Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary - Attractions Near Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Now that you have decided to visit Tipeshwar and enjoy its abundance of flora and fauna, here are some more tourist attractions near the national park, to enrich your trip further –

Jagadamba Bhavani Mata Temple, Kelapur

Kelapur Temple

Kelapur, also known as Pandharkawda, holds significance as a census town, tehsil, and subdivision nestled within the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, India. Situated along the prominent Srinagar - Nagpur - Hyderabad - Bangalore - Kanyakumari National Highway 44, Kelapur serves as a vital link in the region's transportation network.

One of the notable attractions of Kelapur is the revered Jagadamba Bhavani Mata Temple, renowned as the oldest temple in the area. Devotees flock to this sacred site not only from Maharashtra but also from neighbouring states like Telangana, drawn by the divine presence and spiritual aura. It is believed that the Bhavani Mata worshipped here is none other than the revered Tuljapur Bhavani Mata, albeit under a different name.

Distance from Tipeshwar – 21.1 km

Saikheda Dam, Pandarkawada

Saikheda Dam is located on the calm Khuni River near Pandarkawada in Maharashtra, India. It was built in 1972 by the Maharashtra government for irrigation and helps provide water for farming in the area. It is in Kelapur Taluka of Yavatmal District and is a beautiful location to visit for people who want to relax by the water and enjoy the scenery. The dam is magnificent, standing 23.77 meters tall and stretching 1,740 meters long. It can hold a large amount of water, about 909 cubic kilometres and people visit to explore the dam's impressive engineering and beautiful surroundings. Additionally, the area also boasts a honey cluster, where visitors can experience bee-keeping and indulge in fresh, organic honey.

Distance from Tipeshwar – 41.9 km

Chintamani Temple, Kalamb

Kalamb Temple

Kalamb, situated in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, India, boasts several noteworthy landmarks, including its renowned temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Ganesha and the revered Muslim scholar, Baba Basuri Wale.

At the heart of Kalamb lies the revered Shree Chintamani Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Ganesha. This temple holds significant cultural and religious importance, drawing devotees from far and wide. The temple's name, "Chintamani," stems from an epithet of Ganesha, emphasising the belief that worshiping him can alleviate worries and troubles ("Chinta" translates to worry in both Sanskrit and the local Marathi language).

As part of the Vidarbha Ashtavinayak, it is one of the eight Ganapati kshetras in Vidarbha, and among the 21 kshetras of Ganesh spread across India. Every year, the temple hosts a vibrant annual fair in honor of Shree Chintamani, attracting throngs of pilgrims and visitors seeking blessings and spiritual solace.

Kalamb is also known as the epicentre of cotton trade during ancient times, with the city boasting the biggest cotton market in those days. In fact, Kalamb supplied premium quality cotton to Manchester, during British rule, making it an attractive spot for people who love history.

Distance from Tipeshwar – 77.6 km

Mahur gad and Pandav Caves, Mahurgad

Pandav Caves

Mahur, also known as Mahurgad, holds a significant place both as a town and a religious destination within Maharashtra, India. It is renowned as the birthplace of Hindu deity Dattatreya, with its roots deeply linked with mythological tales and spiritual significance. The revered Atri Rishi and Sati Anasuya Mata, parents of Dattatreya, are believed to have resided here, adding to the town's sacred aura.

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes, Mahur is adorned with three prominent mountains, each housing revered temples. Among them, the Renuka Mahar devi Mata Temple, dedicated to the mother of the god Parshuram, stands as a testament to divine grace. Additionally, the Datta Shikhar and Atri Anasuya Shikar Temples grace the town, with Datta Shikhar being the highest peak.

A major highlight of Mahur is the sacred temple of Renuka Mata, recognised as one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas in the state. Every year, a grand fair is organised on Vijayadashami, drawing devotees and pilgrims from far and wide to partake in the festivities.

Legend has it that the revered Renuka Mahar Devi faced adversity when attacked by Sahasrarjun for possession of the sacred Kamdhenu cow. It is said that upon her demise, Lord Parshuram, in a state of anguish, sought solace and guidance from Dattatreya. Under his counsel, Parshuram performed her last rites in Mahur, where the divine presence of Renuka Mata is believed to manifest on the first mountain, now the site of the revered Mahar Devi Renuka Mata temple.

