Chikhli, Maharashtra

Chikhli is located at 20.3505°N 76.2577°E / 20.3505; 76.2577.[2] It has an average elevation of 606 metres (1988 feet).Cool climate in the city when compared to vidarbha region. Summer is also not so hot as compared to other Vidarbha regions. The annual rainfall averages 800 mm. Most of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season between June and September, but some rain does fall during January and February.

As of 2001 India census,[3] Chikhli had a population of 78,428. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Chikhli has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 81% and female literacy of 67%. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age. The rate of literacy is high due to school facility available and awareness in the people. Marathi is main language of communication.

The city is connected to other major cities of Maharashtra by State Highway 24 (Baitul (Madhya Pradesh) to Chandwad (Nashik)) and State Highway 176 (Malkapur to Solapur) and National Highway 753A (Buldana to Shirdi). There is a state project to build a 4-lane highway between Chikhli and Malkapur, but has been postponed due to some problems in the Rajur Ghat near Buldana.

Railway facilities are not available in Chikhli. Railway connection has always been difficult because of the surrounding mountainous area. The nearest railhead is at Malkapur 72 km (45 mi) and Nandura 77 km (48 mi) also Jalna 90 km (56 mi). The nearest rail junctions are Akola 110 km (68 mi) and Aurangabad 140 km (87 mi). However, in 2016 railway budget NDA government sanctioned and allotted Rs3000 crores for Khamgaon -Jalna railway line. After completion of this project Chikhli will be a major railway station on Khamgaon-Jalna railway line. Chikhli-Burhanpur and Malkapur-Solapur railway lines are also proposed. After completion of those lines, Chikhli will emerge as a major junction in the region.

The nearest airport is at Aurangabad 140 km (87 mi). There have been demands for a domestic airport in Buldhana the district place, 25 km from Chikhli, as it has several pilgrimage and historical centres such as Shegaon, Sailani, Lonar and Sindkhed Raja.

Chikhli is also famous for education in Buldana district. Adarsh Vidyalaya and Shivaji Vidyalaya are famous for well education traditional programs sports and various activities. Higher study colleges like Anuradha Engineering College, Anuradha Pharmacy College, Anuradha Polytechnic College, Anuradha Nursing and Cosmetics Colleges (located approximately 4 km from main city) and the Abhinav College of Education, Sunil Ramsinghji Chunawale BAMS College (under Maharashtra University of Health Science, Nashik), Shivaji Science College, SPM Arts and Commerce College are located in Chikhli. Educationally, it falls under Amravati University. List of schools 1. Adarsha Vidyalaya 2. Shivaji Vidyalaya 3. Radhabai Khedekar Vidyalaya 4. Anuradha English medium school 5. Adarsha convent 6. Hallelujah highschool 7. N.P schools 8. Z.P high school and more than 50 schools serving the city.

The ancient historical temple of Renuka Devi is situated in the heart of city. The only one temple of pandav is situated in the nearby village Kawhala.

There is large celebration on Hanuman Jayanthi, where thousands of people join the rally and celebrate their faith towards Renuka Devi. There is Panchmukhi Mahadeo Temple on Khamgaon road near vishwabharmama shelake mala. Shri Siddha Science Temple near Gondhane Complex on Mehkar Phata Road, which is famous for lord Shiva and Siddha Science which is scientific spirituality or yoga. There is Shriram mandir in old city, ram navami is celebrated each year with pleasure by peoples.

17 July 2009-Felicitated by President Smt.Pratibha Patil at Chikhali on inauguration of "Maharana Pratap" statue

17 July 2009 - Felicitated by President Smt. Pratibha Patil at Chikhali on inauguration of "Maharana Pratap" statue.

In the 2000s (decade), almost all public sector and private banks have opened up branches including the State Bank of India, State Bank of Hyderabad, Axis Bank, Saraswat Bank, Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Indian Overseas Bank Other Kotak Mahindra Bank Co-Operative Banks also available. Many banks also provide with ATM services.

Chikhli is well known for its medical facilities in nearby area. Many MD specialists are available which serve the city as well as nearby villages. The city has the largest number of hospitals and clinics in the region. A government hospital is also available to citizens. A hospital with 24-hour services is available.

• Buldhana District Gazetteer - Chikhli