Murtizapur — Travel Guide
Murtizapur, celebrated across the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra as a premier railway junction along the historic Shakuntala rail corridor, the home of ancient Hemadpanthi stone temples and the social reform memorial of Sant Gadge Baba, and the gateway to the four horned antelopes of Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary, situated along National Highway 53, is an engaging destination in Maharashtra.
It works as a primary cultural crossroads where ancient Yadava architectural heritage meets fertile black cotton soil plains, where herds of chousinghas and blackbucks drink from the Katepurna reservoir, and where vast yellow soybean and cotton fields stretch across the Purna River basin.
Located at an elevation of 308 meters in Akola district, it sits 15 km from Lakhpuri Mahadev Temple, 25 km from Katepurna Sanctuary, 35 km from Karanja Lad Dattatreya Janmasthan, 45 km east of Akola, and 55 km west of Amravati.
Morning breezes drifting over cotton fields and traditional roadside tea stalls carry the appetizing aroma of authentic hot Varadi Jowar Bhakri served with roasted peanut Thecha and spicy Pithla, fiery Saoji chicken curry cooked with 32 whole spices, crispy Batata Vadas, sweet Purana Poli with pure cow ghee, and steaming glasses of ginger cutting chai, while temple bells sound at dawn.
Carved stone pillars, quiet wildlife reservoir lakes, busy cotton ginning and soybean mandis, and passing superfast trains define the daily rhythm of this central Vidarbha junction town.
Murtizapur is famous for its railway heritage, its close proximity to Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary, the 12th century Lakhpuri Mahadev Temple, and delectable spicy Varadi cuisine.
It's a practical base if you want to spot four horned antelopes in natural teak forests, explore Hemadpanthi stone shrines, visit Lord Dattatreya's birthplace at Karanja Lad, and taste authentic Vidarbha food.
The surrounding Akola and Vidarbha territory holds deep antiquity shaped by the Satavahana Empire, the Vakataka Dynasty who ruled from nearby Washim, the Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri, the Berar Sultanate, the Maratha Empire, and the British Great Indian Peninsula Railway. From the ancient bastions of Asadgad Fort to the tranquil shores of Katepurna Dam, you'll discover rewarding cultural landmarks across the district.
Local life centers around White Gold cotton harvesting, soybean oil processing, tuvar dal farming, railway logistics, and warm Marathi hospitality. You can view the sunrise over the Katepurna reservoir at dawn, explore the intricate stone carvings of Lakhpuri Temple by midday, and watch the sunset across the Purna river plains by evening.
Neighboring destinations like Akola, Amravati, and Shegaon offer Raj Rajeshwar Temple, Ambadevi Mandir, and Gajanan Maharaj Temple. Adding Murtizapur to your travel plans works well for wildlife spotters, heritage seekers, spiritual pilgrims, and road trippers exploring Maharashtra.
You can view the glowing golden sunset reflecting off the waters of Katepurna Dam and watch the evening oil lamps illuminate the Shiva sanctums by dusk. The journey is worth every rupee. Murtizapur provides an authentic, peaceful, and culturally deep travel experience.
Planning your trip around the pleasant winter sightseeing season from October to March, the famous wildlife sighting season at Katepurna Sanctuary from November to April, or the holy Maha Shivaratri festival at Lakhpuri Mahadev Temple will give you the best experience across Maharashtra. Here is the seasonal breakdown:
Best Time to Visit by Season
• Winter Season (October to March): The premier travel window. Pleasant, crisp, and sunny with daytime temperatures between 13°C and 27°C, ideal for wildlife viewing at Katepurna, temple visits, and highway excursions.
• Monsoon Season (July to September): Moderate rains replenish Katepurna reservoir and turn the dry deciduous forests fresh and green.
• Summer Season (April to June): Hot and dry with daytime temperatures reaching 43°C. Early morning wildlife visits and evening temple darshans are recommended.
