Khandwa (East Nimar) District, Madhya Pradesh :

 Khandwa (East Nimar) district is situated in the southwestern parts of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The surrounding districts of the Khandwa (East Nimar) district are Khargone district, Betul district, Dewas district, Burhanpur district (Divided from Khandwa District on 15th of August 2003). This district is famous for Omkareshwar (one among the twelve jyotirlingas). The District is in the Indore division of Madhya Pradesh. The maximum and minimum height of the district above mean sea level is 905.56 meters and 180.00 meters respectively.

History :

Prior to the States reorganization, i.e., on the 1st of November 1956, this district was officially known as Nimar District and formed part of Mahakoshal region of the erstwhile Madhya Pradesh state. The western part of old Prant Nimar originally held by the Holkars, became a part of Madhya Bharat, when that state was formed in the year 1948. As on the reorganization of States, Madhya Bharat region was merged in Madhya Pradesh, the western part of old Prant Nimar eventually became a part of Madhya Pradesh. This tract with its headquarters at Khargore, also happened to retain its old name of Nimar, and being to the west of the district of former Nimar of Mahakoshal region, was named as Nimar (West) or West Nimar, while the district was officially renamed as Nimar (East) or East Nimar from 1st November, 1956. On 15th of August 2003, the district has been divided into Khandwa and Burhanpur district. The history of Khandwa (East Nimar) district is divided into ancient, medieval and modern periods.

Geography :

Khandwa district is located to the South-West of the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. The Khandwa (East Nimar) district is in Indore division of Madhya Pradesh. The maximum and minimum height above mean sea level is 905.56 meters and 180.00 meters respectively. The district forms its borders with the Betul district and the Hoshangabad district of Hoshangabad division to the East, Burhanpur district of Indore division to the South, West Nimar District of Indore division to the West, and Dewas district of the Indore division to the North.

The total area covered by this district is 6206.45 square kilometers. The climate of this district is pleasant and healthy. The district's area falls in the drier parts of India. The average annual rainfall experienced in the district is 980.75 millimetres. The northern part of the Khandwa (East Nimar) district receives more rainfall than the southern part. The monsoon season starts approximately by the 10th of June every year and extends up to early October with quite humid days. The maximum temperature recorded in the month of May is 42 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature recorded in the month of December is 10 degrees Celsius.

Demography :

According to the 2011 Population Census in India, the Khandwa (East Nimar) District has a population of 1,309,443. This district ranks 374 th in India out of a total of 640 districts. The district has a population density of 178 inhabitants per square kilometre. This district had a sex ratio of 944 females for every 1000 males. The literacy rate in this region is 67.53%.

Tourism :
Tourism in Khandwa (East Nimar) district presents several options including some of the most beautiful and ancient temples and a number of dams. The town of Khandwa is the headquarters of the Khandwa (East Nimar) district. Due to its location on the map of India, it has been enjoying the visits of some of the great Indians. In the past (age of British Government), this was a place alone connecting northern, eastern, southern and western rail routes. Delhi (North) and Mumbai (South) and Baroda (West) was directly connected whereas Kolkata was accessible through Bhusawal junction. Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Lokmanya Tilak, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and many more great personalities visited this district during there all India visit. The location, easy availability of resources and other socio-economic factors are in favour of making the district of Khandwa (East Nimar) a very good industrial region.

Leisure Tourism : The District Collectorate Building is located in the Eastern part of the town, about one kilometer from the railway station. This was constructed in the year 1919, and is in good condition. Currently the office of the Collector is located in this building. The District office enjoys the position of having such a beautiful, well arranged building. Initially the building was constructed in 100 meters by 50 meters area and later several extensions have been made. Dense tree plantation has been done around the building. Efforts to save and beautify and modernize the monument are being carried out by the Collector and District Magistrate.

Pilgrimage Tourism : There are several places of pilgrimage in the district of Khandwa (East Nimar) which attract a large number of pilgrims throughout the year. One of the most prominent attractions in the district of Khandwa (East Nimar) is the Omkareshwar Mandhata. It is located on the bank of Narmada River, about 75 kilometres from Khandwa on Indore-Khandwa Highway. This is a holy place for Hindu and Jain Sects. Mamaleshwar, one among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Hindu sect and Siddhawar Kut of Jain sect are situated at this place. A large number of pilgrims of both sects as well as foreigners visit this place every year. Other sites include the caves of Adi Guru Shankaracharya (the famous ancient saint of Advaitya philosophy of Hindu sect) is at this place. The name 'Omkareshwar' is due to the shape of the island.

Dada Dhuni Wale Darbar at Khandwa is another major place of pilgrimage in this district. It is located in South-Western part of the town about three kilometers from the railway station and bus stand. This is a centre of faith and worship.