1. Introduction
Parbhani, located in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, is a vibrant city known for its cultural heritage, ancient temples, festivals, and peaceful atmosphere. It holds great significance as a spiritual and historical destination, with excellent connectivity to nearby cities like Aurangabad, Nanded, and Hingoli. Parbhani also serves as a growing hub for education, agriculture, and tourism in central Maharashtra.
2. How to Reach Parbhani
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | The nearest airport is Nanded Airport (70 km). Aurangabad Airport (200 km) also serves as a good alternative. |
| By Train | Parbhani Junction connects to Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and other cities through major trains. |
| By Road | NH-222 and state highways provide smooth connectivity to neighboring cities. MSRTC and private buses operate regularly. |
| Local Transport | Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses are easily available. Two-wheeler rentals are also accessible for tourists. |
3. Best Time to Visit
- Winter (October–February): Pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
- Monsoon (June–September): Lush greenery, though occasional rain may disrupt plans.
- Summer (March–May): Hot but suitable for temple visits in early morning or evening hours.
4. Top Tourist Attractions
| Place | Highlights | Ideal Visit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Jintur Jain Temples | Ancient Jain caves and Digambar temples carved into hills. | Morning |
| Mudgaleshwar Temple | A holy Shiva temple located near river Godavari. | Morning–Noon |
| Turabul Haq Dargah | A renowned dargah known for its Urs festival attracting devotees from all over India. | Anytime |
| Zamzam Masjid | One of the oldest mosques with historical architecture. | Morning–Evening |
| Sant Janabai Temple | Temple dedicated to the saint-poet Janabai, symbol of devotion and simplicity. | Morning |
| Saraswati Temple | Famous for its peaceful environment and spiritual ambience. | Morning |
| Naigaon Wildlife Sanctuary | Home to deer, peacocks, and various bird species; perfect for nature enthusiasts. | Morning–Evening |
| Yeldari Dam | Large dam surrounded by scenic views, picnic spots, and boating. | Morning–Evening |
| Pathri (Birthplace of Sai Baba) | Sacred place where Sai Baba was born; about 50 km from Parbhani. | Morning |
| Siddheshwar Temple, Narsi | Dedicated to Saint Narsinh Saraswati, incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. | Morning–Noon |
5. Top Hotels & Stays
| Hotel Name | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Sharda Executive | Mid-range | Railway Station Road |
| Hotel President | Business | Basmat Road |
| Hotel Sai Palace | Budget | Near Bus Stand |
| Hotel Grand Parbhani | Luxury | Nanded Road |
| Hotel Green Park | Standard | Jintur Road |
6. Popular Restaurants
| Name | Cuisine | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Rajwada | Indian, Maharashtrian | Authentic thali meals |
| Sai Veg | Vegetarian | South Indian breakfast |
| Food Planet | Multi-Cuisine | Chinese & Mughlai dishes |
| Tandoor Hut | Non-Veg | Grilled kebabs & biryani |
| Annapurna Bhojanalaya | Pure Veg | Traditional meals |
7. Top Shopping Places
| Market | What to Buy | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Basmat Road Market | Clothing, shoes, accessories | Bargain for best deals |
| Shivaji Chowk | Local handicrafts, souvenirs | Visit in the evening |
| Gandhi Market | Electronics, mobile accessories | Compare prices before buying |
| Weekly Bazaar | Local produce, spices | Open on Sundays |
| Mall Road | Branded outlets | Great for family shopping |
8. Food to Try in Parbhani
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Bhakri with Thecha | Traditional spicy combo of jowar bhakri and chili chutney. |
| Misal Pav | Spicy curry made of sprouts topped with farsan. |
| Poha | Light breakfast often served with tea. |
| Puran Poli | Sweet stuffed roti made with jaggery and lentils. |
| Kanda Bhaji | Onion fritters loved during rainy season. |
9. Local Festivals
| Festival | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Urs at Turabul Haq Dargah | February–March | Grand annual celebration drawing thousands of devotees. |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | August–September | Celebrated with processions and cultural events. |
| Diwali | October–November | City lit up with lamps and sweets distributed widely. |
| Navratri | September–October | Nine days of dance, devotion, and color. |
| Holi | March | Festival of colors celebrated across the city. |
10. Nearby Excursions
| Destination | Distance | Attraction |
|---|---|---|
| Nanded | 70 km | Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, Forts |
| Hingoli | 60 km | Aundha Nagnath Temple (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas) |
| Aurangabad | 200 km | Ajanta–Ellora Caves |
| Jalna | 160 km | Historical temples and forts |
| Latur | 140 km | Udgir Fort, ancient temples |
Download Parbhani Tourist MAP
11. Local Transport and Travel Tips
- Use auto-rickshaws or shared cabs for local travel.
- Book buses or trains in advance during festivals.
- Early mornings and late evenings are best for sightseeing.
- Carry light cotton clothes in summer and light woollens in winter.
- Keep cash handy—some local markets may not accept cards or UPI.
12. Emergency Contacts
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Police Control Room | 100 |
| Ambulance | 108 |
| Fire Station | 101 |
| Parbhani District Hospital | +91-2452-220100 |
| Railway Enquiry | 139 |
| Tourist Help Centre | +91-2452-220200 |
13. Conclusion
Parbhani offers a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Whether visiting for pilgrimage, leisure, or exploration, the city provides a peaceful and enriching experience. With this guide, travelers can navigate effortlessly and enjoy the best of Parbhani without missing any highlights.