Bhandardara
Hilltop Trips India

State Maharashtra Near by Places Nasik - 60 Km Mumbai - 165 Km Pune - 190 Km Shirdi - 130 Km Best Time to visit January to December Elevation Bhandardara - 750 meters Kalsubai - 1,646 metres Coordinates 19.529323,73.751518 Bhandardara Map Bhandardara Reviews Mouthshut.com Other Langauge Names Hindi: भंदार्दारा Marathi: भंडारदरा

Photo by : Shivkumarsharma in webshots More Bhandardara images ...

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. Bhandardara 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, Bhandardara is famous for its high mountains, picturesque waterfalls and abundant greenery. Apart from its serenity and closeness to nature, Bhandardara'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.

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.

Activities

The serene Arthur Lake glimmers at Bhandardara's core, the forests of the Sahyadri hills huddling protectively around. Bhandardara is justifiably proud of the 150 m high Wilson Dam that bridles the Pravara River. This is not just an engineering marvel but is also the lifeblood for the paddy fields nearby. At Bhandardara, the ancient Agastya Rishi Ashram on the banks of the Pravara River is another attraction. The ashram is mentioned in the Ramayana as the spot where Ram met Agastya Rishi. If you are energetically inclined, hike up to Mount Kalsubai, Maharashtra''s highest peak at 1646 m. This is a day''s trek that can be combined with Ratanwadi, 22 Km away; the 8th century Amruteshwar temple; and the 400-year-old Ratangad Fort where the Maratha warrior Shivaji rested on his laurels. Drink in the solitary splendour of the area from the cliffs of Konkan Kada - where you can see the Sahyadri peaks staggering up to the sky. The entire region is a wildlife sanctuary and the forests shelter a host of jungle birds and mammals. Once you discover Bhandardara, you will be drawn by its tranquility again and again!

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.