Vidarbha is often associated with its forests, tiger reserves, and major cities like Nagpur, but many parts of the region contain lesser-known places that hold significant cultural, historical, and natural value. These sites provide evidence of ancient settlements, medieval architecture, and local traditions that continue to shape communities.

They are not hidden but remain outside the mainstream of tourism circuits in Maharashtra. While they may not receive the same recognition as better publicised destinations, their importance lies in the material remains and cultural practices that have survived. The presence of archaeological remains alongside temples, forts, and lakes demonstrates the layered history of the region.

Each of these places has distinct features that make it valuable for understanding the development of settlements and culture in central India.

1. Pauni in Bhandara District

Pauni is a town located on the banks of the Wainganga River in Bhandara district and is known locally as the “Kashi of Vidarbha.” The name comes from the presence of numerous temples and ghats, which are still used by worshippers today. Archaeological excavations have uncovered two major Buddhist stupas at Suleman Tekri and Jagannath Tekri, with diameters of 41.6 metres and 38.1 metres respectively. These date from around the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE and provide strong evidence of Pauni’s role as a Buddhist centre during the Mauryan and Satavahana periods. In addition to stupas, coins and inscriptions written in Brahmi have been found at the site, indicating links with wider trade and religious networks.

Over time, the prominence of Buddhist sites gave way to the construction of Hindu temples, which remain active places of pilgrimage. Annual religious fairs continue to draw local populations, adding to their significance as both a historical and living cultural centre. Despite this importance, Pauni has not entered mainstream tourism in Maharashtra.

2. Narnala Fort in Akola District

Narnala Fort lies in the Satpura ranges of Akola district and is one of the largest hill forts in the region. It covers three separate hills known as Zafrabad, Narnala, and Teliagarh, and extends across an area with multiple gates, bastions, and walls. Historical accounts indicate that the fort’s earliest construction dates back to the 10th century, with associations to Rajput rulers such as Narnal Singh, after whom it is named. Over centuries, it passed under the control of the Bahamani sultans, the Mughals, the Marathas, and later the British. The architecture of the fort includes features such as the Mahakali Gate, large stone walls, and numerous watchtowers. Mughal emperor Akbar is recorded to have regarded it as a key strategic fortification during his campaigns in the Deccan. Local traditions connect the fort with Gond rulers as well, showing the multiple layers of political control it experienced.

Today, parts of the fort stand in ruins, though the gates and structural outlines remain visible. The site is important for researchers tracing the development of medieval military architecture in central India.

3. Markanda Temples in Gadchiroli District

The Markanda temple complex, also called Markanda Deo, is located on the banks of the Wainganga River in Gadchiroli district. Locally known as the “Mini Khajuraho,” it once held around 24 temples spread across 40 acres, though only about 18 survive today. The temples are dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, and the largest one is known as the Markanda Mahadev Temple. Art historians date the structures to around the 8th century, attributing them to the Rashtrakuta period, with later contributions possibly from the Paramaras. The carvings depict gods, celestial beings, animals, and floral motifs, and display detailed stonework characteristic of central Indian styles. Many of the temples are in varying states of ruin, but they still attract worshippers from surrounding villages. Local oral traditions continue to connect the temples with religious practices and festivals, making them part of the living cultural landscape.

For scholars, the site serves as an important example of medieval temple architecture in the Deccan. Despite its significance, Markanda does not draw large numbers of visitors from outside the district.

4. Ambagad Fort in Bhandara District

Ambagad Fort, also known as Ambagarh, is located in Tumsar taluka of Bhandara district near the border with Chhattisgarh. The fort was constructed around 1700 by Raja Khan Pathan, a subedar under Gond ruler Bakht Buland Shah of Devgad. It was built as a frontier fortification to control trade routes and strengthen the defences of the Gond kingdom. The fort’s structure includes bastions, gateways, and thick stone walls, many of which can still be seen today. In the early 18th century, the fort came under the control of Raja Raghuji Bhonsle of Nagpur, who used it as a prison. Historical accounts note that prisoners were kept within the fort’s stone structures during this period. Its isolated location, surrounded by stretches of forest, limited its accessibility and contributed to its lesser-known status. Unlike larger forts in Maharashtra, Ambagad has not been heavily restored or promoted. It remains a relatively untouched monument that provides evidence of Gond and Maratha control in eastern Maharashtra.

5. Asolamendha Lake in Chandrapur District

Asolamendha Lake, also known as Asolamendha Tank or Asolamendha Dam, is located in Pathari village of Chandrapur district. It is an earthfill dam constructed across a local river and creates a large reservoir that supports surrounding villages. The lake covers several hectares and functions as a major water source for agriculture and daily use. It is also used for fishing activities, making it important for local livelihoods. Studies conducted on the site have documented the diversity of phytoplankton in the lake, showing its ecological role in maintaining aquatic life. The setting of the lake, surrounded by hilly terrain, makes it suitable for bird species, though scientific documentation on birdwatching is limited. For residents of the nearby villages, the lake is not only a resource but also a place associated with seasonal gatherings.

Though accessible, it has not been developed as a prominent tourist spot in Maharashtra. Its presence highlights the ecological and social importance of natural and manmade water bodies in Vidarbha.

The lesser-known sites of Pauni, Narnala Fort, Markanda, Ambagad, and Asolamendha each provide unique insights into the history and environment of Vidarbha. They cover a wide range of periods, from ancient Buddhist stupas to medieval temples and forts, and extend to natural and manmade lakes that sustain local life. These sites stand as reminders of how the region’s past and present are connected through material culture and community use. Their continued existence shows the depth of history embedded in landscapes that may appear ordinary to those unfamiliar with them.

Visiting these places adds to the understanding of central India beyond its well-advertised attractions. They represent not only distinct features of architecture and ecology but also the continuity of practices that remain relevant to local populations today.