Things To Do
in Akola

Akola is a city in Maharashtra, India, known for its rich agricultural landscape and vibrant cultural heritage. It is often referred to as the 'Cotton City' due to its significant cotton production. The city is well-connected by rail and road, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region.

Akola is also famous for its historical sites and temples, which reflect the diverse religious traditions of the area.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Akola
morning
:

Start your day at the Akola Fort, a historical site that offers insight into the city’s past. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby eatery.

afternoon
:

Visit the Tembhu Lake for some scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere. Have lunch at a local restaurant serving authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.

evening
:

Stroll through the local markets for shopping and try some street food. End your day with dinner at a popular restaurant in the city.

day 2
Day 2: Culture and Nature
morning
:

Visit the historic Rajputana Palace, an architectural marvel, and enjoy a guided tour to learn about its history. Grab some snacks from a local vendor.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby Balaji Temple, one of the most revered places in Akola. Enjoy lunch at a café known for its snacks and sweets.

evening
:

Visit the local cultural center for an evening of performances or exhibitions. Finish off with a nice dinner at a well-reviewed local restaurant.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a Local Restaurant$2-5
🏨Budget Hotel Night$15-30
🚌Local Bus Fare$0.30
🍵Chai (Tea)$0.50
🛒Groceries (Weekly)$10-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and historical sites.
  • Delicious and diverse local cuisine.
  • Pleasant weather in winter.
  • Extremely hot summers can be uncomfortable.
  • Limited nightlife options.
  • Occasional flooding during monsoon season.
  • "Namaste" - Hello
  • "Shukriya" - Thank you
  • "Aap kaise hain?" - How are you?
  • "Kya yeh sahi hai?" - Is this correct?
  • "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help

Places to Visit in Akola

Visit one of these nice places.

Akola Fort

This historic fort offers stunning views and is an excellent backdrop for photography, especially during sunset.

Tembhu Lake

A picturesque location perfect for nature photography, especially with its serene waters and surrounding greenery.

Balaji Temple

The intricate architecture of this temple provides beautiful photographic opportunities, especially during festivals.

Culinary Guide

Food in Akola

Akola is a culinary delight for food lovers, offering a rich variety of traditional Maharashtrian dishes and street food. Visitors can explore local flavors and enjoy diverse dining experiences throughout the city.

Akola Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Puran Poli

A traditional sweet flatbread stuffed with a mixture of jaggery and split yellow gram, often enjoyed during festivals.

Must-Try!

Vada Pav

A popular street food item consisting of a spicy potato fritter sandwiched in a bread roll, served with chutneys.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Sadar Bazaar

A bustling market offering a variety of street foods, local snacks, and fresh produce, perfect for food enthusiasts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Akola experiences a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summers are extremely hot with temperatures soaring above 40°C, while monsoons bring heavy rainfall. Winters are mild and pleasant, making it the most favorable season for travel. Humidity levels can be high during monsoon, while winters are dry and comfortable.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Elders

In Indian culture, it is important to show respect to elders, often by using titles like 'Ji' after their names.

Dress Modestly

Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Remove Shoes

It is customary to remove shoes before entering homes and places of worship.

Safety Guide

Safety

Akola is generally a safe city for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, keep valuables secure, and be cautious of street food hygiene. It's advisable to stay updated on local news and adhere to any travel advisories.

Tipping in Akola

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

It is customary to tip around 10% of the bill in restaurants. For exceptional service, you may tip more.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, though many places also accept credit/debit cards. Mobile payment apps are becoming increasingly popular.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Winter (December to February)

The weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.

Summer (March to June)

Expect hot temperatures that can reach up to 45°C, making it less preferable for outdoor activities. Stay hydrated.

Monsoon (July to September)

Heavy rainfall can occur during this season, causing occasional flooding. It's advisable to carry an umbrella and waterproof clothing.

Post-Monsoon (October to November)

The weather becomes cooler and comfortable, making it a good time for travel and outdoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Akola at Night

Akola's nightlife is relatively low-key compared to larger cities, with a few bars and restaurants offering a relaxed atmosphere. Local cafes and eateries may have live music or cultural performances on weekends, but late-night entertainment options are limited. It's a great place to unwind and socialize with locals over dinner.

Hiking in Akola

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ajanta Caves

Located about 100 km from Akola, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a combination of hiking and exploring ancient rock-cut caves.

Satpura Range

Approximately 60 km from Akola, the Satpura Range provides various trekking paths surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Akola by plane.

Akola Airport (AKD)

Located about 10 km from the city center, this airport offers limited domestic flights and is the nearest airport for travelers visiting Akola.

Getting Around

Walkability

Akola is moderately walkable, with many local attractions and markets within walking distance of each other. Sidewalks are available in most urban areas, though some streets may be congested. It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and stay aware of your surroundings while walking.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Marathi Community

The majority of Akola's population belongs to the Marathi community, known for their rich traditions and cultural practices.

Agricultural Workers

A significant portion of the population is involved in agriculture, particularly cotton farming, which plays a vital role in the local economy.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

Cricket is immensely popular in Akola, with many local teams and clubs actively participating in tournaments.

Kabaddi

Kabaddi is another beloved sport, with local competitions frequently held, attracting large crowds.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Akola can be congested during peak hours, especially near markets and schools. Public transportation includes buses and auto-rickshaws, which are affordable and widely used by locals. It's advisable to plan your journeys ahead of time to avoid delays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Akola.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Most local restaurants offer extensive vegetarian menus, making it easy for vegetarian travelers to find suitable meals.

Spicy Food

Maharashtrian cuisine can be quite spicy, so it's advisable to ask for milder options if you have a low spice tolerance.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Akola are adequate, with several hospitals and clinics catering to both local and visiting patients. Major hospitals offer emergency services, but for specialized care, larger cities may be more suitable. Travelers should have health insurance and consider carrying basic medications for common ailments.

Discover India

Read more in our India 2025 Travel Guide.

India Travel Guide