Bhandardara: Discover The Quaint Hill Station In Maharashtra

Bhandardara is a village gem that you can visit as a nature retreat on your vacation. This place belongs to the Western State of Maharashtra in India. You need to travel to the district of Ahmednagar in the state to reach the location.

It has also got a bit higher elevation when compared to the regular plain landscapes of the district. All you can enjoy on the vacation is some fresh air, good nature, and particularly the touch and stroke of the greater Western Ghats.

A river in the name of Pravara is also flowing through the village of Bhandardara making it visually more magnificent and soothing.

Spending some time on the banks of the river by choosing a holiday resort with the best facilities and provisions can help you find solace in yourself quite easily. Below we have mentioned a few best places to visit in Bhandardara.

Randha Falls

You need to travel to the Rajur-Bhandardara road if you wish to travel to this particular waterfall with breathtaking beauty and pride. One of the best places to visit in Bhandardara. Once you have reached the main bus stop of Bhandardara you need to further travel a distance of 10km to reach the destination of these falls.

The origin of these waterfalls is the river of Pravara, which is the major water source in the village of Bhandardara. 170 feet is measured as the cascading height of Randha Waterfalls.

If you would like to watch the scenic beauty of the waterfall in the best of its forms, we recommend you schedule your visit during the monsoon months of the year. 

Kalsubai Peak

Kalsubai Peak is not just a peak having prominence in the smaller region of Bhandardara. It has got due significance in the district of Maharashtra also. When it comes to the entire peaks and mountains in the district of Maharashtra, this is the peak with the highest altitude measurement in the state.

1646m is the measured altitude of this particular peak and the peak is quite loved by adventure enthusiasts also this is one of the best places to visit in Bhandardara. This is not just an independent peak you can randomly climb and conquer in the territory of Maharashtra.

Kalsubai is a mountain peak 🏔 in the Western Ghats, 📍in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
Its the highest point in Maharashtra.

Kalsubai mountain peak lies in the Sahyadri mountain range falling under Kalsubai-Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Credits: itsvirajkale99 pic.twitter.com/TyUCHLthUl

— Maharashtra Tourism (@maha_tourism) December 16, 2022

This peak is part of the “Kalsubai-Harishchandraghad Wildlife Sanctuary” found in the Bhandardara region. However, you can do hiking to the peak if you are interested in it. The richness and grandeur of Western Ghats in nature and biodiversity can equally be seen in the paths leading to the peak. 

Umbrella Falls

This is another waterfall in the village of Bhandardara with quite a fancy name and also looks. This particular waterfall takes its origin from the water reservoir known as Wilson Dam which can be found in the region of Bhandardara.

You can see a lot of rocks in the location of the waterfall making it an extremely grand and splendid view. These rocks have contributed to the naming of the waterfall “Umbrella Falls”.

The geographical positioning of the rocks causes the movement and cascading of the water in a particular way making it look similar to the shape of an umbrella. You can also explore a footbridge in the location of the falls setting up a provision for a light recreational activity along with your fellow travelers in the location. 

Arthur Lake

Lake visits are also possible if you have the taste to explore different faces of nature on your visit to Bhandardara. This is also one of the most-talked-about destinations in the territory of Bhandardara.

You will be able to see a significant crowd in the area of the lake come to spend some quality time with their dear ones. Groups of family and friends are the ones forming a major part of the visitors here.

Tourists coming to the Bhandardara region choose this particular destination as their picnic spot since the lake view and its tranquil surroundings can set the perfect mood for the same. The lake has also got this magnificent backdrop of the ranges of Sahyadri adding to the overall beauty and charm of the place. 

Wilson Dam

Wilson Dam is another popular and prominent water reservoir you can find in the Bhandardara region. 1910 is the year of the commissioning of this particular water reservoir. The margins of the dam are embraced by the lush green Sahyadri blanket and also the spikes of its mountain peaks and chains.

When you take the list of earthen dams in the entire territory of India, this dam is the largest among all of them. You can also ask your cab driver to get you to the destination of Bhandardara dam since the dam is also known by this name.

The source of water for this particular water reservoir is undoubtedly the river of Pravara in the village of Bhandardara. A garden visit is also possible if you are visiting the dam and its surroundings. 

Ratnagad Fort

When you feel the need to get some different vibes from your Bhandardara vacation apart from nature, its calming feels and so on, you can have a visit to the forts and structures found in the region.

The fort of Ratnagad is among them which will give you some royal vibes along with some cultural and historic knowledge during the visit. The fort has got an ancientness of 20 centuries and is loved by adventure enthusiasts and trekkers. This is also known as one of the most attractive places to visit in Bhandardara.

You can also indulge in photography from the location of the fort since all its surroundings are quite appropriate for the best clicks for your Instagram and Pinterest handles. Visiting this fort can also be a good idea for those who are in love with picturesque views and also unique biodiversity. 

Ratanwadi Village

Ratanwadi can be one of the most peaceful and pleasant villages you can see in the Bhandardara region. Tourism is also quite happening in this rural village of the state of Maharashtra.

This village is also near the peak of Kalsubai making it easy to cover the peak and the village on the go when you are on your vacation in the Bhandardara region.

You can also consider visiting a popular Shiva temple in the location of this village. This temple is usually not missed out by tourists when they are on a trip to the village. Trekkers are also extensively seen in the location of the village on account of the proximity of the peak of Kalsubai.

Reaching the location of this village can be quite challenging since the roads are left in a poor condition without any maintenance. 

Harishchandragad Fort

This is also a fort you can consider having a visit to when you are in the village of Bhandardara. This is a hilly fort and it has got all the pride and power of standing tall in such an elevated area. This fort has got intricate connections with the nearby landmark, Malshej Ghat, and also the village of Kothale.

During the functional years of the fort, it played a crucial role in guarding the Bhandardara region with all its might from all the possible invasions. The fort is constructed at an elevation of about 1422m. Hiking is one of the major adventure activities undertaken by tourists visiting the region. You can also do camping in the location if you would wish to. 

Amruteshwar Temple

Apart from culture, history, and nature, there are also pilgrim destinations in the location of Bhandardara where you can visit. Even if you are not that fond of visiting a temple and doing respects, you can still visit this particular temple in the village of Bhandardara since the architecture and design of the temple can be enjoyed by everyone who has got a taste for art.

Hemadpanthi style in the architectural concepts of the temple marks its significance and popularity in the tourism sector. The temple has got an ancientness of around 1000 years making it a must-visit destination for historians and cultural enthusiasts out there.

Black stones are the major raw materials used for the construction of the temple. The sculptures and ponds that can be found inside the temple complex are also loved by the tourist population in the location. 

Agastya Rishi Ashram

This ashram is not exactly in the heart of the village of Bhandardara. The ashram is situated on the banks of the river, Pravara. A visit to the ashram will calm you down and it has the potential to revitalize and rejuvenate you in and out.

You will have enough peace and wholesomeness by visiting the ashram. It would be the kind of meditative visit you can ever have on your vacation at Bhandardara. 

Best time to visit Bhandardara: March – June

How To Reach Bhandardara?

Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

Nearest railway station: Igatpuri Railway Station (IGP)

Conclusion

Visit the location to get reconciled with the love and warmth of mother nature and also to grab some cultural and historical insights meanwhile. Moreover, pilgrimage options for Hindus and adventure provisions are also available during the vacation.

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