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Bhandardara (Maharashtra)
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Hotels & Resorts in Bhandardara |
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Bhandardara, is situated at an
altitude of 750 meters above sea level is gifted with spectacular view. The
region offers a unique opportunity for nature based tourism, something desired
by those who wish to break-way from the hustle & bustle of city life. Nature lovers
& trekkers would be enthralled in a place like Bhandardara as there is a lot to
see & do as the area is dotted with forts & history making refreshing get away for
both the active & non-active tourist. All this just for a three hour drive from Mumbai.
Bhandardara, is situated on the
banks of the Pravara River, is a small secluded, quiet get-away, nestled amidst
the Sahayadri's surrounded by the mountains with its valley, waterfalls, lakes,
historical forts & ancient temples.
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General Information :
Bhandardara can be visited all the year around. During the monsoons &
soon after, the destination is at its best with lush & green surroundings
& picturesque waterfalls. During summer the nights are still cool &
pleasant, sometimes even light woollens are required.
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How to get there?
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 To
get there by road, take the Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH-3) to Ghoti (past
Igatpuri).
Just beyond the bus station take a right & cross the railway tracks. Turn
right at Pimpalgaon & further take the right fork to Bari Village.
Shendi is a ten minutes drive from Bari.
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Places
of Interest in around Bhandardara
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Wilson Dam:
Built way back in 1910 on Pravara River and standing 150 mts high,Wilson Dam is the largest earthen dam in India - a powerful testimony to the engineering skills of days gone by. At the base of Wilson Dam there is a garden endowed with thick greenery, streams and tall trees. During the monsoon, when the level of the lake rises and the dam is full, water gushes out from a small opening in its northern end over a semicircular rock formation, forming the picturesque Umbrella Falls.
Arthur Hill Lake:
Formed behind the Wilson Dam, Arthur Hill Lake is a tranquil blue mirror amidst dense greenery, and is fed by waters of Pravara River.
Amruteshwar Temple:
Built in 11th century AD, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Constructed in the distinct Hemadpanti style, the intricately carved temple still stands proud in the village of Ratanwadi, which is about 22 kms from the Wilson Dam.The temple tank located a few metres away from the temple is also intricately carved.
Ratangad Fort:
Acknowledged as the jewel (ratan) of forts, Ratangad, the 400-year old fort, is strategically located overlooking Northern Konkan.The fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji, and was one of his favourite forts.The fort is set in the realms of nature, and is considered as a trekker’s paradise.The view from the fort is beautiful and breathtaking.There are two caves at the top of the fort.These caves can be used for staying. One can go round the fort to look at the Kalsubai Peak.
Konkan Kada:
A unique formation in the Sahyadris, Konkan Kada is a semicircular cliff consists of about 2,000 feet straight drops in to the Konkan plains.The surrounding grandeur and beauty of the plains and the mountains, leaves one absolutely spellbound.
Mount Kalsubai:
At a height of 1,646 metres, Mount Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra.The peak point served as a tower to watch the enemies during the Maratha rule. It is a famous place to enjoy trekking.A small temple can be seen at the top.The temple has an old well in its backyard. According to legend the water level of the well never drops below three feet. From the top of Mount Kalsubai, one can get great view of the Bhandardara lake and Wilson Dam. Immediately after the rainy season, the place is covered with a variety of flowers.
Randha Waterfalls:
Located about 11 kms downstream from Wilson Dam, the Pravara River becomes the magnificent and thunderous Randha Waterfall, plunging 170 feet down into a gorge.This is the third largest falls in India.
Sage Agasthya Ashram:
Situated on the banks of Pravara River,Agasthya Rishi Ashram is the legen dary place that gets a mention in the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita visited Sage Agasthya here.The Rishi had then offered Lord Ram a miraculous arrow, which he used to kill
Ravan.
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