Jalgoan is a quiet industrial city famous for its proximity to the Ajanta caves.

Jalgoan is located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It forms a part of the agricultural belt called Khandesh and accounts for more than 16% of India’s bananas. Cotton, gold and banana are the most prominent commodities of trade in Jalgoan.

The city has a diverse climate characterized by hot and dry summers. The best time to visit would be from September to March. The rainy season does not pose as a dampener since many of the tourist places liven up after showers. Winters are chilly but pleasurable.

History of Jalgoan

Jalgoan came directly under the governance of British India’s Bombay Presidency only in the year 1818. Previously it was ruled by the Faruqi Dynasty of Burhanpur and was part of the Khandesh state.

People of Jalgoan

The city of Jalgoan boasts of people who are simple minded, soft spoken and known for their hospitality. Various eminent personalities of India come from Jalgoan most prominent among them being Mrs. Pratibha Patil, the  President of India.

Tourism in Jalgoan

Jalgoan has many tourist spots in and around the city.

Sri Padmalaya located on a hilltop is a temple and dedicated to lord Ganesh and Hanuman. Several small temples have been constructed along the sides of the main temple.

Located about 80 kms away from Jalgoan is an ideal picnic spot amidst a small river and dense forest.

You can also visit the Parola fort, native of the  renowned Rani of Jhansi, Lakshmibai. This fort was built in 1727.

An architectural marvel is the swinging Towers of Farkande constructed 250 years ago. It is located 16km from Erandol on the bank of Utawadi River and is a great example of old construction techniques. The height of each tower is 15m. Interestingly when one tower is waved, the other tower waves without any human intervention.

Unapdev (hot water springs) located at distance of around 38kms from Jalgaon city  is a famous holy spot known for its holy natural hot water fountain offering medicinal benefits to one who bathes in it. This place finds a mention in the Ramayana as Lord Rama is said to have visited this place.

55km from Jalgaon is the Ajanta caves. Discovered in 1819AD it is recognized by UNESCO as the world’s greatest historical monument. Paintings portraying religious influence relating to the life of Buddha and Bodhisattvas stories from Jatakas are found inside the caves. A unique technique, at that time called the tempera technique was used to execute the paintings on a ground of mud-plaster. Events of the life of Prince Gautama Buddha are exemplified at the Ajanta Caves.

There are also many lakes and temples around Jalgoan which are worth visiting.

For tourists, including Maharashtra is a must in your travel itinery to India and by not including package tour to Jalgoan you are definitely missing out on an opportunity of a lifetime.