The district of Gondia, located close to Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh is the doorway to the state of Maharashtra from central and eastern India. Popularly known as the ‘Rice City’ because of the abundance of rice mills here — this is why you should visit this place on your next weekend getaway. We have listed below top five things to do here. By Chandrani Pal
1. Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve
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This reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife species such as, tigers, leopards, dholes, jungle cats, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, wolves, etc. It is also home to herbivorous animals like gaur and sambar. You can easily catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures when you hop on a wildlife safari here. Moreover, you can also stop by at the cafeteria amidst the jungle and take a tea break while enjoying the chirruping of birds and faint calls of animals.
2. Hazara Falls
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Located in Gondia district’s Salekasa tehsil, monsoons here are worth experiencing. Moreover, an abundance of natural vegetation, and a spectacular view of hills and forests, make it an ideal spot for picnic, trekking and camping activities. This place lies just a kilometre away from the Darekasa Railway Station.
3. Tibetan Camp
An old village that was once inhabited by Tibetans and has almost become a ghost town now, has many temples for you to explore and get acquainted with the Tibetan culture. A sparse population makes this underexplored land worth a visit, especially for those looking to avoid the crowd. However, when here, don’t forget to buy some handmade caps and clothes crafted by skilled villagers.
4. Itiadoh Dam
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This dam serves areas like Gondia, Gadchiroli, and Bhandra for irrigation of the paddy fields. It is also well known for its katla fish and prawns. While visiting the dam you can also take a look at the Tibetan rug weaving section started by the Norgying Tibetan family.
5. Suryadev and Mando Devi Temple
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When in Gondia, a visit to these temples is a must-do affair. While Suryadev temple is dedicated to the Sun God, the other one houses Goddess Mando Devi — an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The locals have immense faith in the Goddess and believe that not only does she fulfils all the wishes of her worshippers but also relieves them from any diseases. It is also believed that a harmless lion visits this temple every evening to worship the Goddess.
Nearby Attractions: Chakradhar Swami Temple, Darekasa Caves, Nawegaon Lake, Shree Sant Lahari Ashram, and Kachhargadh Caves.
Stay: Book a luxurious stay at The Gateway Hotel Balaghat Road.
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