Kardha: Bridge History on the Wainganga

Kardha can be understood through its bridges over the Wainganga: the older, smaller bridge was built by the British in 1929. As it neared the end of its service life, a new bridge was built right next to it. The two construction phases stand side by side here—a structure from the British era and its later replacement. For anyone interested in local history and infrastructure, this offers a tangible way to explore Kardha.

The Bridges over the Wainganga

The new bridge was built immediately beside the old one as the latter neared the end of its service life. In January 2026, heavy traffic on the national highway was using the new bridge. This makes it possible to view the bridges’ development in two phases: the old bridge is part of the construction history dating back to 1929, while at that time the new bridge was carrying heavy traffic.

A report dated January 20, 2026, described the old British bridge as dangerous; its service life was considered to have expired. The district administration had restricted traffic on it. The report also noted that people continued to cross it despite a ban on its use that had been in place for ten years. This information reflects the situation at that time. Before visiting, check what use is currently permitted.

A Religious Connection to the River

A custom documented in historical accounts also gives the Wainganga a religious significance: during Navratri, a local group swam from the riverbank near Kardha to the Pinglai Mata Temple in the village of Korambhi. An October 2021 report described this as a practice of the previous four years. This account records a local tradition as it stood at the time and adds a different perspective on Kardha and the river to the history of the bridges.

The Wider Bhandara Destination

Looking beyond Kardha to the wider Bhandara destination offers another perspective on the landscape. The district is known as the district of lakes and has more than 3,500 lakes. Koka Wildlife Sanctuary covers 92.34 km². Its wildlife includes tigers, leopards, gaurs, chital and sambar deer.

Another regional protected area is Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to resident breeding tigers and herds of gaur; the animal species also include wild dogs, flying squirrels, pangolins and honey badgers. Forest along the Wainganga connects the sanctuary to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. These landscape connections belong to the wider Bhandara destination and differ thematically from Kardha’s bridge history.

The wider Bhandara destination also includes the village of Korambhi on the banks of the Wainganga. The Korambhi Temple is a Hindu sacred site on Korambhi Hill. Mahasamadhi Bhoomi was established in 1987 in Ruyad, in Pauni in Bhandara district; the site is a Buddhist pilgrimage destination. These regional places offer insights into different religious traditions.

Crafts and architectural history also broaden the picture of Bhandara: in Adyar, saris with silk borders, fabrics and dhotis are made on cooperatively organized handlooms. Ambagad Fort was built by Raja Khan Pathan in the early 18th century. Chandpur has a reservoir surrounded by hills and dense vegetation.

For regional rail connections: the train journey from Nagpur Railway Station to Warthi Railway Station near Bhandara takes about an hour. Check the timetable before travelling; the stated time applies to this route.

Discover more destinations: Khairi, Bhandara

Return to the wider travel overview: Bhandara.