Bhandardara


Bhandardara is a holiday resort village near Igatpuri, in the Western Ghats of India. The village is located in the Akole tehsil, Aahilyanagar district of the state of Maharashtra, about from Mumbai, from Aahilyanagar and from Nashik.
Bhandardara sits by the Pravara River, and the natural environment, waterfalls, and mountains are notable tourist attractions.
Bhandardara attractions include Wilson Dam and Arthur Lake.
There are a number of historic and natural places of interest near the dam. From Bhandardara, visitors can climb up to see the Ratangad and Harishchandragad forts. Visitors can also follow the trails that lead to Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks. The highest peak in Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai is 1646 m, and the starting point for the trek is Bari Village, located 12 km away from Bhandardara.

Tourist attractions

Bhandardara is home to Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra.
Another tourist attraction is the Wilson Dam on the Pravara River, which was built in 1910. The Umbrella Falls also draw visitors, although it can be seen only during the monsoons between July and October. About 10 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 forests and tribal villages, is Konkankada from where there are views of the plains. Harishchandragad is another nearby mountain hiking spot with an ancient temple on top.
Bhandardara has a number of treking and hiking routes, including a trek to Ratangad fort, which is reached by boat over a small lake near the village Ratanwadi.
Other attractions include:
  • Ratangad
  • Agasti Rishi Ashram
  • Amruteshwar Temple
  • Sandhan Valley
  • Randha Fall
  • Necklace Fall
  • Harishandragad
  • Kokankada
  • Reverse Fall
  • Nhani Fall
  • Umbrella Fall
  • Fire Flies
  • Nilwande Dam

    Places of interest

Wilson Dam: Built in 1910 across the River Pravara, Wilson Dam is situated at a height of 150 m above sea level. The opening of sluice gates creates two 60 to 80 feet cascades of water that plummet to the rocks below.
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.

Transportation

Bhandardara is easily accessible by road also from Mumbai which is around 185 km away and Pune which is around 191 km away.
The nearest airport is in Nashik around 90 km, while Igatpuri Railway Station, 45+ km away, has the nearest railhead. One can board a state transport bus from Igatpuri to reach Bhandardara.