Places to visit in Bhandardara
Places to Visit in Bhandardara
Bhandardara Places to Visit
Umbrella Falls, Kalsubai Peak, Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Randha Falls, Ratanwadi Village, Agastya Rishi Ashram, Ratangad Fort, Amruteshwar Fort, Harishchandgad Fort.Plan a quick weekend getaway to the spectacular Places to visit in Bhandardara, a sublime summer resort village in the viridescent Western Ghats of Maharashtra. This town is home to the largest peak in the Sahyadri Hills - Kalsubai that is a favoured trek for seasoned travelers. Meanwhile, a more simple and interesting trek to the ancient Ratangarh Fort is also very popular among the tourists in Bhandardara.
Apart from adventurous sites, Bhandardara Places to Visit also highlight the beauty of the hill-station with natural attractions like waterfalls, lakes and dams, all of which are great for picnics, day-outs and relaxing.
Another stunning point of interest here is the 900AD stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva - Amruteshwar, in a petit and scenic village of Ratanwadi that is visited by large groups of devotees and history buffs. Therefore, to make your Bhandardara trip truly enjoyable, you can visit all these and other places listed below.
Here are the best places to visit in Bhandardara:
Witness the spectacular waterfalls which, as the name suggests, form the impression of an umbrella. Flowing over the naturally placed rocks, Umbrella Falls originating from Wilson Dam are one of the most rejuvenating tourist places in Bhandardara.
You can witness the full might of the falls during the monsoon, when the cascade gets down from a height of 500 feet. A footbridge connecting Wilson Dam and the waterfalls offers a stunning view of the falls. Umbrella Falls, located in the Sahyadris, are also a prominent source to generate electricity.
Location: Near Arthur Lake, Bhandardara
Built in 1910, Wilson Dam has a huge water reservoir and is surrounded by the magnificent Sahyadri mountain ranges. Also known as Bhandardara Dam, it is the largest earthen dam in India and gets its water from Pravara River. You can visit the garden at the base of the dam, which offers stunning views of the architectural marvel and it is one of the best places to visit in Bhandardara.
Experience the sprinkling water at the garden edge, when the gates of the dam are open to release water. There are several water streams which emerge from the dam and make Bhandardara the green paradise that it is.
Location: 11 km from Randha Falls, Bhandardara
Soak yourself in adventure by trekking to the Kalsubai Peak, which is the highest peak in Maharashtra. At 5400 feet, Kalsubai Peak is one of the best places to visit in Bhandardara if you want a tinge of adventure on your laidback sojourn.
Enjoy panoramic views of lush greenery, nearby forts and Bhandardara Dam as you scale the peak. The trek offers easy to moderate trails as well as difficult terrain in places, which will test your hiking skills. You can also climb the man made stairs if you want to reach the top without hiking.
Location: Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, near Bari village
Cascading from a height of 170 feet, Randha Falls offer a rejuvenating sight as the water gushes down with its full vigour, creating a loud roar as it touches the surface. You can also take a dip in the pond of the waterfall to revive yourself with some freshness.
Mainly attractive in monsoon, the Randha Falls are every photographer’s delight as the white stream of water emerging from the Pravara River forms a spellbinding sight. On your visit to the dam, munch on some snacks to spend some refreshing time along the pond-side. The falls are also the third highest in Maharashtra, making it one of the must places to visit in Bhandardara.
Location: Near Lake Arthur Hill
If you want to experience the village charm, Ratanwadi Village is arguably one of the best tourist places in Bhandardara for its old world inheritance. Reach the village by boating in the Arthur Lake. The village houses an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, popularly known as Amruteshwar Temple in the region.
The village also serves as a base camp for trekking to Ratangad, which is a 2000-year old fort reachable by a 3-4 hour trek from the village. You can also try camping at the village by the riverside for a laidback experience.
Location: Kalsubai Mountain
Arthur Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Bhandardara, as it offers an ideal picnic to families and groups. Surrounded by the majestic Sahyadris Ranges, Arthur Lake gets its water from Pravara River and offers a tranquil environment to visitors. You can undertake camping, boating and photography at the lake.
If you are a nature lover, you can enjoy the sight of the exotic birds which flock the lake. Take a morning stroll along the lakeside to immerse yourself in the lap of nature, or simply go on a boat ride in the evening to experience serenity.
Location: Near Wilson Dam
More Bhandardara Packages
Situated on the banks of River Pravara, Agastya Rishi Ashram is one of those tourist places in Bhandardara which will interest history buffs and nature lovers. According to mythical scriptures, Saint Agasti, who gifted Rama the arrow which killed Ravana, had meditated here for a year by surviving on air and water.
