Bhandardara
Encyclopedia
Bhandardara is a holiday resort village on the western coast of India
. The village is located in the Ahmednagar district
of the state of Maharashtra
, about 185 kilometres (115 mi) from Mumbai
.
Bhandardara sits by the Pravara River, and is a blend of natural beauty, waterfalls, mountains, tranquility, greenery, invigorating air and pristine ambiance. The Bhandardara Lake and the Randha falls are major tourist attractions.
Bhandardara is full of attractions – from Wilson Dam to Arthur Lake. As legend has it, Shri Agasti Rishi meditated here for a year, surviving only on water and air, pleased with this display of devotion, God came down to Earth and blessed Shri Agasti Rishi with a stream of the Ganga river, which is now known as the Pravara River.
From Bhandardara, you can climb up to see the Ratangad
and Harishchandragad fort
. Or, you can follow the trails that lead to Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks. Also, if you are up for a challenge, the highest peak in Maharashtra
, Mount Kalsubai (1646 m), stands tall for you to conquer. The starting point of this challenging trek is Bari Village, located 12 km away from Bhandardara. Atop, there is a small temple and standing. Standing at the summit, you can have panoramic view of Sahyadris and Bhandardara.
, the highest peak (5400 ft (1,645.9 m)) in Maharashtra.
Another tourist attraction is the Wilson Dam on the Pravara River, which was built in 1910. The scenic Umbrella Falls also draw visitors, although it can be seen only during the monsoon
s between July and October. About 4 km away from Shendi Village is the Randhaa Waterfalls. The Ratangad fort is around 22 km from Shendi/ Bhandardara, and is connected by both roadway, and ferry across the Lake Arthur. On the Kalsubai side, at the far end of a 22 km roadway across luscious forests, and tribal villages, is Konkankada from where the views of the plains are breathtaking. Harishchandragad is another nearby mountain hiking spot with ancient temples on top.
Bhandardara provides plenty of opportunity for small treks and hikes for adventure lovers. The most interesting and exciting trek is the small trek to Ratangad fort; to reach Ratangad fort one should take the boat over the small lake near the village Ratanwadi.
Ratanwadi is known for its scenic boat rides. Ratangad is an interesting fortress, situated at the edge of ghats with numerous water cisterns and caves. It also commands an excellent view all around and is said to be the favourite fort of the Maratha king Chatrapati Shivaji.
A popular resort is Anandvaan Resort, located 2800 feet above sea level. The resort boasts both hill and lake views, where visitors reside in private cabins ranging in size and location.
Arthur Lake: The clear and placid lake is bounded by thick canopied forests of the Sahyadri hills. The Lake gets its water from the Pravara River. The Lake and its surroundings offer an enchanting spectacle.
Randha Falls: Randha Falls is the third largest falls in India. The roaring River Pravara descends down from a height of 170 ft into a beautiful gorge.
Ghatghar: Located 22 km from Bhandardara, Ghatghar is a popular viewpoint in the area. It offers a panoramic view of the Sahyadri ranges.
Mount kalsubai: from Bhandardara Tourist can see the highest peak of the sahyadri range, mount kalsubai. Kalsubai with its height and view is popular for trekking and so are the hills near kalsubai. The trek is physically demanding, as Bhandardara is located on a hill and to reach this place one has to do lots of trekking.
Ratnagad : Ratnagad fort was captured by chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj. The fort lies near the Maharashtra tourism resort and has ample of grounds to interest trekkers. The fort commands a good view of the surrounding areas.
Angling:
This is popular place for angling. Tourists can spot a number of large fish over here. Tourists can go angling, but boats are not allowed.
Exact Location: A holiday resort village Bhandardara is located on the western coast in Ahmednagar.
Nearest Town: Nashik.
Distance from Mumbai: 185+ km.
which is around 185 km far and Pune
which is around 191 km far. Regular buses are available from both the cities to reach Bhandardara, or you can also hire a taxi to reach the destination.
The nearest airport is in Mumbai, while Igatpuri
Railway Station, 45+ km away, has the nearest railhead. One can board a state transport bus from Igatpuri to reach Bhandardara.
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. The village is located in the Ahmednagar district
Ahmednagar district
Ahmednagar district is the largest district of Maharashtra state in western India. The historical Ahmednagar city is the headquarters of the district. Ahmednagar was the seat of the Ahmednagar Sultanate of late medieval period . This district is also known for the towns of Shirdi associated with...
of the state of Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
, about 185 kilometres (115 mi) from Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
.
Bhandardara sits by the Pravara River, and is a blend of natural beauty, waterfalls, mountains, tranquility, greenery, invigorating air and pristine ambiance. The Bhandardara Lake and the Randha falls are major tourist attractions.
Bhandardara is full of attractions – from Wilson Dam to Arthur Lake. As legend has it, Shri Agasti Rishi meditated here for a year, surviving only on water and air, pleased with this display of devotion, God came down to Earth and blessed Shri Agasti Rishi with a stream of the Ganga river, which is now known as the Pravara River.
