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Home , Akole, Anjaneri, Bahula Fort, Brahmagiri (Maharashtra), Tringalwadi

I J R S S I S, Vol. V (1), Jan 2017: 26-29 ISSN 2347 – 8268

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCHES IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND INFORMATION STUDIES © VISHWASHANTI MULTIPURPOSE SOCIETY (Global Peace Multipurpose Society) R. No. MH-659/13(N) www.vmsindia.org TOURISM POTENTIAL IN TAHSIL OF DISTRICT ()

Anil A. Landge Arts, Science and Commerce College, Kolhar, Tal-Rahata, Dist- Ahmednagar, Pin-413710

Abstract: Tourism is renowned as the largest industry in the world. It contributes about 10 per cent Gross Domestic Product out of total in the world .Tourism is a service sector, which has a great potential for increasing economy, employme nt, infrastructural facilities and eliminate the regional disparity. Tourism has comprehensive nature therefore, it known as the fourth dimension of contemporary economics .In many developing countries like tourism become a major source of regional developme nt, which is backward due to the lack of natural resources. Especially, rural and tribal area of the country has great potential of tourism because of pleasant environment, diversity in physical features, distinctive culture and different socio-economic status. Akole Tahsil of is well known tribal area of Maharashtra. It is east towards part of the Western Ghat. Abundant natural scenery, diver's physical features, pleasing climate, specific tribal culture, reservoir and biodiversity are the main tourism characteristics of Akole Tahsil. Howe ver, government infidelity is responsible for under development of tourism potential in this region. State and central government did not take special efforts to promote tourism activity, which can change socio-economic setup of the region. Aims of the present research paper have been collect information and high light the different tourist sites in Akole Tahsil. Key Words: Tourism industry, Regional disparity, Employability, Potentiality.

Introduction: Tourism industry has known as the fourth dimension of contemporary economics. Keeping Maharashtra is a one of the leading states in this in mind an attempt has been made to study India for industrialization, agricultural the potentialitie s of tourism development in development and tourism deve lopment. It has Akole tahsil and high light the tourism hot spot many tourist hotspots and a huge potential of in the region. tourist attractions. Akole Tahsil is one of the tourism hotspot within Maharashtra. It lies Study Region: within the western Maharashtra at regional Akole tahsil is well known tribal tahsil in basis, as per physiographical conce rn it covered Ahmednagar district, which is located extreme by Western Ghat which is called as Sahyadri western margin of Ahmednagar. It is extending mountain range . The Tahsil has very undulating be tween the 19º15'12" N to 19º45'06" North topography, but it is blessed by nature. It has latitudes and 73°37'00" E to74°07'21" East great potential of tourism development but longitudes. The western part of the tahsil is unfortunately, it is still waiting for positive surrounded by , southern part response of government infrastructural covered by and Northern part developments. de limited by Nasik district. The tahsil acquire About 50 pe r cent population is tribal, which is 1505.08 km² geographical area, in which 65.59 socio-economically backward in Akole tahsil. pe r cent area unde r agriculture, 27.7 per cent Due to undulating topography, lack of irrigation area under forest and 6.71 per cent area utilized facilitie s agricultural has limited scope for for othe r purpose. improving economy of the region. Therefore, the Geologically the tahsil has very complex region is economically backward compare to geomorphologic diversity has found. This region other part of Ahmednagar district. Tourism was formed by volcanic e ruption, it was development is a paramount activity for associated with inter trapped beds such as eradicate the regional disparity in this study limestone , red bole beds, sandstone , porous , area. There are ample scope of nature tourism clay, shales thin mantle of black cotton soil and cultural tourism because of various present almost every were on the basalts. The attractive landscapes and unique culture of western part of tahsil is covered with hilly region Mahadev Koli tribal Community. The natural were the average height is 1300 m., vegetation, different landscape , water bodies, (1646 m.) is the highest peck of Maharashtra is wildlife of plant and animals, religious sites, located in this area. The eastern part has cultural and historical base are offer extensive riverarine plain topography we re gentle slope is platform to tourism development .Which observed towards east. support to generate employment to local community and increase rate of economical development in the tahsil.

