Ahmednagar – Ahilyanagar- tour Maharashtra India

Ahmednagar, also known as Ahilyanagar, is a city in Maharashtra steeped in history and natural beauty. A tour here can be a blend of exploring formidable forts, spiritual sites, and serene natural landscapes.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time for a tour of Ahmednagar is during the winter season, from October to March. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring the city’s historical sites without the discomfort of the scorching summer heat.

Ahilyanagar Tour Guides

Top Attractions for a Tour

Ahmednagar offers a variety of attractions that cater to different interests, from history buffs to nature lovers.

• Ahmednagar Fort: A massive circular fort built by the Nizam Shahi dynasty, this historical monument is a must-visit. It’s known for its strong defense system and was famously used as a prison by the British to hold Indian independence leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru. A portion of the fort now serves as a museum.

• Tomb of Salabat Khan II: Often mistakenly called the “Chand Bibi Mahal,” this three-story octagonal stone structure is perched on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

• Cavalry Tank Museum: This unique museum is the only one of its kind in Asia. It houses a vast collection of vintage armored vehicles and tanks from various eras, including World War I and II, making it a fascinating stop for military history enthusiasts.

• Meherabad: A significant pilgrimage site for followers of the spiritual master Meher Baba, Meherabad is located near Ahmednagar city. The serene ashram and the Samadhi (tomb) of Meher Baba attract visitors from around the world.

• Shani Shingnapur: A famous village known for its open-air temple dedicated to Lord Shani. The village is unique because none of its houses have doors, as locals believe Lord Shani protects them from theft.

• Bhandardara: While a separate hill station, the Bhandardara region is part of the Ahmednagar district and is perfect for a side trip. It features the Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, and the seasonal Umbrella Falls. The area is also a popular spot for trekking to peaks like Mount Kalsubai, the highest in Maharashtra.

• Sandhan Valley: Known as the “Valley of Shadows,” this deep gorge offers an exciting and challenging trek. It’s a great spot for adventure activities like rappelling and rock climbing amidst stunning natural scenery.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Historical & Spiritual Tour

• Morning: Start your day at the Ahmednagar Fort to explore its history and museum.

• Afternoon: Visit the Cavalry Tank Museum to learn about armored military vehicles.

• Late Afternoon: Head to the Tomb of Salabat Khan II for its historical significance and views.

• Evening: Visit Meherabad for a peaceful and spiritual experience.

Day 2: Nature & Pilgrimage Tour

• Morning: Travel to Shani Shingnapur to see the unique village and temple.

• Afternoon: Depending on your interest, you can either visit the Bhandardara region for its scenic beauty and trekking opportunities or explore the adventure-filled Sandhan Valley.

• Evening: Return to Ahmednagar or stay overnight in Bhandardara for a camping experience.

• Is it Ahmednagar or Ahilyanagar?It is now officially Ahilyanagar. The Government of Maharashtra officially changed the name of Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar in February 2024 to honor the revered Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
• What is Ahmednagar’s new name?The new name is Ahilyanagar.
• What is Ahilyanagar famous for?Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) is famous for its rich history and strategic location. Its key attractions and famous features include:
  • Ahmednagar Fort: A massive historical fort that was used as a prison by the British.
  • Cavalry Tank Museum: The only museum of its kind in Asia, showcasing a vast collection of armored military vehicles.
  • Historical Significance: It was the seat of the Nizam Shahi dynasty and played a crucial role in the history of the Maratha Empire.
  • Spiritual Sites: It is a gateway to several famous pilgrimage sites, including Shani Shingnapur and Meherabad.

• अहमदनगरचे नवीन नाव काय आहे?अहमदनगरचे नवीन नाव अहिल्यानगर आहे.
• अहिल्यानगरचा इतिहास काय आहे?अहिल्यानगर (पूर्वीचे अहमदनगर) याचा समृद्ध इतिहास आहे. शहराची स्थापना १४९० मध्ये अहमदनगर निजाम शाह यांनी केली होती आणि ते निजाम शाही राजघराण्याची राजधानी होते. या शहराने मराठा साम्राज्याच्या इतिहासातही महत्त्वाची भूमिका बजावली.

  या शहराचा इतिहास खालीलप्रमाणे आहे:

  • निजाम शाही राजवट: शहराची स्थापना अहमदनगर निजाम शाह यांनी केली आणि त्यांनी येथे मजबूत किल्ला बांधला.
  • मुघल आणि मराठा साम्राज्य: शहरावर मुघलांनी आणि नंतर मराठा साम्राज्याने राज्य केले.
  • ब्रिटिश राजवट: ब्रिटिश काळात, अहमदनगरचा किल्ला स्वातंत्र्य चळवळीतील नेत्यांसाठी तुरुंग म्हणून वापरला गेला, जिथे जवाहरलाल नेहरूंसारख्या नेत्यांना कैद करण्यात आले होते.
  • नामकरण: हे शहर १८ व्या शतकातील महान मराठा राणी अहिल्याबाई होळकर यांच्या सन्मानार्थ अहिल्यानगर असे नामकरण करण्यात आले आहे.