Major Annual Cultural & Spiritual Celebrations
• Ganesh Utsav (Bhadrapada Month): Celebrated with grand community pandals, traditional Dhol Tasha drum beats, and immersion processions across town.
• Maha Shivaratri at Lakhpuri: Thousands of devotees gather at the 12th century Hemadpanthi temple for all night holy water abhishekams and sacred fairs.
• Sant Gadge Maharaj Punyatithi (December): Commemorated with mass cleanliness drives, community feasts, and spiritual discourses honoring the saint.
• Datta Jayanti at Karanja Lad (Margashirsha Month): Grand annual chariot festival celebrating the birth of Swami Narsimha Saraswati.
What Murtizapur is Famous For
• Railway Heritage: Central Railway junction and historic Shakuntala line.
• Katepurna Wildlife: Habitat of rare four horned antelopes and reservoir dam.
• Varadi Flavors: Jowar Bhakri with Shengdana Thecha & Pithla, Spicy Saoji Curry, and Purana Poli.
Reaching Murtizapur (Murtazapur) in Maharashtra is simple because National Highway 53 (Surat Kolkata Highway), Murtizapur Junction Railway Station on Central Railway's mainline, and nearby Nagpur and Akola transit hubs provide reliable multi modal connectivity. Here is your complete transit guide:
By Air
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (NAG): Located 220 km east of Murtizapur (approx 3.5 hours drive via 4 lane NH 53 / Samruddhi Mahamarg with direct global and national flights operated by Air India, IndiGo, and Qatar Airways).
• Akola Airport: Located 45 km west.
• Airport Transfers: Pre paid cabs, rental private taxis from Nagpur Airport, and MSRTC express buses operate regular direct highway transfers.
By Train
• Murtizapur Railway Junction (Station Code: MZR): Located in town on Central Railway's Howrah Nagpur-Mumbai broad gauge mainline with halts for major superfast express trains.
• Akola Railway Junction (Station Code: AK): Located 45 km west, a major multi line railway junction.
• Badnera Railway Junction, Amravati (Station Code: BD): Located 45 km east on the mainline.
• Connecting Express Trains: Vidarbha Express, Sevagram Express, Geetanjali Express, Howrah Mail, and Maharashtra Express connect Murtizapur directly to Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Kolkata.
By Road
• National Highway 53 (Surat Amravati-Nagpur Corridor): High speed 4 lane national highway passing directly through Murtizapur.
• State Highway 204 (Karanja Murtizapur-Daryapur Road): Connecting smoothly with Karanja Lad and Washim.
• Bus Services: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates frequent direct Shivshahi AC and Express buses between Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Akola, Amravati, and Murtizapur every 10 minutes.
Local Commuting
• Auto Rickshaws & Town Cabs: Readily available at Murtizapur Junction Railway Station, Bus Stand Chowk, and NH 53 Bypass for quick local commuting.
• Rental Private Cabs: Hiring a private taxi is the most convenient way to explore the regional circuit covering Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakhpuri Mahadev Temple, Karanja Lad Gurumandir, and Akola Fort in a single day.
Exploring local artisan markets and tasting authentic Varadi, Vidarbha, and Maharashtrian culinary specialties is an enjoyable part of visiting Maharashtra. Here are the top items to buy and try:
What to Buy (Cotton, Spices & Dairy Sweets)
• Pure Vidarbha Handloom Cotton Fabrics: Soft, durable cotton sarees and dress fabrics woven by local regional weaver societies.
• Authentic Varadi Kala Masala: Dark roasted spice blend prepared with stone ground coriander, dry coconut, cinnamon, and black cardamom.
• Stone Ground Shengdana (Peanut) Thecha: Fiery, coarse paste made with roasted peanuts, fresh green chilies, and garlic cloves.
• Pure Farm Fresh Soybean & Cottonseed Oil: Cold pressed cooking oils produced in modern local agro processing units.
• Traditional Handcrafted Clay Pots: Earthen water pitchers and cooking handis made by local potters.
