Weird & Unusual Attractions in Sāngli, Mahārāshtra, India
1. Akkalkot Swami Samadhi Mandir
This temple is dedicated to a saint who is believed to be in eternal meditation. The unique feature is the 'Padukasthali' (footprint stone) and the 'Kavad' (pilgrim's staff) of the saint.
- Eternal Meditation: The saint is believed to have been in eternal meditation since 1890
- Footprint Stone: A sacred footprint stone at the Samadhi Mandir
- Kavad Pilgrimage: The Kavad pilgrimage is a unique tradition where devotees carry a wooden staff on their backs
2. Karmali Devrai
This ancient temple complex is dedicated to the Yellamma goddess. The unique architecture consists of intricately carved wooden structures.
- Intricate Wooden Architecture: The temple complex showcases beautiful wood carvings
- Ancient Temple Complex: Dating back to the Yadava period, it is an architectural marvel
- Yellamma Goddess Worship: The temple complex is dedicated to the local goddess Yellamma, who is revered by locals
3. Gadchiroli Tiger Reserve
A unique wildlife sanctuary with diverse flora and fauna. The tigers here are known for their stripes' patterns, which are different from those in other parts of India.
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: The reserve is home to a variety of plants and wildlife including tigers
- Distinctive Tiger Stripes: The tigers have unique stripe patterns not found elsewhere in India
- Eco-Tourism Opportunities: Visitors can enjoy guided tours, wildlife photography, and jungle safaris
4. Mhasala Dam
This dam is a sight to behold at night when it is illuminated. The unique feature is the light and sound show presented during certain times of the year.
- Night Illumination: The dam is beautifully lit up at night
- Light and Sound Show: The show presents the history of Sangli, its culture, and local legends
- Scenic Location: Offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys
5. Sangli Fort
This fort is a historical landmark with an interesting history. The unique feature is the large number of temples within its premises.
- Historical Significance: The fort has witnessed numerous battles and rulers over centuries
- Temple Complex: Inside the fort premises, there are several temples dedicated to various deities
- Panoramic View: The fort offers a panoramic view of Sangli city and its surroundings
6. Ambika Vinayak Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The unique feature is the idol of the deity with four hands instead of the usual two.
- Four-Handed Idol: The idol of Lord Ganesha has four hands, a rare sight in India
- Historical Significance: The temple dates back to the Yadava period and is an architectural marvel
- Festival Celebrations: The temple is especially vibrant during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival
7. Bhima-Koregaon Lake
This lake is a serene spot for picnics and boating. The unique feature is the 'Mahar' (tank) structure dating back to the Maratha era.
- Serene Picnic Spot: The lake provides a peaceful environment for picnics and family outings
- Historical 'Mahar': The Mahar, a Maratha-era water management structure, adds historical charm
- Boating: Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake
8. Joshi Museum
The museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts from prehistoric times to modern era. The unique feature is the fossil exhibits.
- Prehistoric to Modern Era Artefacts: The museum showcases a wide range of artefacts from various eras
- Fossil Exhibits: The museum has an impressive collection of fossils, including dinosaur bones
- Historical Perspective: Visitors can gain insight into the region's history and prehistory
9. Pandharpur Wari
A unique pilgrimage route where devotees walk from Sangli to Pandharpur. The unique feature is the group singing and dancing along the way.
- Pilgrimage Route: The 217-kilometer long route connects Sangli to Pandharpur
- Group Singing and Dancing: Devotees sing bhajans (devotional songs) and dance together during the journey
- Religious Significance: The pilgrimage is considered sacred by Hindus, especially Vaishnavites
10. Solapur-Sangli Rail Tunnel
This railway tunnel is the longest tunnel in Maharashtra. The unique feature is its stunning architecture and engineering feat.
- Longest Railway Tunnel in Maharashtra: The tunnel spans over 7 kilometers
- Architectural Marvel: The tunnel showcases impressive engineering and architectural skills
- Scenic Views: Travelers can enjoy scenic views during the train journey through the tunnel
11. Sangli Jain Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Parsvanatha. The unique feature is the large statue of a serpent (Nagdevta) installed outside.
- Lord Parsvanatha Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Parsvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism
- Large Nagdevta Statue: A large statue of a serpent (Nagdevta) protects the temple entrance
- Historical Significance: The temple dates back to the 19th century and is an architectural marvel
12. Kurundwad Fort
This fort is a historical landmark with an interesting history. The unique feature is the intricate carvings on its main entrance gate.
- Historical Significance: The fort has witnessed numerous battles and rulers over centuries
- Intricate Carvings: The main entrance gate showcases beautiful carvings that tell historical stories
- Scenic Location: The fort offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys
13. Nagaon Dongar
A hilltop located near Sangli with a unique temple dedicated to Nagdevta (the serpent deity). The unique feature is the annual fair held here.
- Nagdevta Temple: The temple is dedicated to the serpent deity, Nagdevta
- Annual Fair: An annual fair is held at Nagaon Dongar during the Shravan month (July-August)
- Scenic Location: The hilltop offers a picturesque view of the surrounding countryside
14. Shri Shivakshetra
A unique temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. The unique feature is the large Shivalinga (lingam) made of gold and diamonds.
- Gold and Diamond Shivalinga: The main deity, a Shivalinga, is said to be made of gold and diamonds
- Temple Complex: The temple complex houses several other temples dedicated to various Hindu gods
- Religious Significance: The temple is considered a sacred place for Shiva devotees
15. Sangli City Jain Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Adinatha. The unique feature is the intricate carvings and the large statue of Parasvanatha.
- Lord Adinatha Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Adinatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism
- Intricate Carvings: The temple showcases beautiful carvings that depict various scenes from Jain mythology
- Large Parasvanatha Statue: A large statue of Lord Parsvanatha is installed inside the temple