• Ahmednagar Fort was built by Ahmed Nizam Shah I in 1490. He was the founder of the Nizam Shahi dynasty and made Ahmednagar his capital.

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  History of Ahmednagar 

  The city’s history dates back to 1490 when it was founded by Ahmed Nizam Shah I. It served as the capital of the Nizam Shahi Sultanate. After the dynasty’s rule, the city came under the control of the Mughals and then the Marathas, before finally being captured by the British. During the British Raj, the Ahmednagar Fort was famously used as a prison for prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement, including Jawaharlal Nehru.

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  What is Ahilyanagar famous for? 

  Ahilyanagar (the city’s new name) is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is famous for:

  • Ahmednagar Fort: A historically significant and imposing structure.
  • Cavalry Tank Museum: A unique museum that houses a vast collection of armored military vehicles.
  • Spiritual and Natural Sites: It serves as a gateway to important pilgrimage sites like Shani Shingnapur and the serene natural beauty of Bhandardara.

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  अहमदनगरचा इतिहास काय आहे? 

  अहमदनगरचा इतिहास १४९० मध्ये सुरू झाला, जेव्हा अहमदनगर निजाम शाह यांनी या शहराची स्थापना केली. निजाम शाही राजघराण्याची ही राजधानी होती. यानंतर शहर मुघल, मराठा आणि नंतर ब्रिटिशांच्या अधिपत्याखाली आले. ब्रिटिश काळात, अहमदनगरचा किल्ला भारतीय स्वातंत्र्य चळवळीतील नेत्यांसाठी एक महत्त्वाचे तुरुंग बनले होते, जिथे जवाहरलाल नेहरूंसारख्या नेत्यांना कैद करण्यात आले होते.

   

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Based on the search results, here are the answers to your questions about the tank museums:

What is the mystery of Shani Shingnapur?

The primary mystery and unique feature of Shani Shingnapur is that the villagers believe in the protection of Lord Shani to such an extent that no house in the village has doors or locks. They believe that if any theft were to occur, the perpetrator would immediately face the wrath of the deity, leading to misfortune or serious consequences. This belief has been held for centuries, and it has also led to very low crime rates in the village.

Are ladies allowed in Shani Shingnapur?

Yes, women are now allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum (the sacred platform where the deity is located). For several decades, a tradition prohibited women from entering the inner sanctum. However, after a high-profile protest by activists and a directive from the Bombay High Court in 2016, the temple trust lifted the ban and granted unrestricted entry to all devotees, regardless of gender.

Which one to visit first, Shirdi or Shani Shingnapur?

There is no strict rule, but most pilgrims visit Shirdi first and then proceed to Shani Shingnapur. This is a common practice as Shirdi is a major pilgrimage center with a longer stay, and Shani Shingnapur is a relatively smaller temple that can be visited in a few hours. The two places are about 75 km apart, and it is a popular day trip to combine the two.

शनि शिंगणापूरबद्दल इतर प्रश्न

• शनि शिंगणापूरचे रहस्य काय आहे?

  शनि शिंगणापूरचे सर्वात मोठे वैशिष्ट्य म्हणजे येथील कोणत्याही घराला किंवा दुकानाला दरवाजे नाहीत. स्थानिक लोकांचा असा विश्वास आहे की शनिदेवाच्या कृपेमुळे त्यांच्या गावात चोरी होत नाही आणि जर कोणी चोरी करण्याचा प्रयत्न केला, तर त्याला तात्काळ शनिदेवाचा प्रकोप सहन करावा लागतो.

• शनि शिंगणापूरमध्ये महिलांना परवानगी आहे का?

  होय, महिलांना आता शनि मंदिराच्या गाभाऱ्यात (sanctum sanctorum) प्रवेश करण्याची परवानगी आहे. अनेक दशकांपासून महिलांना येथे प्रवेश नव्हता, परंतु २०१६ मध्ये बॉम्बे उच्च न्यायालयाच्या निर्देशानंतर आणि आंदोलनानंतर, मंदिराने महिलांसाठी प्रवेश खुला केला.

Ahmednagar’s Cavalry Tank Museum

• Ticket Price: The entry fee is ₹50 per person, with additional charges for photography and video recording.¹

• Number of Tanks: The museum houses a collection of about 50 vintage armored fighting vehicles.

• There is a “Sunken Museum” heritage walk at Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.8 The ticket for this specific walk is ₹750. The general entry fee for Humayun’s Tomb is ₹40 for Indian citizens and ₹600 for foreign tourists.9

टँक संग्रहालयाबद्दल (About the Tank Museum)

• टँक संग्रहालयात किती टँक आहेत? (How many tanks are in the tank museum?)

  बव्हंशी माहितीनुसार, द टँक म्युझियम (The Tank Museum), बोव्हिंग्टन येथे सुमारे ३०० टँक आहेत, ज्यामुळे ते जगातील सर्वात मोठे टँक संग्रहालय मानले जाते.

• फ्युरी टँक संग्रहालयात आहे का? (Is the Fury tank in the museum?)

  होय, २०१४ च्या ‘फ्युरी’ चित्रपटातील प्रसिद्ध M4A2E8 शर्मन टँक द टँक म्युझियम (The Tank Museum) च्या संग्रहात आहे.10