Introduction
Nizamabad district lies in the north-western part of Telangana. The early name of the district was Indhrapuri or Indhur and the district was formed in the year 1905. The region of Nizamabad had been under the domination of Chalukyas, Tughlaks and the Nizams of Hyderabad. The word Nizamabad has been derived from two words Nizam and Abad. The word Abad was a title which was used for the rulers of Hyderabad.
Geography of Nizamabad District
The global location of Nizamabad is 18-5 degree and 19 degree north latitudes and 77-40 degree and 78-37 degree of east longitudes. The district is spread across an area of 7956 square kilometers. Nizamabad has been divided into 36 mandals under 3 Revenue Divisions. The boundaries of the district are as follows Karimnagar district in the east, Medak district in the south, Nandhedu district of Maharashtra in the west and Adilabad district in the north. The distance of Nizamabad from the sea coast is quite far.
Climate of Nizamabad District
As far as climate is concerned it has a tropical climate which widely varies all over the district. The maximum temperature in the district can be as high as 47 degrees centigrade and in the winter months the temperature can be as low as 5`C. The annual rainfall in the district is 1000 mm and most of the rain comes from the south-west monsoon winds. Forest occupies around 170,000 hectares of land in the district of Nizamabad.
Demography of Nizamabad
According to the census of 2001, the population in the district of Nizamabad was 2,345,685. The density of population in the area is 294 persons per square kilometer. The literacy rate in the district is 56.26 percent. The people of Nizamabad are mostly from the rural areas.
As far as education in the district is concerned it has many schools which cater to the primary and secondary education of the students. There are also some colleges providing undergraduate as well as post graduate degrees to the students. The government has also set up a few vocational institutes in the district.
Economy of Nizamabad
Agriculture is the most important occupation for the people of Nizamabad. Almost 80 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture. As a result maximum economic revenue in the district comes from agriculture. The crops which are commonly grown in the region are paddy, Maize, Turmeric, Cotton, Sugarcane, Groundnut, Sunflower and pulses etc. Forests also accounts as one of the major economic resource for the district of Nizamabad. Apart from the natural resources some industrial establishments in the area are the Bodhan Sugar Factory, some confectionaries and a few alcohol units also add to the economic activity of the district.
Temples of Nizamabad District
Temples of Nizamabad were formerly known as `Indu`r or `Indrapuri`, the divine home of Gods. Quite ideally therefore the importance of temples in Nizamabad is immense. The city was built in the 8th century, by the Rashtrakutas. This proves that, however one looks into the future, the past never leaves behind. Nizamabad carries an ancient legacy of famed temples like- Dichpalli Temple, Neekanteshwara Temple, Indranarayana Temple, Sarangapuram Temple, Sri Narasimha Swamy temple (on Limbadri Gutta), Hanuman Temple (Sarangpur), and the Sai baba Temple (Madhavnagar).
All the temples of Nizamabad district have been built in an expansive scale, resembling the North Indian style of architecture, by the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas and of course the Nizam kings and the Muslim dynasty had to play a part in other kinds of construction. Nizamabad district, it should be noted, has quite a number of dargahs, mosques and other kinds of religious construction, demand an equal attention by tourists for their sheer bounteous beauty.
Basar Saraswati Temple is the only temple dedicated to the Goddess of learning - Saraswati. This is also, one of the few temples in India said to have been installed by Sage Vyasa. The temple is mentioned with regard to Valmiki. The current structure dates back to the Chalukya period. Other shrines in the temple include those of Mahakali, Papahareswar and Pathaleswar.
Tourism in Nizamabad District
Tourism in Nizamabad district in Telangana is a visual treat as there are many tourist spots in district. Places of both religious significance as well as historical interest are found scattered across the district.
A number of places are available to the tourist for the purposes of rest and relaxation. Prominent among the various places of interest in Nizamabad district are: Nizamsagar, Pochampad, Pocharam, Alisagar and Nizamabad Fort, apart from places of religious prominence like Limbadri Narsimhaswamy temple, Lingappa Swamy Temple, Peddagutta which are also to be found here.
Nizamsagar Project : Nizamsagar project is constructed at Achampet village on the Manjira River, a major tributary of the Godavari River. A hydro electric power station is also established near Hassanpally village of Nizamsagar Mandal. Pochampad project is constructed at Pochampad Village on the River Godavari. This is also a place of great tourist interest. Pocharam reservoir is located on Hyderabad-Nizamsagar road. This was constructed on the river Aler. The dam site is considered to be a beautiful picnic spot attracting many visitors from Hyderabad.
Alisagar Reservoir : Another popular picnic spot located here is the Alisagar reservoir, located at a distance of 13 Km from Nizamabad. Nizamabad Fort was developed on an original temple of Ram Mandir constructed by Raghunath Das, who had also constructed a big tank which is the main water source for Nizamabad town till today. Later the temple was developed into a fort. This fort is said to have been built by Rashtrakuta kings in the 10th Century. At the top of the Quilla at about 300 meters height there is a Rama temple built by Ramdas Mantra of Chatrapati Shivaji. This is a huge temple with Corridors, Muntaps, Mahamuntaps and large Kalyana Mandapam about 2000 sq feet in area. The temple has been renovated recently and the stair case to Garba Gudi has been constructed. The temple is under management of the local committee.
Alisagar Garden : Alisagar is a beautiful garden developed by the Nizam of Hyderabad. This is under the control of Irrigation Department as the Garden is under the bund of Alisagar Tank maintained by Irrigation Department. The Garden is in 33 acres with fountains and has a lot of flowers, Deer Park and a Tree House. There is an island inside the Alisagar Lake. Boating facility in the tank has been introduced recently. About 1000 to 2000 people visit the Alisagar garden on Sundays. Alisagar is situated about 10 Kms. away from the Nizamabad town and 2 Kms. from Nizamabad-Basar route.
Nizamsagar Garden : There is a beautiful garden under Nizamsagar Project. This is in the Sangareddy - Nanded - Akola Road about 150 Kms from Hyderabad. There is a garden, swimming pool and Guest Houses are all in poor maintenance. During rainy season many people visit from Karnataka, Maharashtra and neighboring districts like Medak district, Karimnagar district and Hyderabad. Boating facility has been introduced.
Sarangapur Temple : Sarangapur temple is located 7 Kms to the North-East of Nizamabad town. There is a temple of Lord Hanuman located on a hill top. This temple was constructed by Ramdas on over 1400 acres of land.
Asok Sagar : A major attraction offered by the Nizamabad district is the Asok Sagar, an eco-friendly tourist place. Located about 7 Kms. away from Nizamabad town, the old Jankampet cheruvu (lake) has been converted into an attractive destination with a beautiful rock garden with illuminated rocks and boating facilities. This is situated on the route to the famous Basar Saraswati Temple from Hyderabad. Asok Sagar offers excellent boating facilities with 18 seater boats, 4 seater speed boats, pedal boats, a restaurant, beautiful rocks, exquisite landscapes and excellent garden. The fifteen feet marble statue of Goddess Saraswati, in the middle of the lake, gives a breath taking view in moon lit nights. The swing rope way entry is another USP of the area. There is an amphitheatre, with huge rocks forming a magnificent back drop. The Children`s` park is a huge crowd puller.