Things To Do
in Akola
Akola is a mid-sized city in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, known historically as an important cotton trading and agricultural hub. It blends busy bazaars, railway-linked commerce and quiet residential neighborhoods surrounded by farmland. The city has a pragmatic, local feel with temples, markets and small parks providing everyday life scenes.
Akola is a convenient base for exploring rural Maharashtra, nearby forests and hill stations a few hours' drive away.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Akola Fort, where you can explore its impressive architecture and learn about its history. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring traditional dishes like poha and upma. The morning sun will provide a perfect backdrop for photography as you stroll through the surrounding gardens.
Post-lunch, head to the nearby Tamba River, where you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride while taking in the natural beauty. Visit the historic Mahatma Phule Market to experience local life, browse vibrant stalls, and sample some street food delicacies. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the impressive Rani Durgavati Mahal, soaking in its historical significance and stunning design.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely walk around the lush greenery of the local parks, where you can watch families and children enjoying their evening. Stop by a local café to sip on a refreshing drink while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. End your day with a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, tasting authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.
Begin your day with a visit to the revered Bhatkheda Ganesh Mandir, where you can witness the morning rituals and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. Take time to appreciate the intricate carvings and architecture of the temple. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast at a nearby dhaba, where you can try local specialties.
Next, head to the Sri Krishna Mandir, known for its serene ambiance and beautiful idol of Lord Krishna. Engage with local devotees and learn about their traditions and rituals, deepening your understanding of the region's spiritual practices. Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery featuring thalis, a traditional multi-course meal.
In the evening, visit the picturesque Jain Temple, famous for its stunning marble work and peaceful surroundings. Participate in a short meditation session or simply sit in quiet reflection amidst the beautiful architecture. Conclude your day with a visit to a local sweet shop, indulging in some delicious pedas and barfis.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $1.50-4 |
| 🛌Budget hotel (per night) | $12-30 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.10-0.50 |
| 🛺Short auto-rickshaw trip | $0.50-2 |
| ☕Tea and snack | $0.25-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural-Marathi culture and everyday market life
- Affordable travel costs and inexpensive food
- Convenient base for exploring nearby forests and Vidarbha landscapes
- Friendly, down-to-earth local atmosphere
- Limited international connectivity and few tourist infrastructure amenities
- Hot summers and seasonal monsoon disruptions
- Modest nightlife and limited upscale dining options
- Specialized medical care or high-end services may require travel to larger cities
- "नमस्कार (Namaskār)" - Hello / Greetings
- "धन्यवाद (Dhanyavād)" - Thank you
- "कितने का? (Kitne ka?)" - How much is this?
- "शौचालय कहाँ है? (Shauchalay kahaan hai?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "मदद करिए (Madad kijiye)" - Please help / Assistance
- "ठीक है (Theek hai)" - OK / Fine
Places to Visit in Akola
Visit one of these nice places.
Vivid daily scenes of trade, produce piles, cotton sacks and merchant activity — excellent for street and documentary photography in the early morning.
Railway platforms, trains and colonial-era station details offer dynamic urban transport photography and candid portraits of travelers.
Surrounding agricultural fields at dawn/dusk provide landscape shots of crop patterns, farmers working and rural life.
Forested areas and hill viewpoints a couple of hours from the city are ideal for nature, wildlife and panoramic landscape photography — plan for early morning light.
Food in Akola
Akola Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting combination of dal (varan), rice (bhat) and millet or jowar bhakri — commonly served at local homes and small eateries; try it at neighborhood 'dhabas' and vegetarian restaurants.
Must-Try!
A traditional, spicy gram flour dish served with bhakri; popular as a filling local meal and available in many roadside eateries.
Common breakfast and fasting foods — thin, seasoned flattened rice (poha) and fried sabudana fritters at morning stalls and tea shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central vegetable and wholesale markets are lively in the morning; try local snacks like kachori, samosa, chaat and fresh seasonal fruit from street vendors.
Around major bus stops and market areas, you'll find stalls selling pav bhaji, vada pav, and sweet treats — great for quick bites and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Namaskar' or a modest head-nod when greeting; removing shoes before entering temples and some homes is customary.
Dress modestly in public, especially when visiting religious sites — covering shoulders and knees is respectful.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in rural areas and religious contexts; some may decline.
Safety
Tipping in Akola
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For table service in restaurants, 5–10% is common if service charge isn’t included. For drivers, porters and guides, small cash tips (50–200 INR, depending on service) are customary.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used for markets and small shops. Larger restaurants, hotels and many shops accept cards and UPI mobile payments; carry cash for street food, auto-rickshaws and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry and often oppressive from March to mid-June; day temperatures can be high, so plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening and stay hydrated.
June to September brings seasonal rains and greener scenery; rural roads can become muddy and some remote spots may be harder to reach, but the landscape is refreshed and good for nature photography.
November to February offers mild, pleasant days and cooler nights — the best time for sightseeing, outdoor walks and comfortable travel.
Transition months are generally pleasant with moderate temperatures; festivals and harvest markets can add cultural interest during these periods.
Akola at Night
Hiking in Akola
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A forested area and tiger reserve region a couple of hours from Akola offering guided treks, wildlife viewing and scenic viewpoints — best during dry months with a local guide.
Higher-elevation areas in the broader Vidarbha region provide cooler trekking routes, viewpoints and forest trails; suitable for overnight or day hikes when weather is pleasant.
Short, informal walks on village tracks and farmland edges around Akola are easy, accessible options to experience local landscapes and rural life.
Airports
How to reach Akola by plane.
A small local airstrip used for private or limited services; commercial connectivity is limited, so check scheduled flights in advance.
The nearest major commercial airport (a few hours' drive) with domestic flights to major Indian cities and some international connectivity; accessible by road or rail connections via Akola Junction.
Other larger airports such as Aurangabad or Mumbai are several hours away by road and may be used for alternate international or domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority speak Marathi and are part of the region's agrarian and urban communities with deep local cultural traditions.
A visible community involved in commerce, cotton trade, retail and services operating markets and supply chains.
Surrounding districts host many farming families who travel to Akola for markets, education and medical services.
Mixture of Hindu, Muslim and other communities contributing to diverse religious observances and festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the dominant sport with active local matches, school competitions and community grounds — watch club matches to see local enthusiasm.
Traditional Indian team sports like kabaddi and kho-kho are popular, especially in school and village competitions.
Traditional wrestling (kushti) and rural athletic events appear at festivals and during regional competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Akola.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian diets are easy to manage here — most eateries offer veg thalis, dal, rice and vegetable dishes. Specify 'no onion, no garlic' if observing certain dietary rules; Marathi words for vegetarian (शाकाहारी / shakahari) are widely understood.
Vegan options are available but require asking (many dishes contain ghee or curd). Gluten-free travelers can eat rice-based dishes and pulses, but check for wheat in gravies and snacks.
Cross-contamination is common in street food. If you have severe allergies, favor established restaurants and communicate clearly (use simple Hindi/Marathi phrases or show an allergy card).