26 I J R S S I S, Vol. V (1), Jan 2017: 26-29 ISSN 2347 – 8268

Location Map of Study Area

The range is a water divider rural appraisal me thod, investigation. between Godavari and Krushna river basins. Information about some places was achieved on Pravara and Mula river are the main tributary of the spot observations. The Secondary data were Godavari, which are e ast flowing rive rs in the achieved through various reference books, tahsil. and Nilwande reservoir are research pape rs, and newspaper article built on Prvara river. The climate of the study .Tourism atlas, maps, reports on district area is wet warm in rainy season and dry in tourism plan for Ahmednagar district were used summer season. The average tempe rature is as a secondary source of information. The 38°C in hot season and 17ºC in winter se ason, collected information is studied with the help of annual rainfall varies from 606 mm to 5366 mm appropriate statistical techniques. The data is in study area. The western part of study area is summarized, processed and represented with observed wet deciduous forest and mixed the graphical form for getting proper inference. eve rgreen forest. Tourism Potentiality of Akole Tahsil: Objective: Akole tahsil is popular among adventure tourist 1. To study the tourism potential in the study for its hilly topography. Kalsubai, the highest area. peak in Maharashtra is amongst the favorite 2. To high lights the tourist sites in the study choice of the trekkers. The hilly topography area. situated in the Akole tahsil comprising of other 3. Enlist the suggestions for future tourism such adventurous and wildlife sanctuary like deve lopment in the study area. Bhandardara, Harishchandragad, Samrad, Data Collection and Methodology: Randhafall, Kokankada. Tourism in Akole tahsil has been blessed with variety of choices. The The present research pape r is based on the adventure, wildlife, historic monuments, natural primary and secondary data sources. Primary scene ry, pilgrim centers and heritage tourism in data were collected through people participatory Akole tahsil gives demonstration of huge

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potential. Conside ring the colossal geographical and birds are found.Tourists can find wide spread tahsil has been attracting the tourists variety of mammals, reptiles and birds. The from the surrounding districts. All these sites mammals found here are Leopard, Jungle cat, are significant as local destinations and have Palm civet, Mongoose, Hyena, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, been attracting local tourist during weekends Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Sambar, Hare, and and during specific days of religious importance. Bats etc. The most attractive animals are Indian The main group of tourists comes from the Giant Squirrel and Porcupine. The reptiles Mumbai, Thane, Pune and and gene rally found in this sanctuary are Monitor Lizard, Fan- focused upon a particular group of places in the Throated Lizard, Turtles and many species of surrounding areas. The large amount of the snakes. Among the birds are the common hills tours is visited on the weekends or public and grass land birds. One can also spot water holidays. birds such as White Necked Storks, Black Ibis, Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Water hens are Akole tahsil bounds incredibly tourist found. attractions ranging from topography, forest and wildlife, ancient forts, temples and pilgrimage 3. Umbrella Fall: ce nters, along with a rich tradition of festivals, Umbrella Falls is actually a water outlet for the arts and culture. In view of the existence of a Bhandardara dam (Wilson Dam) and is a dive rsity of tourism resources, ranging from charming spot be low the Bhandardara dam. As Natural sites to temples to pilgrim ce nters, it this waterfall is created due to the water can be said that tourism in Akole tahsil has released from the dam, is visible pe riodically enormous potential. The tourist sites can be and for some specific time. The shape of this divided as pe r the qualitative differences and its waterfall to some extent is like an Umbrella and recognition among the people. so is called as the Umbrella fall. This waterfall is mostly seen in the Monsoon season and at the A) Nature /Adventure Tourist Sites: time when the water from the dam is released. The western hilly region of tahsil is known for its The fall is a natural scenic attraction that offers natural beauty. As a part of We stern Ghat some enchanting views. The dam is at a he ight (Sahyadri Mountain) there are various natural of 150m. At this fall at the base of the dam the re features like peaks, hills, water bodies, is a tranquil garden with streams and trees waterfalls, rive rs and wildlife are located in the which makes for a peaceful environment. tahsil. 4. Randha Waterfall: 1. Kalsubai Peak: Randha fall has been increased the demand of Kalsubai is the highest (1646 m) peak of the Bhandardara to manifold. This waterfall is a Maharashtra, which is located in Sahyadari 45 m high, situated at 10 km from Bhandardara hilly range at Akole tahsil. It is challenge to (Wilson Dam) down the river Pravara. This is the trekkers as it is most rugged, hilly area and third largest fall in the India. Most of the people difficult to get accessibility. It had known as a visiting Bhandardara particularly come to visit watchtower to foresee any dange r from the the Randha fall. The best season to visit this enemies during Maratha rule . It has a religious place is Monsoon. In other period also the fall important because of at the top of the mountain can be seen, but in the Monsoon period the one a local de ity ' Kalsubai ' temple is located. During can enjoy the fascinating look of the nature at the Navaratri pe riod, the people from local and this place ne arby region approach the place in large number, for all nine days. The backwater of 5. Sandhan Valley: Bhandardara dam, Harihargad, , Sandhan Valley is one of the astonishing places , Ghargad, Bahula, , Kavnai, of the Bhandardara which offers a varied Kulang, , Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar experience to the trekkers. This valley is also and Harishchandragad can seen from the peak. known as valley of Shadow. This valley is a marvelous wonder of nature and splendid of 2. Bhandardara Wildlife Sanctuary: Sahyadri (We stern Ghats). Sandhan Valley is The wildlife sanctuary is spread on 316 Sq. Km. positioned on the western side of the stunning area from Kalsubai to Harishchandragad, this Bhandardara region near village Samrad. This area has been declared as wildlife sanctuary by valley is 150 m deep and is filled with the water the state government of Maharashtra. .It is rich at most of the places throughout the year. The in fauna because of variety of natural water leve l in the valley changes according to vege tation. The re some pieces of mixed the season, in Monsoon the valley is so much evergreen forest in which, various wild animals filled that it is unable to access through the

