Beed: Nature, Temples and Historic Sites

Different landscapes meet at Naigaon Peacock Sanctuary: subtropical dry deciduous forest, thorny scrubland, rolling hills and vast open grasslands. More than 100 bird species live there, and birdwatching is one of its main attractions. A trip through Beed begins with a clear focus on nature, alongside the temples and historic sites in the district.

Nature and Birdwatching

The sanctuary is located in Patoda Taluka, was established in 1994 and covers 29.89 square kilometres. Nature walks are also offered alongside birdwatching. By including these activities in your travel plans, you can experience the landscape not only as a backdrop, but also by observing and walking through it. The combination of diverse habitats and more than 100 bird species makes the sanctuary a distinct focus for a stay in Beed.

Temples and Religious History

Kankaleshwar Temple is located in the city of Beed, on a tributary of the Godavari. The temple is believed to have been built during the rule of the Yadava dynasty in the 14th century. Some historians attribute it to the Hemadpanthi style of architecture. A visit therefore connects a specific riverside location with a history of construction whose dating has been passed down, while its architectural classification is not universally agreed upon by historians.

Parli Vaijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of India's most revered Jyotirlingas. Its construction dates back a long way as well: the temple is believed to have been built during the Yadava dynasty, around the 12th or 13th century, and later renovated in the 18th century by the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar. On a major occasion at the temple, many devotees gather for night vigils, special pujas and continuous chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya.”

Hazarat ShahenshahWali Dargah offers a different perspective on Beed's religious history. ShahenshahWali was a 14th-century Sufi of the Chishti order who came to Beed during the rule of Muhammad Tughluq. The tomb and the surrounding areas of the dargah were built in different periods between 1385 and 1840. Every year, an Urs festival is held there on the second day of Rabi’ al-awwal. Temple history, Sufi tradition and the annual festival offer distinct cultural highlights for your trip.

Fort, Waterfalls and Landscapes

Dharur Fort is an old fort whose crumbling walls point to its former importance and grandeur. Sautada Waterfall, by contrast, is a destination where the landscape takes centre stage: the waterfall is located in the village of Sautada and attracts nature lovers and day-trippers. Kapildhara Waterfall is near Kapildhar Temple and is surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush scenery.

Bindusara Dam, near the city of Beed, offers another natural setting and is considered a picturesque retreat. The waterfalls and the dam complement birdwatching at Naigaon Peacock Sanctuary with a range of different landscapes. When choosing nature destinations, you can therefore choose between birdlife and walks, a waterfall in a village setting, rocky cliffs or the dam, which is considered picturesque.

Best Time to Visit and Getting There

October to February is considered the best time to explore Beed district: the cool weather is conducive to sightseeing and outdoor activities. If travelling during this period, consider the range of highlights, from birdwatching to temple visits and excursions into the landscape.

National Highways 211 and 222 pass through Beed district. The nearest railway station to Beed district headquarters is in Parli, 92 kilometres away. The nearest airport to the district headquarters is in Aurangabad district, 128 kilometres away. Both distances are measured from the district headquarters and provide guidance for travel within the district.

Choose the Right Base

When looking for a hotel in Beed, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip. If you mainly want to visit religious and historic sites, the temples in Beed and Parli, as well as the dargah and Dharur Fort, are the main highlights. For a nature-focused trip, Naigaon Peacock Sanctuary, the waterfalls and Bindusara Dam are possible options.

Discover more destinations: Parli, Adas, Shiur, Ahmadnagar, Jalgaon, Bhandara, Akola, Nanded.

For the broader travel overview: Maharashtra.