The serenity and calmness of unending green fields nestled in the arms of Sahyadri ranges, along with the embellishment of picturesque waterfalls is a sight that will greet you when you set your foot in Bhandardara. Bhandardara is a holiday resort hill station set on a dam and is famous for its breathtaking location and waterfalls. It is more famous as a weekend getaway and is situated at approximately 185 kms from Mumbai, in the Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats, located in the Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra. The place is not just aesthetically soothing but will renew your soul with the roaring waterfalls, majestic mountains and lake side camping tours.
If the intoxicating natural beauty of this place hasn’t convinced you already to go, here is a list of places to visit in Bhandardara to absorb every ounce of tranquility this place has to offer and make you pack your bags today itself.
1. Umbrella Falls
Nature has its way of showing its beauty and the striking Umbrella Falls are a clear proof to that. Formed under the Wilson Dam, the intensity with which the water falls on the naturally placed rocks gives it an impression of the umbrella and hence the name. A little foot bridge connects the Pravara river and it can be used to get a closer look at the falls and dam. The waterfalls will mesmerize you with their enchanting force of water so make sure to keep a camera because it is a peace of heaven that ought to be captured.
2. Wilson Dam
The Wilson Dam was built on Pravara river in the year 1910 and is the largest earthen dam in India. It boasts of the engineering excellence of the old days. The base of the dam is adorned with a garden that is a euphoria of thick greenery, huge trees and little streams. During monsoons, as the water level goes up, the gates of the dam open itself to release water into the plains and you can visit the Gardens edge to enjoy the sprinkles of fresh water. You should visit the dam to marvel at the engineering wonders from the bygone days and to splash yourself with natures purity.
3. Arthur Lake
To unwind and soak yourself in the natural beauty, Arthur lake is the perfect quaint little lake which is surrounded by the lush mountains of Sahyadri ranges. The lake gets its water from the Pravara river and is a place for complete nirvana.
4. Kalsubai Peak
Being the highest mountain in the Sahyadri ranges as well as in the state of Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai is called the Everest of Maharashtra. There are trekking tours offered to trek this majestic peak but since the trek can be a little tricky and difficult, there are now man made stairs to reach the peak if you don’t wish to scale. So trek or no trek, you do know your way to the top.
5. Randha Falls
Another waterfall attraction is the Randha Falls of the Pravara river. The clear water of the Pravara river ferociously falls from a height of 170ft into a magnificent ravine, leaving you at a loss of words to describe the scenic beauty in front of your eyes. However, this waterfall is only attractive in the monsoons and so, the ones visiting during the monsoons without doubt have a tad bit of extra natures love working in their favour.
6. Ratanwadi Village
Ratanwadi is an untroubled little village near Bhandardara that houses the famous Ratangad fort and the popular Shiva temple called Amruteshwar. Famous as a trekking spot, it is far away from the main town and has an antique, rustic charm to it. Ratangad Fort is a 2000 year old fort which was captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his time. The beautiful temple of Amruteshwar carved out of stone, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Shiva temples build in 900AD by King Jhang and a visit to this place will invigorate the historical lust in you.
We guess your weekend getaway planning woes are sorted now so rush right into natures lap in the picturesque Bhandardara this weekend!