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I J R S S I S, Vol. V (1), Jan 2017: 26-29 ISSN 2347 – 8268

valley. Sandhan Valley is surrounded with Conclusion: mighty Alang, Madan & Kulang, Ratangad, Akole tahsil of Ahmednagar district have full of Ajoba & Kalsubai mountain ranges. There is a potential of tourism on the basis of pleasant Brilliant & deep narrow rock floored ravine environment, natural be auty, wildlife, pilgrim's be tween the two high walls of mountain range. centers and historical tourism sites. But still the At the end of valley you get wonde rful view of area is lacking behind to attract tourists at the high cliffs & deep valleys. national and international level. There are some causes we re we want to pay attention. Lack of B) Religious Tourist Sites: promotion and publicity about the tourism sites Akole tahsil has many religious sites and is the major obscurity. Low levels of awareness pilgrimage places for different sects. There are among stakeholde rs regarding the potential. Amruteshwar, Harishchandragad, Agasti and Infrastructural facilitie s like public convenience Tahkari . facilities, medical facility, accommodation 1. Amriteshwar: facilities, absence of integrated e fforts to Amriteshwar temple is situated at foothills of promote the many facets, ele ctricity, seating Ratangad,it is a famous Hemandpanthi resting, street light, parking, guard railing, toilet architectural style temple built back to 100 block, drinking water, street lighting direction AD.This magnificent He mandpanthi style of signages etc. are require for tourism architecture gives the temple a historical look. development. The main attractions of the temple comprise of There is need to encourage from the gove rnment its intricate carvings. The Amriteshwar Te mple to native people, to educate the local people is dedicated to Lord . about hospitability, to start the training 2. Harishchandragad : organization about tourism especially for tribal Harishchandragad is the one of the religious student, increasing awareness and interest in and historical tourism site within the Sahyadari ecotourism due to media. If above said situation mouitan. It is an ancient , which reference is change by efforts from government definitely including in Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Akole tahsil is become a one of the hot spot of Skandapurana. The re are various caves with tourism at the national and international level. idols of Lord Vishnu. The carvings on the References: temples of Nageshwar, in the District Tourism Plan for Ahmednagar District, Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of 2012 Kedareshwar indicate that the fort be longs to Jadhav B.S., Gophane B.N., Bhakare P.D, the medieval period , since it is related to Shaiva, "Ecotourism Potential Centers in Western Ghat of Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the ", Maharashtra Bhugolshastra control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in Patrika, Vol.XXVIII, No.1, 2011. 1747. From Kokan Kada picturesque views of Gazetteer of Ahmednagar District surrounding,back water of Bhandardara dam More Jyotiram, Musamade Arjun, Jagdale and others peaks are viewed. The area is famous Sampat,"A study of Tourist Center- Sinhgad" for trekking also. Maharashtra Bhugolshastra Patrika, Vol.XXVIII, No.1, 2011. 3. Agasti Rishi Ashram and Salunkhe V.S.," Study of Child Mortality and Temple: Malnutrition of Tribal Area: A Case Study of Akole North side of Akole city Agasti Rishi Tehsil, Dist-Ahmednagar", unpublished Ph.D. Ashram is situated on left bank of the Pravara thesis submitted to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 2015. river.According to ,Lord Ram,Laxshman and visited to Sage Tourism survey report for the state of Maharashtra, 2010. on this location.It is believed that,Ravan killed by a miraculous arrow which was offered to The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Report, 2005 Lord Ram by Sage Agastya. Tupe B.K.,"Land Use and Cropping Pattern The Jagdamba temple at Thakari village Changes - A Case Study of Akole Tahasil in is also we ll known pilgrim center in Akole tahsil. Ahmednagar District", unpublished Ph.D. thesis The sculpture of the deity Apsaras is similar to submitted to Savitribai Phule Pune University ,Pune,2014. style to the temple.The Jagdamba World Health Organization Report, 2011. temple is situated on the bank of Adhala rive r which is a tributary of Pravara. Chaitra The United Nations World Tourism Organization report, 2008 Pournima and Navratri festival are the main attraction towards the Jagdamba temple.

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