Sindkhed Raja

Location: Sindkhed Raja lies roughly 55 kilometers northeast of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city.
Sindkhed Raja is a town and a municipal council in Buldhana district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the birthplace of Rajmata Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Sindkhed was ruled by Koli Chieftain.
Sindkhed Raja, cradled amidst Maharashtra's fertile plains, whispers tales of history, heritage, and royal lineage. Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji's formidable mother, Jijamata, this town hums with a quiet pride. Explore the quaint palace built by Jijamata's father, where echoes of Maratha valor still linger. Visit the Jijau Shrushti, a memorial celebrating her legacy, and imagine young Shivaji soaking in her wisdom. Sindkhed Raja isn't just a historical dot; it's a tapestry woven with vibrant bazaars, serene temples, and the warmth of its people. Immerse yourself in its simple charm, savor the local delicacies like Jowar roti and Thecha chutney, and feel the gentle breeze carry whispers of a glorious past. This quaint town nestled near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar beckons you to discover its hidden gems and bask in its timeless aura.

History:

Not much is known about history of this place in ancient time and the Middle ages. In 1450 A.D., this area was given as jagir to a local Qazi by Ala-ud-Din Ahmad Shah Bahmani of the Bahmani Sultanate. By 1550, this area came under rule of powerful Jadhav dynasty, which ruled the paragana of Sindkhed until 1724. During this period, they kept on shuffling their suzerainty with Mughal Empire and Ahmadnagar Sultanate as per situation. Emergence of Nizam of Hyderabad in south India changed political dynamics in this area. The area come under influence of the Nizam by 1724 when Chandrasen Jadhav defected to his court. During the later part of 18th century, this area came under influence of the Shinde dynasty, which ruled it for about 60 years. In 1803, the Nizam of Hyderabad recaptured Sindkhed and restored the rule of Jadhav dynasty. The family lost possessions of the city in 1851 owing to an act of rebellion by Arab troops under their command leading to Sindkhed's downfall. After the decline of the Nizam's rule, this area came under direct British rule

Touristi Attraction:

Jijau Palace:

Sindkhed Raja is famous for the palace of Lakhojirao Jadhav. This palace was built in the late sixteenth century by Lakhuji Jadhav, father of Jijabai. Jijabai was born in this place on 12 January 1598.

Jijau Shrushti:

Jijau Shrushti is a Jijabai's memorial, it is situated on a hill near Sindkhed Raja. It is famous for Jijabi's birth anniversary celebration events.

Entry Fees:

- Sindkhed Raja Fort: Rs. 10 per person for Indian citizens and Rs. 50 per person for foreign tourists.
- Jijau Shrushti: Nominal entry fee around Rs. 5-10 per person.

Nearby hotels to rest and dine in:

Hotels:
- Hotel Shree Ram
- MTDC Tourist Resort
- Hotel Atithi Sambhajinagar
- Spree Hotel Sambhajinagar
- Ginger Sambhajinagar
Restaurants:
- Sanjivani and Restaurant
- Hotel RajNandini Family Pure Veg Restaurant
- Olive Garden Restaurant

Travelling options:

From Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, reach Sindkhed Raja via:
- Bus: Budget-friendly, frequent departures, 6-hour journey.
- Train-Bus: Scenic, longer travel time (7+ hours), requires transfer.
- Taxi: Fastest (4 hours), private, expensive (Rs. 4000-5000).
- Car: Flexible, scenic, cost-effective for groups, needs planning.

Additional tips:

- Embrace History: Immerse yourself in Sindkhed Raja's rich heritage by visiting the Sindkhed Raja Fort, Jijau Shrushti, and other historical sites. Learn about the town's role in Maratha history and appreciate its architectural gems.
- Go Local: Explore the local markets and shops, experiencing the vibrant culture and picking up unique souvenirs. Don't miss trying the delicious Maharashtrian cuisine at street food stalls or family-run restaurants.
- Nature Escapes: Take a break from sightseeing and wander amidst the natural beauty surrounding Sindkhed Raja. Visit nearby lakes, go for a hike in the hills, or simply relax under the open sky.
- Festival Fun: If your visit coincides with a local festival like Diwali or Ganesh Chaturthi, participate in the vibrant celebrations and witness the town come alive with music, dance, and colorful decorations.
- Nearby Treasures: Don't miss exploring Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (55 km away) with its iconic Ellora and Ajanta Caves.