The ashram is also mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, making it one of the most popular places to see in Bhandardara. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the ashram and take a stroll along the riverside to experience peace from the maddening crowds of the city.
Location: 40 km from Bhandardara
A hill fort in the Sahyadris, Ratangad is a 20 centuries old fort conquered by Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj. The fort, for its formidable altitude and history, is one of the best places to visit in Bhandardara for trekkers and photography enthusiasts.
Enjoy stunning views of the Kalsubai Peak, which is the highest peak in Maharashtra, while trekking up the fort from the base village of Ratanwadi. The fort, perched atop a hill, offers stunning views of the lush greenery and is a prominent place with historical significance.
Location: Near Bhandardara Dam, Ratanwadi Village
Built from black stones 1000 years ago, the Amruteshwar temple has intrinsic sculptures of God and houses a pond within its premises. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple hosts a hot spring below the Shiva Lingam, making it an interesting place to visit. The main sanctum of the temple gets filled with water in monsoon as the level in the spring rises. Constructed out of black stones, the temple is worth capturing in your camera.
Location: Near Shend, Ratanwadi Village
Situated in Malshej Ghat, the historic fort boasts of the swelling pride of the erstwhile Maratha rulers. If you are an adventure enthusiast, the fort now offers excellent trekking trails leading to the fort located at an altitude of 4665 feet. Experience stunning greenery along the route as clouds cross your path while hiking to the fort. Several temples dot the route to the fort, making your trail exciting and it is one of the amazing places to visit in Bhandardara.
Location: Malshej Ghat, Ahmednagar
Bhandardara Reviews
Bhandardara FAQ's
What are the best places to visit in Bhandardara in 1 day?
1. Ratangarh Fort: This is a hill fort, situated at a height of 4250 feet within the Ratanwadi village. Now a popular trekking site, this centuries old structure was once occupied by the Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj. You can plan a day trip here to indulge in some adventures and learn about the history as well.
2. Randha Waterfalls: This is a popular attraction in Bhandardara that attracts large flocks of tourists, especially during the monsoons when the water-flow is high. These beautiful falls cascade water from the Pravara River at 170ft into a natural pool. You can also visit here to enjoy a picnic, some leisurely time and swimming.
3. Kalsubai Peak: This is the highest mountain peak in the Sahyadri range as well as in the state of Maharashtra. An ideal location for treks, the trail is a bit steep and rough. However, a set of stairs are also installed for people to reach the summit and enjoy unmatched views of Bhandardara, the nearby hills and other scenery.
4. Ratanwadi Village: This village is located a few kilometers from Bhandardara, making it the perfect one-day trip destination for treks and camping. The place is surrounded by hills, lush landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. The two main attractions that you can visit here are - the centuries old Ratangarh Fort and the 900 AD Amruteshwar temple - dedicated to Lord Shiva.
What are the best places to visit in Bhandardara with kids?
1. Arthur Lake: This lake is encompassed by the verdant Sahyadri Hills and other natural topography. It is a natural basin that gets water from the Pravara River flowing in the region. You can visit this place to spend an afternoon enjoying a picnic, outdoor activities and some relaxing time with family.
2. Umbrella Falls: These falls are situated under the Wilson Dam, that is also the main source of the downpour. Moreover, the falls get their name due to the image of cascading water on the rock formations, giving the sense of an umbrella. One can come here to enjoy a picnic with family and savour the beautiful surroundings.
3. Wilson Dam: This is an excellent earthen dam built in 1910, on Pravara river as a prominent source for the town. The place has now become one of the most popular Bhandardara Places to Visit, and has a lush garden and the Umbrella Falls in close proximity as well.
4. Ratanwadi Village: This is a quaint village near Bhandardara, situated in the footfall of the Kalsubai Peak. The main attractions worth visiting here are the 400 year old Ratangarh Fort and Amruteshwar, the 900AD stone-carved temple of Lord Shiva, built by King Jhang. Moreover, many visit this village to go for hikes, treks and camping.
What is the best time to visit Bhandardara?
How can I go to Bhandardara?
- By Rail: The nearest railway-station from Bhandardara is in Igatpuri, at about 45 kilometers. One can get off in Igatpuri and continue the rest of the journey in either state buses or a taxi rental.
- By Road: If you are traveling from Maharashtra (Mumbai/Pune) the best option is to go on a road-trip. You can either take a personal vehicle or rent a car, after which the journey will take around 3-3.5 hours to reach Bhandardara.
What is the best time to visit Bhandardara?
How to reach Bhandardara from Mumbai?
By train, Igatpuri is the nearest railway station located 45 km from Bhandardara.
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