In addition to these sacred sites, Mahur boasts numerous other temples, including those dedicated to Rishi Jamdagni Mahar, Lord Parshuram Mahar, Kalika Mata, and Devdevshwar. The presence of Pandav Leni caves further enriches the spiritual tapestry of this revered town, inviting devotees and seekers alike to embark on a journey of faith and enlightenment.

Distance from Tipeshwar – 80.7 km

Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary, Yavatmal

Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary spans 325 sq. km along the Painganga River in Maharashtra, India, and is characterised by its teak-dominant Pusad forest. Managed by the sub-conservator of wildlife in Pandarkawada, the sanctuary is surrounded by water on three sides and receives 1000-1500 mm of annual rainfall, supporting diverse flora such as Terminalia arjuna, Phyllanthus emblica, and Madhuca longifolia. It hosts a variety of fauna including herbivores like chital and nilgai, small carnivores like jungle cats and hyenas, and larger predators such as leopards and wild dogs. Reptilian inhabitants include pythons and Russell's vipers. Accessible from Yavatmal and equipped with a forest department rest house in Kharbi village, the sanctuary is a significant conservation area for both wildlife and plant species.

Distance from Tipeshwar – 90.5 km

Kuntala waterfall, Adilabad

Kuntala Waterfall

Kuntala Waterfall, situated in Telangana, India, stands as the tallest waterfall in the region, boasting a height of 150 meters. Located along the Kadam River in the Neradigonda mandal of Adilabad district, this natural wonder is not only renowned for its scenic beauty but also holds a rich historical significance.

Legend has it that the name 'Kuntala' originated from the story of Shakuntala, the wife of Dusyanthu, who was captivated by the serene surroundings of the waterfall. It is believed that Shakuntala frequently visited the waterfall for bathing, leading to the name transition from 'Shakuntala' to 'Kuntala' among the locals.

Surrounded by lush forests inhabited by the Gonds, indigenous people of the area, the waterfall holds cultural importance. In the local languages of Gondi and Telugu, 'Kunta' refers to 'pond,' while 'Kuntalu' means 'several ponds,' indicating the waterfall's origin from a convergence of ponds forming the Kadem River.

With its cascading waters descending in two steps, Kuntala Falls offers a mesmerising sight, especially during the rainy season. Accessible via a motorable road leading to the entry point, visitors can enjoy a short, scenic walk of about 10 minutes to reach the base of the falls.

Distance from Tipeshwar – 110.8 km

Sahastrakund Waterfall, Nanded

Sahastrakund Waterfall

Sahasrakund Waterfall is a majestic natural wonder situated on the Painganga River in the Nanded district of Maharashtra, India. Positioned at the convergence of the Yavatmal and Nanded districts along the Penganga River, this breathtaking waterfall offers a serene escape into nature's embrace.

Located approximately 172 km from Yavatmal and 100 km from Nanded, Sahasrakund is easily accessible and attracts visitors from near and far. Additionally, it lies just 50 km from Nirmal and 100 km from Adilabad, making it a convenient destination for travellers seeking solace amidst picturesque surroundings.

Aside from its captivating waterfall, Sahasrakund is renowned for the temples nestled in its vicinity. Among these sacred sites are the Panchamukhi Mahadev Temple, the Ram Temple, and the Banganga Mahadev Temple, each offering spiritual solace and architectural beauty against the backdrop of the cascading waters.

Especially during the rainy season, Sahasrakund emerges as a prominent tourist hotspot, drawing adventurers and nature enthusiasts eager to witness the waterfall's splendour. Notably, the waterfall is also celebrated for its unique rock formations, which exhibit an intriguing resemblance to black metal, adding to its allure and mystique.

Distance from Tipeshwar – 130.4 km

Navaratri in Yavatmal

Navaratri in Yavatmal

Yavatmal is renowned for its distinctive Navratri festivities. The vibrant and extravagant celebrations, organized by over 500 registered pandals, adorn more than half of the city's streets with colourful illuminations. Locally crafted idols, skilfully made by artisans, add to the uniqueness of this event. In Yavatmal, the installation of large idols is not only about size; they portray the Goddess in dynamic poses, triumphing over demons, accompanied by fierce lions, symbolizing strength. These locally crafted idols from Yavatmal are in high demand and are frequently exported to neighbouring cities and towns, including Nagpur.