Pining for some change of scenes away from the traffic and concrete jungles? Then you should head to Bhandardara in Maharashtra! It is guaranteed that you will drown in the beauty of nature at this idyllic destination. Totally away from the city life, this hill station is blissful to explore. Bhandardara is a 'place of wonders' which will lock you in its mystical aura. Read more to see what is in store for you!
Bhandardara
Photo Courtesy: Elroy Serrao
What Should We See in Bhandardara?
Arthur Lake
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Arthur Lake
Arthur Lake with the imposing views of Sahyadri Ranges is a hill-lake fed by the Pravara River. Tourists can also camp and enjoy boating at Arthur Lake. The hills that reflect in the serene water and the clouds that play 'hide and seek' is a must experience at this lake bed. Arthur Lake is also a delight for photographers in Bhandardara.
Wilson Dam
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Wilson Dam
It was during the colonial times when the then Governor of Bombay, Sir Leslie Orne Wilson approved a project to build a dam across the Pravara River. It was built to provide drinking water for Ahmednagar. Today, this dam is known as Wilson Dam or Bhandardara Dam which is one of the major tourist places in Bhandardara. An architect named Arthur Hill designed this dam. To honor the contribution of these two officials, the dam was named after the Governor and the lake was named after the architect.
Umbrella Falls
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Umbrella Falls
Umbrella Falls is formed by the water gushing out of the Wilson Dam. The water which flows on the natural rocks looks like the shape of an umbrella. Hence, it was named as Umbrella Falls and is one of the must-visit tourist places in Bhandardara.
Randha Falls
Photo Courtesy: Elroy Serrao
Randha Falls
Randha Falls is a seasonal waterfalls which is created by Pravara River. It is one of the major attractions in Bhandardara during monsoons. The fierce water of Pravara River plunges through the cliff forming an amazing scenery.
Tourist Places Near Bhandardara
Ratanwadi
Photo Courtesy: Elroy Serrao
Ratanwadi
We will get to see the picturesque rural vistas in Ratanwadi which is around 15km from Bhandardara. Ratanwadi has many attractions and it is one of the must visit tourist places near Bhandardara. Ratanwadi is accessible by road or by boat in Arthur Lake. The village is on the other side of Arthur Lake.
Attractions in Ratanwadi
Amruteshwar Temple
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Amruteshwar Temple
The ancient Amruteshwar Temple attracts us with its aesthetic charm. It is a Shiva Temple located on the banks of Pravara River (Amrutavahini River) with a history of 1000 years. Amruteshwar Temple is one of the major tourist places to explore when you visit Bhandardara.
Ratangad Fort
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Ratangad Fort
The village of Ratanwadi is the base village for Ratangad Fort Trek. It is said that Ratangad Fort was one of the favourite forts of Chatrapati Shivaji. Ratangad Fort is a hill fort which gives an amazing view of surrounding regions. This 2000-years old fort has a lot to explore from different gates to many water tanks. One prime attraction at the peak of the fort is the natural rock formation which looks like an 'eye of the needle'. Ratangad Fort is also one of the top trekking places in Maharashtra.
Harishchandragad
Photo Courtesy: Bajirao
Harishchandragad
Harishchandragad is one of the exotic and historical hill forts in Maharashtra. Its cave temples, water tanks, virgin nature surrounding the fort are blissful to explore. Harishchandragad is one of the must-visit tourist places near Bhandardara. It is just around 44km from the hill station.
Kalsubai Peak
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Kalsubai Peak
The famous Kalsubai Peak is very near Bhandardara. The base village at the foot of Kalsubai is around 13km from Bhandardhara. Kalsubai is the highest mountain peak in the Sahyadri Mountain ranges and is one of the popular trekking places in Maharashtra.
Ghatgar
Ghatgar is a village which is known the panoramic views of Sahyadri ranges. In fact, it is most enigmatic to visit this village during monsoons as the hills are totally coated in green!
Sandhan Valley
Sandhan Valley
Sandhan Valley is known for the large cliffs and caves. A while ago, one of the Airtel 4G Ads was shot at the Sandhan Valley ( Airtel girl goes to some huge caves). Sandhan Valley is around 30km from Bhandardhara in Ahmednagar district.
Locations Shown in Airtel 4G Ads
The hill station of Bhandardhara is truly a wonder in itself! Blessed by the tranquil nature and surrounded by historical sites, it is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Maharashtra. Visit Bhandardhara during the monsoons to enjoy it even more.
Best Time to Visit Bhandardara
Bhandardara is one of the best monsoon destinations in Maharashtra. However, the period from June to October is the best time to visit Bhandardara. In summer it turns out to be a cool getaway .
How to Reach Bhandardhara
Bhandardara is situated in the Ahmednagar district around 43km from Igatpuri. Bhandardara is also accessible by road from Mumbai (170km) and Pune (162km). It is around 73km from Nashik. Akole is the nearest town to Bhandardara.
By Bus: Regular buses are available from all these major cities to reach Bhandardara.
By Train: Igatpuri Railway Station is the nearest railway station.
Resorts
Tourists have a few good resorts in Bhandardara. Among them MTDC Resorts, Anadavan Resort and Yash Resorts are the best accommodations in Bhandardara.
Happy Vacation!