rich design and ancient art work done.

Manudevi Temple:Manudevi Temple is located in beautiful natural surroundings near Adgaon village in Yawal Taluka. Manudevi is the kuldevi of 70% people in the district. There is a nice water fall with breathtaking view. The way to the temple is a very good trek with the path going through a small river 7 times. The temple is surrounded by forested hills. A fair is also held annually.

Omkareshwar Mandir :Omkareshwar Mandir is one of the most famous and beautiful temples in Jalgaon City, dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated at Jai Nagar. Shivratri, Shravni Somvar, Ramnavmi, Gokulashtami are the biggest festivals celebrated in this temple.