Buldhana: Crater, protected areas and temples
Accommodation in Buldhana
In Buldhana district, exceptional geology, protected areas and a diverse temple and pilgrimage tradition take center stage. Lonar Lake, historic buildings and places such as Shegaon, Deulgaon Raja and Chikhli offer different reasons to explore the region.
Lonar Crater: geological history and nature
Lonar Lake near Lonar formed in the Pleistocene when a meteorite struck. It is the world’s only known hypervelocity impact crater in basalt rock and is designated a National Geological Heritage Monument. Its formation and basalt bedrock give this destination its distinctive geological character. There is also a practical detail to consider when planning a visit: the descent into the crater is steep and can be slippery. Sturdy trekking footwear is therefore essential. Bear this in mind if you plan to include the crater in your stay.
Protected areas in the district
The Ambabarwa Wildlife Sanctuary covers 127 square kilometers and lies in the Satpura Range on the border with Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its diverse plant and animal life and is considered the most important wildlife tourism destination in Buldhana district. This extensive protected landscape offers a distinct contrast to the geology of Lonar Crater. Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Buldhana–Khamgaon State Highway. If you are choosing nature-focused activities for your trip, you can treat these areas as destinations in their own right rather than equating them with the crater.
Temples, history and regional traditions
The Bhuikot Palace stands in Sindhkhedra, where Rajmata Jijau was born on January 12, 1598. Another historic site is the Rajwada in Sindhkhed Raja. Its large entrance is striking, and the Rajwada is located near the Mumbai–Nagpur highway. Also in Sindkhed Raja is the Hemadpanthi Rameshwar Temple, which dates from the 8th to 10th centuries. Together, these sites offer different ways to explore the district’s history: through a significant birth, a building with a large entrance and a temple from an earlier period.
The Balaji Temple in Deulgaon Raja was founded in 1665 by Raje Jagdeorao Jadhav. The old Balaji Temple is also known as the Tirupati of Maharashtra. The Shri Balaji Maharaj Yatra takes place there every year in October. In Chikhli, the Renuka Devi Temple is located in the town center; the Renuka Devi Yatra is held there on Chaitra Pournima. These festival dates add a cultural dimension to your trip if you wish to plan your stay around the relevant tradition.
Pilgrimage sites and special occasions to visit
The Shegaon Temple is dedicated to Shri Gajanan Maharaj and is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. The Palkhi Sohala takes place there every Thursday: the statue of Gajanan Maharaj is carried around the temple in a palanquin, accompanied by devotional songs and hymns. Shegaon railway station is 1.5 kilometers from the temple and is regularly served by trains from Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune. For your travel planning, Shegaon thus combines a specific pilgrimage occasion with a named rail connection.
Anand Sagar also brings together religious and other interests: the lake and surrounding area were developed as a combination of spirituality and an amusement park for devotees. The artificial lake and complex were created by the Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan to help combat water scarcity. It is supplied with water pumped from the Man River. This history sets Anand Sagar apart from a naturally formed lake.
Rajur Ghat and other places
Rajur Ghat is on the Buldhana–Malkapur road, with temples and rivers in the surrounding area. The Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir at Rajur Ghat offers a view of the hill town of Buldhana and Rajur Hill. The Balaji Temple Venkatagiri is located in the Rajurghata area of Buldhana; it has a replica of Balaji of Tirumala. A 21-foot-high statue of Hanumanji also stands in the area of the Venkatagiri Balaji Temple in Rajourghat. Dhamma Giri is also located in the scenic Rajurghata area of Buldhana. Girda is a village on the Ajanta Caves road, 16 kilometers from the district headquarters of Buldhana; an old Mahadev Temple is located there.
When choosing a holiday apartment, the purpose of your trip is a useful starting point: the crater and protected areas are associated with nature and geological history, while temples, processions and historic buildings appeal to other interests. If you would like to continue exploring the district, you can also find Khamgaon here.
For the broader travel overview: Maharashtra.
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