ParbhaniThe historical heart of Marathwada known for the Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth and the revered Hazrat Turabul Haq Dargah.
Updated November 2026
Local businesses in Parbhani
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Parbhani in one minute
Parbhani — live weather, population, hidden places and cost of living, auto-updated.
Parbhani, historically known as Prabhavatinagar, is a major agricultural and educational hub in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Situated on the banks of the Godavari river basin, it serves as the administrative headquarters for the district. The city is globally recognized for the Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, one of India—s premier agricultural universities, which has pioneered research in sorghum and cotton cultivation across the Deccan plateau.
The cultural landscape of the city is defined by a harmonious blend of traditions, most notably centered around the Hazrat Turabul Haq Dargah. As a critical junction on the South Central Railway, it connects the agricultural hinterlands to major urban centers like Mumbai and Hyderabad. The local economy is driven primarily by soybean processing, cotton ginning, and large-scale grain trade, reflecting its status as a vital market yard for the surrounding fertile plains.
Fast facts
| Status | Municipal Corporation |
| District | Parbhani |
| Division | Aurangabad |
| District population (2011) | ≈1836086—pending |
| City population (2011) | ≈307170—pending |
| Urban agglomeration | ≈307170—pending |
| Density | ≈4600 per sq km |
| Languages | Marathi, Urdu, Hindi |
| Main stations | Parbhani Junction (PBN) |
| Nearest airport | Nanded (80 km) |
| River | Dudhna |
| Sub-divisions | 9 Talukas |
| District literacy | ≈73.34%—pending |
| Famous for | Agricultural University and Sufi Shrine |
City map
Demographics CENSUS 2011
Last official census — 2021 census deferred, estimates update on release.
3,07,170 residents
per 1,000 males
municipal area (2011)
≈33,789 children (est.)
Hidden & heritage places in Parbhani
Parbhani beyond the postcards — quiet places and lanes most guides skip.
Hazrat Turabul Haq Dargah
A massive Sufi shrine dedicated to the 17th-century saint, attracting millions during the annual Urs. It is celebrated for its communal harmony and impressive architectural dome.
Directions ↗Agricultural University Campus
Spanning over 6000 acres, this massive campus features experimental farms, botanical gardens, and specialized research centers for tropical crops and livestock breeding.
Directions ↗Yeldari Dam
A major earth-fill dam on the Purna River that provides irrigation and hydroelectric power. The reservoir area is a popular spot for birdwatching during winter.
Directions ↗Pardeshwar Temple
A unique temple dedicated to Lord Shiva featuring a Shivalinga made of Parad —mercury— which is considered spiritually significant in local Hindu traditions.
Directions ↗Tridhara
A scenic spot located at the confluence of three small water streams, often visited by locals for evening walks and quiet reflection near the city outskirts.
Directions ↗Sai Baba Birthplace
The town of Pathri is widely identified by many historians as the birthplace of the 19th-century saint Sai Baba of Shirdi, featuring a dedicated temple.
Directions ↗Weekend getaways near Parbhani
Approximate road distances from Parbhani.
Cost of living in Parbhani
Indicative monthly estimates for a single person — verify locally before deciding.
| 1 BHK rent (city) | ₹3,000 – 6,000 / mo |
| 2 BHK rent (city) | ₹6,000 – 11,000 / mo |
| Meal at a local eatery | ₹70 – 150 |
| Groceries (single, month) | ₹3,500 – 5,500 |
| Utilities (basic) | ₹1,200 – 2,500 |
| Monthly total (est.) | ₹10,000 – 17,000 |
Estimates only · tier-3 market · updated with market data over time
What runs Parbhani's economy
What actually runs Parbhani.
Research & Education
The Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth drives the local economy through agricultural research, seed production, and extension services for regional farmers.
University ↗Cotton Ginning
As a major cotton-growing belt, the city hosts numerous ginning and pressing units that process raw cotton for national textile markets.
Manufacturing ↗Oil Seed Extraction
Large-scale soybean and sunflower oil extraction plants operate here, utilizing the abundant local harvest of oilseeds from the Marathwada plains.
Processing ↗Grain Trading
The Parbhani Krishi Utpanna Bazar Samiti is one of the largest market yards in the region for sorghum, mung beans, and pigeon peas.
Trade ↗Steel & Fabrication
Several small to medium scale units focus on agricultural implement manufacturing and structural steel fabrication for the local construction sector.
Industrial ↗Milk Processing
The district serves as a collection hub for dairy products, with processing plants supplying milk and ghee to neighboring urban centers.
Dairy ↗Famous food & restaurants in Parbhani
Where locals actually eat — local counters, classics and street institutions.
Annapurna Dining Hall
A popular spot for traditional Maharashtrian thalis featuring bhakri, pithla, and local spicy curries served in a simple setting.
Directions ↗Hotel Gulmohar
Known for its authentic Marathwada-style biryani and meat preparations that reflect the city—s Deccani culinary influences.
Directions ↗Misal Stalls
Generic stalls along the station road serving the regional spicy misal pav topped with local farsan and onions.
Directions ↗Garden Restaurant
A family-oriented venue offering a mix of North Indian, Chinese, and local specialties within a landscaped outdoor seating area.
Directions ↗Verified from local guides · Sep 2026 · hours change — call ahead
Markets & shopping
Cloth Market
A bustling lane famous for Paithani sarees, traditional dhotis, and affordable cotton fabrics sourced from regional looms.
Directions ↗Mondha Market
The central wholesale hub where farmers bring fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains daily for auction and retail.
Directions ↗Festival & fair calendar
Hazrat Turabul Haq Urs
The largest local festival where thousands gather at the Dargah for a week of qawwalis, fairs, and inter-faith rituals.
Pola
A significant rural festival where farmers decorate their bulls to thank them for their labor in the agricultural fields.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Widely celebrated across all neighborhoods with large public pandals and traditional dhol-tasha processions.
Dasara
Commemorated with the symbolic crossing of boundaries and the exchange of Apta leaves representing gold among the residents.
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FAQ
What is Parbhani famous for?
It is primarily famous for the Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth and the Hazrat Turabul Haq Dargah, making it a center for both science and spirituality.
Is there an airport in Parbhani?
Parbhani does not have its own functional commercial airport; the nearest air connectivity is available at Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport in Nanded.
Which river flows through Parbhani?
The Dudhna River flows near the city, while the major Godavari River passes through the southern part of the Parbhani district.
How to reach Parbhani?
The city is best reached by train via the Parbhani Junction, which is well-connected to Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Nagpur through the South Central Railway.