Dhule city is in northwestern state, Maharashtra, of India and has a population of approximately 333,980 as per 2001 census. It is the administrative headquarters of the Dhule District. Dhule city is famous for its quality educational institutions. It is also an important center for cotton-textile manufacturing.

The city is dotted with religious places: for Hindus there are famous temples such as Ekvira Devi Mandir and Swaminarayan Mandir; besides there are Gurudwara, Churches and Masjids for people of other faiths. Recently a new sports stadium has been constructed in city.

There is a Vipassana Meditation center about 15 km away from the town, near the Dedargaon Lake which supplies water to the Dhule city. The meditation center is run by Khandesh Vipassana Viswast Mandal and the meditation technique is taught in ten day residential courses, free of cost.

The nearest international airports are in Mumbai and Pune towns. Dhule is about 340 Km north east of Mumbai, and about 350 Km North of Pune. The nearest domestic airport is at Aurangabad, famous for the ancient caves, which is about 150 km. Although less connected, Dhule too has its own domestic airport at Gondur.

Three major highways passes through Dhule city. Rail link between Dhule and Chalisgaon junction connects Dhule to Central Railway of India. Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation's (MIDC) Industries are situated at the outskirts of Dhule city.

It is located at the crossing of Three National Highways namely NH-6 (Surat - Nagpur) , NH-3 ( Mumbai - Agra ) and NH-211 (Dhule - Solapur).

The city was designed by Sir Vishveshwarraya along the banks of Panzara river.

Panzara River on a cloudy monsoon day.

The photo was taken from the Dhule city side; on the other side is Deopur, which is a suburb of Dhule. The image shows Chhota Pul (or small bridge) on the left hand side, and Motha Pul (or big bridge) on the right hand side.

History

Dhule came under the Mughal rule in 1601, during the reign of Akbar. Marathas took over the rule over Dhule in the 18th century. In 1818, the British annexed the city and consolidated it under the Bombay Presidency.

Dhule District

Dhule district is bounded on the west by Gujarat State, on the north by Madhya Pradesh, and on the east and south by Jalgaon and Nasik districts of Maharashtra, respectively. Educational institutes are affiliated to North Maharashtra University Jalgaon, Maharashtra.

The district of Dhule lies in the upper Tapi basin in the north west corner of Maharashtra state. The district is separated from Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh states by Satpudas and from the Deccan by Satmala hill range and Sahyadri mountains stretching out in eastern direction. The District is bounded in the north by Satpuda Hill ranges. The Height varies between 300 to 600 m above M.S.L.

Dhule District is located in northern side of Maharashtra state spread between Latitude 20 38' to 21 61' N and Longitude 73 50' to 75 11' E.

Climate and Rainfall

Climate of the District is Hot and Dry.

Temperature in Centigrade -- Maximum - 45 C     Minimum - 06 C

The Soil is of alluvial & Loamy nature.

The Rainfall statistics

Total Rainfall - 395 mm.

Average Rainfall - 592 mm.

Maximum Rainfall - 994 mm.

River Systems and Dams

Dhule District has one major River-basin - Tapi Basin. Tapi river originating from ranges of Gavilgad of Maharashtra is the major river in the District. The entire region of the district is drained by the following tributaries of Tapi river, which are active only in the monsoon season:

Tapi River - Arunavati , Aner , Gomati , Vaki , Bori , Panzara , Kan , Burai , Amaravati, Madari, Bhad , Nagan.