Famous Local Food Specialties
• Authentic Varadi Jowar Bhakri with Pithla: Thick, hand flattened sorghum flatbreads served with spiced cooked gram flour porridge, peanut thecha, and raw onions.
• Spicy Saoji Chicken / Mutton Curry: Tender meat simmered in a dark, fiery gravy made from 32 aromatic whole spices, black pepper, and dry coconut.
• Crispy Batata Vada & Kanda Bhaji: Spiced potato balls coated in gram flour batter and deep fried golden, served with spicy garlic chutney.
• Sweet Purana Poli with Desi Ghee: Delicate whole wheat flatbreads stuffed with sweet cardamom flavored chana dal jaggery paste, drizzled with hot ghee.
• Steaming Ginger Cutting Chai: Strong, milky black tea boiled with crushed ginger and green cardamom, served in traditional cutting glasses.
Must-Visit Places in Murtizapur
Murtizapur and the surrounding Akola Vidarbha heritage corridor offer dry deciduous wildlife sanctuaries, 12th century Hemadpanthi stone temples, historic railway heritage, and saint memorials. Here are the top attractions to visit during your stay.
1. Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary & Reservoir Dam (25 km)
A 73 sq km tropical dry deciduous wildlife haven centered around the scenic Katepurna reservoir, harboring four horned antelopes (Chousingha), blackbucks, leopards, and waterfowl.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Fee: Nominal forest entry fee
Route: Located 25 km southwest near Wadegaon.
2. Lakhpuri Ancient Mahadev Temple (15 km)
Historic 12th century Hemadpanthi stone Shiva temple featuring lathe turned basalt pillars, carved Nandi pavilions, and holy water tanks.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 15 km north in Lakhpuri village.
3. Murtizapur Railway Junction & Shakuntala Route
Iconic British era railway junction, historically famous as the junction point for the legendary Shakuntala Express narrow gauge line and Central Railway mainline.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Fee: Valid rail ticket required for platforms
Route: Located in town center.
4. Sant Gadge Maharaj Karmabhoomi & Shendgaon Sthal
Sacred birthplace and memorial grounds of the revered social reformer and saint Gadge Baba, inspiring cleanliness and selfless community service.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located near town borders.
5. Karanja Lad Shree Gurumandir (35 km)
Revered spiritual center and the sacred birthplace of Swami Narsimha Saraswati, the second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 35 km south in Karanja Lad.
6. Hazari Math Ganpati Mandir & Chandika Mata Sthal
Ancient town temples holding spiritual assemblies, colorful Ganesh Utsav celebrations, and Navaratri pujas.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located in Math Ward in town.
7. Akola Asadgad Fort & Historic Bastions (45 km)
17th century Mughal Maratha stone fortress holding the imposing Dahihanda Gate, ancient stone fortifications, and cannons.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 45 km west in Akola city.
8. Raj Rajeshwar Ancient Shiva Temple (Akola / 45 km)
Revered Hemadpanthi temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, drawing thousands of devotees for Shravan holy dips and Shivaratri abhishekams.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 45 km west in Akola.
9. Balapur Mughal Maratha Fort & Chhatri (65 km)
Historic pentagonal fortress built at the confluence of the Man and Mhais rivers, holding the famous stone Chhatri of Raja Jai Singh.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 65 km west in Balapur.
10. Purna River Black Soil Plains & Cotton Farms
Vast agricultural plains famous for the cultivation of White Gold cotton, yellow soybeans, and rich pigeon pea pulses.
Timings: Daylight hours
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along rural country roads.
11. Murtizapur Cotton Ginning & Soybean Mandis
An active agricultural marketplace trading raw cotton bales, golden soybeans, and whole pulses.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along APMC Market Yard.
12. Murtizapur Traditional Cloth & Sweet Bazaars
A lively shopping market where visitors can buy authentic Vidarbha cotton fabrics, roasted spices, Purana Poli, and fresh dairy sweets.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along Station Road.
Murtizapur Photo Gallery & Attractions
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