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Tourism Potential In Tribal Sub Plan Area of Ahmednagar District

Article in Journal of Information and Computational Science · November 2019

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Journal of Information and Computational Science ISSN: 1548-7741

Tourism Potential In Tribal Sub Plan Area of

Ahmednagar District.

Dr. Vasudev Shivaji Salunke

DEPT.OF GEOGRAPHY, K.J.SOMAIYA COLLEGE,
KOPARGAON ,AHMEDNAGAR

1.0 INTRODUCTION
According to2001 census enumeration, India is second largest country in the world
having tribal population after Africa . These tribal groups take support of valleys, hill slopes,
mountains, and forest for their protection and habitat. Living in compete harmony with
nature, they acquired unique knowledge about the use of natural resources and hence they
used to live in forest, valleys, mountains etc. Administratively there are four types of tribal
areas existing in Maharashtra state viz. Tribal Sub Plan Area, Additional Tribal Sub Plan
Area, MADA Pockets and Mini MADA Pockets. Out of these all high concentration of tribal
population living in Tribal Sub Plan Area rather than remaining three areas. Out of 35
districts of Maharashtra TSP &ATSP areas are existing in 15 districts. In Ahmednagar
District Akole tehsil constitute 45% tribal population of district hence only Akole tehsil lies
in Tribal Sub Plan Area. TSP Area of Akole tehsil endowed by Scenic beauty, Wildlife, rich
biodiversity, Water bodies, Landscapes etc. Considering these all aspect an attempt has been
made to study the potentialities of ecotourism development in Tribal Sub Plan of
Ahmednagar district

1.2 KEYWORDS: TSP, MINI MADA, OTSP, Ecotourism,

1.3 OBJECTIVES:
I)To study recourse potentiality of tourism in Tribal Sub Plan Area of Ahmednagar district.
II) To highlight ecotourism development in study region.

1.4 DATA COLLECTION AND METHODOLOGY

The present study is based on investigation; information about various places obtained from
spot observation the secondary sources of information through books, papers, maps, reports,
and Ahmednagar district Gazetteer, Tribal training and research institute Pune etc. The
collected information is analyzed with the help of suitable techniques. Maps ,Photo plates are
used for presenting various type of data and their interpretation which supporting for getting
proper inferences.

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1.5 TOURISM POTENTIAL CENTRES IN AKOLE TEHSIL

Sr. Cate Criteria Resources Tourist Places
No. gory
1 Relief / Kalsubai Peak, Sandhan Valley, Bari, Samrad,
Landforms Goose neck Meander. Mehanduri
2 Water Bhanadardara Dam, Umbrela fall, Shendi, Ranad,
bodies Randha Fall,Nilvande Dam Ghatghar,Koltembhe
Natural

Neckless fall, Ghataghar

3 Wildlife Kalsubai Harishchandra Pachanai,Samrad,
Sanctury, Glowworm festival Panzare,Mutkhel
4 Religious Agasti Ashram, Bohada, Akole,Shinganwade,
Lingdev Yatra, Rajur Urus Rajur, Lingdev
5 Historical Harishchandragad, Ratangad,
Manmade

forts Vishramgad, Alang, Kulang

Madan
6 Arch. Style Amruteshwar Temple, Changdev Ratanwadi
Caves Guha,

1.5 NATURAL TOURIST CENTRES

1.5.1. RANDHA FALL:

Randha Fall is super destination of tourist nearby .This waterfall is located on Pravara river
near Randha village on Rajur Igatpuri Road so it is known as Randha fall. Geographically
this is one important example of recession of waterfall. This is also a supreme destination for
film shooting viz. Kati Patang, Rajuchacha etc.

1.5.2 BHANDARDARA DAM (Wilson Dam):

Bhandardara dam is famous for natural scenery .Boating facility is available in dam. Small
amusement park, nature walk, Amruteshwar temple, Orther lake etc. are the main attraction
in Bhandardara.

1.5.3 UMBRELLA FALL:

In excess water seasons water made available to canals through discharge barricade. That
water falls on the convex shape rock and scene becomes like water falling on umbrella. It
named as Umbrella fall. This water fall is near Dam.

1.5.4 GHATGHAR:
Ghatghar is small village located 22 km from Bhandardara. It is very peaceful place with
enormous scenic beauty in rainy seasons particularly. So many waterfalls like Neck less fall
are close to Ghatghar. Hard basaltic Sahyadrian sub ranges and dense vegetation is chief
source of attraction at Ghatghar. Ghatghar is known as Mausinram of Ahmednagar district.

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The highest rainfall in Ahmednagar district is received in Ghatghar. Recently work of new
hydro electricity project is in progress at Ghatghar. Ghatghar is also well-known for its sharp
escarpment which is popularly known as “Kokankada” by local primitive tribe.

1.5.5 HARICHANDRAGAD:
This place is most interested tourist point in Akole tehsil because of its religious and sporty
location. Harichandragad is famous attraction of trekkers. One important characteristic of
Harichandragad is it located on the border of Thane, Pune and Ahmednagar district.
Harichandragad is 115 km away from Pune. Variety of wild flowers found on
Harichandragad.Taramati Peak and Changdev Guha are famous tourist spot this is marvelous
destination for trackers.

1.5.6 Mt. KALSUBAI:

Kalasubai peak is known as Mt.Everest of Maharashtra. It is highest peak of Maharashtra and
height of Kalasubai is1646 mt. from mean sea level. There is a temple of Goddess Kalasubai
on Peak .Most Tourist, trekkers and devotees visits Mt.Kalasubai. Variety of flowers and
different types of vegetation found on Kalasubai Peak.

