Overview
The city derives its name from "Saha Galli" ("Six Lanes" in Marathi). Sangli city is known as Natyapandhari, the birthplace of Marathi drama. It has a historic Ganpati temple built in the 18th century by ruling Patwardhan dynasty of Sangli, appointed by Peshwas of Pune. The temple attracts thousands of devotees year around.
The twin cities, Sangli and Miraj have merged to form the largest urban agglomeration in Southern Maharashtra. The cities have important education centres offering graduate and post graduate quality education in the areas of arts, science, management, medicine, and engineering. The twin cities offers infrastructure that includes railway junction, affordable housing, public transport, telephone, high speed internet, quality hotels, a multiplex, shopping mall and a state-of-art sports complex.
Sangli is now emerging as one of the largest power generation hubs of India. Reliance Wind Energy (RWE), is setting up 150-MW wind power project worth Rs 900 crore with Suzlon Energy. Suzlon Energy will set up the wind farm in Sangli, one of the known wind zones in the state. Sangli has the largest trading centre for turmeric in Asia. The green city is inside what is called 'Sugar Belt' of Maharashtra. The district has more than thirteen sugar factories, which makes it among the highest sugar-producing districts of India. It also has oil seeds, commodities and fruit market. Sangli is also known for high quality grapes and houses many state and privately owned cold storage facilities. A grape wine park spread over 1.42 km² (350 acres) has been established at Palus, 30 km from Sangli city. A brand new Sangli Food Park, spread across 1.2 km² (300 acres) is under construction at Alkud Mane-Rajuri.
Miraj a sister city of sangli, was also the capital of one of the former Princely States, is renowned for the manufacturing musical instruments. The Dargah of Meerasaheb Avalia attracts many devotees. Miraj is also known as hospital city offering every modern medical treatment. Hospitals in the region serve people of South and North Karnataka and even from Middle East countries. Some of the biggest hospitals in the area include century old Mission Hospital, Wanless Hospital, Siddhivinayak Cancer Hospital, Kripamayee Institute of Mental Science, Civil Hospital.
Sangli is also one of the largest grape growing regions in Maharashtra. Government has established Krishna Valley Wine Park 30;km away from Sangli to promote wine industry. Recently, Sangli has come up as a major wind power generation locations in India. Suzlon has set up large wind farms around Sangli city with a capacity to generate over 900 MW of power. Sangli has number of renowned education institutes which includes Walchand College of Engineering (established in 1947), Willingdon College (estaiblished in 1919), City High school City High School (established in 1914) and Sangli High School (established in 1907).
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