From Bhandardara, you can climb up to see the Ratangad
Ratangad
Ratangad is a fort in Ratan Wadi, Maharashtra, India, overlooking the picturesque locale of Bhandardara, one of the oldest artificial catchment area. The fort is about 2000 years old....
and Harishchandragad fort
Harishchandragad
Harishchandragad is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar region of India. Its history is linked with that of Malshej Ghat, and it has played a major role in guarding and controlling thesurrounding region.-History:...
. Or, you can follow the trails that lead to Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks. Also, if you are up for a challenge, the highest peak in Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
, Mount Kalsubai (1646 m), stands tall for you to conquer. The starting point of this challenging trek is Bari Village, located 12 km away from Bhandardara. Atop, there is a small temple and standing. Standing at the summit, you can have panoramic view of Sahyadris and Bhandardara.
Places of interest
Bhandardara is home to Mount KalsubaiKalsubai
Kalsubai Peak of the Sahyadris in Akole Taluka, of Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.To reach the summit there are various trekking routes and animal tracks. The main route starts from the village of Bari which is about six km from Bhandardara. To reach Bari, one has to travel to Igatpuri on the...
, the highest peak (5400 ft (1,645.9 m)) in Maharashtra.
Another tourist attraction is the Wilson Dam on the Pravara River, which was built in 1910. The scenic Umbrella Falls also draw visitors, although it can be seen only during the monsoon
Monsoon
Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea...
s between July and October. About 4 km away from Shendi Village is the Randhaa Waterfalls. The Ratangad fort is around 22 km from Shendi/ Bhandardara, and is connected by both roadway, and ferry across the Lake Arthur. On the Kalsubai side, at the far end of a 22 km roadway across luscious forests, and tribal villages, is Konkankada from where the views of the plains are breathtaking. Harishchandragad is another nearby mountain hiking spot with ancient temples on top.
Bhandardara provides plenty of opportunity for small treks and hikes for adventure lovers. The most interesting and exciting trek is the small trek to Ratangad fort; to reach Ratangad fort one should take the boat over the small lake near the village Ratanwadi.
Ratanwadi is known for its scenic boat rides. Ratangad is an interesting fortress, situated at the edge of ghats with numerous water cisterns and caves. It also commands an excellent view all around and is said to be the favourite fort of the Maratha king Chatrapati Shivaji.
A popular resort is Anandvaan Resort, located 2800 feet above sea level. The resort boasts both hill and lake views, where visitors reside in private cabins ranging in size and location.
Other attractions
Wilson Dam: Built in 1910 across River Pravara, Wilson Dam is situated at a height of 150 m above sea level. It’s one of the oldest dams in the country. The opening of sluice gates creates two 60 to 80 feet cascades of water that plummet to the rocks below. It’s a spectacular view. Tourists can amble in the circular garden located at the base of the dam.Arthur Lake: The clear and placid lake is bounded by thick canopied forests of the Sahyadri hills. The Lake gets its water from the Pravara River. The Lake and its surroundings offer an enchanting spectacle.
Randha Falls: Randha Falls is the third largest falls in India. The roaring River Pravara descends down from a height of 170 ft into a beautiful gorge.
Ghatghar: Located 22 km from Bhandardara, Ghatghar is a popular viewpoint in the area. It offers a panoramic view of the Sahyadri ranges.
Mount kalsubai: from Bhandardara Tourist can see the highest peak of the sahyadri range, mount kalsubai. Kalsubai with its height and view is popular for trekking and so are the hills near kalsubai. The trek is physically demanding, as Bhandardara is located on a hill and to reach this place one has to do lots of trekking.
Ratnagad : Ratnagad fort was captured by chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj. The fort lies near the Maharashtra tourism resort and has ample of grounds to interest trekkers. The fort commands a good view of the surrounding areas.
Angling:
This is popular place for angling. Tourists can spot a number of large fish over here. Tourists can go angling, but boats are not allowed.
Location
State: MaharashtraMaharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
Exact Location: A holiday resort village Bhandardara is located on the western coast in Ahmednagar.
Nearest Town: Nashik.
Distance from Mumbai: 185+ km.
Transportation
Bhandardara is easily accessible by road also from MumbaiMumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
which is around 185 km far and Pune
Pune
Pune , is the eighth largest metropolis in India, the second largest in the state of Maharashtra after Mumbai, and the largest city in the Western Ghats. Once the centre of power of the Maratha Empire, it is situated 560 metres above sea level on the Deccan plateau at the confluence of the Mula ...
which is around 191 km far. Regular buses are available from both the cities to reach Bhandardara, or you can also hire a taxi to reach the destination.
The nearest airport is in Mumbai, while Igatpuri
Igatpuri
Igatpuri is a city and a Hill Station municipal council in Nashik District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located in the Western Ghats. The station lies in Nashik District between Mumbai and Nashik Road on the Central Railway. Igatpuri is known for its Buddhist Pagoda for Meditation...
Railway Station, 45+ km away, has the nearest railhead. One can board a state transport bus from Igatpuri to reach Bhandardara.