1.5.7. KALSUBAI-HARISHCHANDRA SANCTURY:

Due to thick and vast forest region extending from Kalsubai Hills to Harishchandragad
covering an area of 361Sq.Km this area has been declared as wildlife sanctuary by the state
government of Maharashtra. The Leopard (Bibatya) ,Tiger and Hyenas were occasionally
found in the dense forests and hills over this region. Human encroachment increased on
forests and so these leopards had to take shelter in sugarcane fields

1.5.8. SANDHAN VALLEY (SAMRAD):

This is narrow gorge near village Samrad on Ratanwadi- Ghatghar road. Length of the Gorge
is 2.8 km and it is 100 mt in depth approximately. Entire canyon is carved by water its best
example of canyaon with straight walls in Sahyadri.It is also splendid spot for treck. Narrow
gorge is in hard basalt rock. Depth of gorge increases towards west. Rock climbing and
rappling are adventure sports were famous in this Gorge.

1.5.9. GLOW WORM FESTIVAL:

After first rainfall in western part of Akole tehsil. Several trees are lightened by glow worms.
This is ideal location for camping with fireflies. Fireflies are bioluminescence and they flash
the fluorescent green light to attract their mate. Pre monsoonal climate is meting period of
fireflies therefore thousands of fireflies comes together on a tree. This phenomenon of natural
lighting is so mesmerizing that at times one can experience thousands of fireflies flashing.
Best season to visit is first fortnight of June Month.

1.6 MAN MADE TOURIST CENTRES:

1.6.1 AKOLE
Akole is tehsil headquarter and an ancient village on the bank of river Pravara. Akole is 13
km from Sangamner city. The name Akole is derived from well-known rushi Agastya.

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Agastya Rushi’s Ashram is on left bank of river Pravara. Agastya rushi was first man who
crossed Vindhya mountain and came in South. Prabhu Ramchandra and Agastya rushi meet
in this ashram.

1.6.2 RAJUR:
Rajur is famous for local rice market. Plenty of rice mills are available in Rajur .Local and
branded variety of rice made available by wholesalers. Near Rajur Village Kombhalane is
Famous for Seed bank of traditional rice. Which is done by Seed mother Rahibai Phophare.

1.6.3. RATANGAD:
Ratangad is fantastic tourist destination. It is fort famous for trekking activity amidst the
green forest. Ratangad is situated on 1297 mt height from sea level. The fort Ratangad has
four gates and ther are some caves in eastern part of fort. Most astonishing part of Ratangad
peak is that it has whole in rock which is locally known as Nedhe (eye of Needle).This
natural whole in mountain is probably caused by wind erosion.

1.6.4.VISHRAMGAD (Patta Fort):

Vishramgad is known as Patta killa. It is situated on Nashik and Ahmednagar border. It is
1392mt in height from sea level. The Name vishramgad was derived from rest (Chatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj rest here on 3rd Dec.1679) Several remnant of old structure like palace,
Ambarkhana and caves are there for tourist.

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1.6.5.AMRUTESHAWAR TEMPLE:
This Temple is built in 8th century by Shilhara dynasty. The holy shrine is hemadpanthi
architectural style. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Now it is maintained by
Archaeological department. This temple is carved in black and red stones. Ceiling and walls
were ornamented lovely murals and sculptures. Small Sabhamandap is made of 12 pillars
with small beautiful sculptures.
In OTSP area of District one can visit sacred shrine of Sai Baba near Shirdi, Shani
Shinganapur, Pravarasangam, Dnyaneshwar temple Newase,Sidhatek Ashtavinayak Ganesh
temple Geographical Potholes at Nighoj and Carst topography in Parner tehsil,
Rameshwaram temple and fall in Sautada, Ahmednagar ground fort

1.7 CONCLUSION
It is seen that hilly area of Akole tehsil is rich in biodiversity and known for rare and endemic
plants. Natural scenery, quietness, piece of mind, ethnic attraction of tribal folk, food and
forts, temples, Waterfall etc. are main source of eco tourism. Western ghat is an important hot
spot in the world. Study region is part of Western Ghat consist vallies. Mountain ranges, Flat
top pleatues, rich wildlife and biodiversity. Generally, tourism depends upon physical and
cultural environment. Study region has full potential of tourist attraction. But there is need to
induce among the government and native people. Akole tehsil has good platform of
ecotourism so it can achieve social, economic and cultural development.

REFERENCES

1. Jadhav,Bhakare, Gophane (2011) “ Study of tourism potential in western Ghat.” MBP

journal, Volume XXVIII,pp10.
2. Thakur M.(2008) “Ecotourism and sustainable tourism” Omega Publi,New Delhi,pp1-42.
3.Census of India district handbook ,2001.
4.Ahmednagar District Gazetteer.
5.Chopra and Suchitra(1991) “Tourism development in India” Ashish Publishing House
New Delhi pp13.
6.Robinson,H (1976) “AGeography of Tourism”Macdonald and Evan Ltd.Londan,pp16.
7.Batra K.L.,(1989) “Problems and Prospects of Tourism”Printwell Publishers,Jaipur.
8.Dr.V.S.Salunke(2019) “Problems and Prospects of Religious Tourist in Shirdi”HRMJS
Journal At Rajgurunagar college,

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