Bhandardara - India HillTop Trips - Splendid hills and Majestic retreats

Bhandardara is an exquisite holiday hangout on the hills and is an excellent place for trekkers. It is a calm and quiet and serene place with lovely picnic spots. Bhabdardara nestling amongst the Sahayadri's is an ideal stopover for tourists going to or coming from Shirdi.

Hill Resort | Elevation | Travel | Season | Tourist places | Accommodation | Location | Bhandardara Map

The Hill Resort

Bhandardara One of the less famous hill stations in the Western Ghats, but nevertheless charming and peaceful, amid lush forests, Bhandardara is located in Maharashtra. In the lap of the Sahyadri Hills, Bhandadra is famous for its high mountains, picturesque waterfalls and abundant greenery. Apart from its serenity and closeness to nature, Bhandadara 's other claims to fame are the Arthur Lake, one of the country's largest lakes; Wilson Dam, one of the oldest dams in Asia (built in 1910); Mount Kalsubai, the highest mountain peak in Maharashtra (1,646 metres) from where there is a grand view of the lake and the dam; and cascading waterfalls during the monsoons the renowned Umbrella falls and the Randha falls.

The legend revolving around the river goes that there was a very learned sage, known as Agasti Rishi, who sat in uninterrupted meditation for a year. All this while, he survived merely on water and air. Seeing the staunch devotion of the rishi, the Lord himself came down to Earth and blessed him. As the Lord left, a stream of Ganga got left behind. It is said that it is this stream only that is today known as Pravara River. The main attractions of Bhandardara, which have taken it to the travel & tourism map of India, have been listed below.

Are you tired of the ear-splitting noises and maddening rush of the city life? Do you want to escape from the hectic pace of your city and escape to some place where you can forget all the tension and spend sometime in peace? Welcome to Bhandardara! Nestled amidst picturesque hills, this hill station is the perfect place to spend time with the family. The lush green hills of the place, combined with the scenic Arthur Lake, will definitely take away your heart. The lake was formed after the waters of the Pravara River were dammed.

Elevation

Bhandardara - 750 meters
Kalsubai - 1,646 metres

Top

Location Details

Bhandardara is located 70-km away from Nasik. It is a small and serene locale for those who need a break from their tedious and tiring lives. An exquisite holiday resort and an ideal getaway for fun-loving trekkers and picnickers, Bhandardara houses exhilarating waterfall - Radha Falls, a deep valley, a clean and large Arthur Lake, a historical Ratangadh Fort, an ancient temple - Amritheshwar Temple, a peaceful Agasti Rishi Ashram, Wilson Dam also known as Bhandardara Dam, and Viewpoints. It also hosts an ideal trekking destination - Mount Kalusubai

Top

How to Reach There and Distances

By Air

Nearest airport is Mumbai, 165 km

By Rail

Nearest railhead is Igatpuri, 45 Km. on Central Railway.

By Road

Mumbai 165 Km, Pune 190 Km, Nashik 60 Km, Shirdi 130 km.

Top

Best Season to Visit/Weather

January to December but spectacularly beautiful during monsoons.

Top

Tourist places near Bhandardara

Wilson Dam

Wilson Dam is one of the most popular attractions of the Bhandardara hill station of Maharashtra. The dam was built on the Pravara River, in the year 1910, and resulted in the creation of the Arthur Lake. Perched at an altitude of around 150 meters above sea level, the dam is one of the most popular sites in the region, for going on a picnic.

Umbrella Falls

Umbrella Falls are situated near the Wilson Dam and with their breathtaking splendor, will make you in love with them. However, the only problem is that the falls can be enjoyed only during the monsoon season, when the rain waters increase the water level of the Arthur Lake.

Mount Kalsubai

Mount Kalsubai, at a height of 1,646 meters, is regarded as the highest peak in the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra. During the time when the Marathas were in power, the peak served as watchtower to foresee any danger. For the adventure enthusiasts, this mount is the perfect place to go on trekking. At the top of the mountain is a small temple that has an ancient well in its backyard. It is said that the water in the well never falls below 3 feet.

Ratangadh Fort

Ratangadh Fort is also counted amongst the popular attractions of Bhandardara hill station. It once served as the fortress of Chhatrapati Shiivaji Maharaj, when it was captured by his army. The adventure lovers as well as nature lovers will find the place bliss, as it has a number of trekking trails and provides amazing views of the valley below.

Amriteshwar Temple

Amriteshwar Temple has been built as per the Hemadpanti architectural style and dates back to 1100 AD. The main attractions of the temple comprise of its intricate carvings.