BHANDARDARA, MAHARASHTRA – AWAY FROM CHAOS OF THE CITY, TRANQUILITY AWAITS

Bhandardara is a small town located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the Sahyadri mountain range and is known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The town is surrounded by hills, forests, and waterfalls, and is a popular tourist destination for those seeking a break from the chaos of city life.

Bhandardara is situated on the banks of the Pravara River, and the main attraction of the town is the Bhandardara Lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The town is also known for its numerous trekking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Bhandardara is also home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the ancient Amruteshwar Temple, which dates back to the 8th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Ratangad Fort, which was built in the 12th century, is another popular attraction, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Other popular activities in Bhandardara include camping, bird watching, and stargazing, as the town is known for its clear skies and stunning views of the night sky.
What Makes it a Destination Worth Visiting
Bhandardara is a destination worth visiting for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and historical landmarks. Here are some reasons that make Bhandardara a popular tourist destination:
- Scenic Beauty: Bhandardara is surrounded by lush green hills, forests, and waterfalls. The Bhandardara Lake is a serene spot with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Trekking: Bhandardara is known for its numerous trekking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain range. Some of the popular trekking trails include the Kalsubai Peak Trek, Ratangad Fort Trek, and Sandhan Valley Trek.
- Historical Landmarks: Bhandardara is home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the ancient Amruteshwar Temple and Ratangad Fort.
- Camping: Camping is a popular activity in Bhandardara, and there are several campsites that offer a unique experience in the lap of nature.
- Stargazing: Bhandardara is known for its clear skies and stunning views of the night sky, making it an ideal destination for stargazing.

Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Bhandardara:
- Bhandardara is located in the Sahyadri mountain range, which is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several rare and endangered species.
- The Bhandardara Lake is one of the oldest artificial lakes in Asia and was built in 1910.
- The Kalsubai Peak, which is located near Bhandardara, is the highest peak in Maharashtra, with an elevation of 1,646 meters.
- The Ratangad Fort, which is located near Bhandardara, was built in the 12th century and was used as a strategic military base by various dynasties.
- Bhandardara is a popular destination for birdwatching, as it is home to several rare and migratory bird species, including the white-throated kingfisher and the black-headed cuckooshrike.
- The Sandhan Valley Trek, which is located near Bhandardara, is known as the “Valley of Shadows” due to its narrow canyons and high walls that block sunlight.
- Bhandardara is also known for its hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties and are popular among tourists for their relaxing and healing effects.

Popular Tourist Activities
Bhandardara is a destination that offers a range of activities for tourists. Here are some popular tourist activities in Bhandardara:
- Trekking: Bhandardara is known for its numerous trekking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some popular trekking routes include Kalsubai Peak Trek, Ratangad Fort Trek, and Sandhan Valley Trek.
- Boating: The Bhandardara Lake is a popular spot for boating, with options for pedal boats and rowboats. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a picturesque location for a boat ride.
- Camping: Bhandardara is a popular destination for camping, with several campsites that offer a unique experience in the lap of nature.
- Historical Sightseeing: Bhandardara is home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Amruteshwar Temple, Ratangad Fort, and Agastya Rishi Ashram.
- Waterfall Rappelling: Bhandardara is known for its waterfalls, and waterfall rappelling is a popular activity among adventure seekers.
- Birdwatching: Bhandardara is home to several rare and migratory bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.
- Stargazing: Bhandardara is known for its clear skies and stunning views of the night sky, making it an ideal destination for stargazing.

Top Attractions and Must Visit Places
Bhandardara is a beautiful destination with several attractions and must-visit places. Here are some of the top attractions in and around Bhandardara:
- Bhandardara Lake: The Bhandardara Lake is a popular tourist spot, and one of the most picturesque locations in the region. It is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Kalsubai Peak: The Kalsubai Peak is the highest peak in Maharashtra and a popular trekking destination. It offers stunning views of the surrounding Sahyadri mountain range.
- Ratangad Fort: The Ratangad Fort is a historical landmark located near Bhandardara. It was built in the 12th century and was used as a strategic military base by various dynasties.
- Agastya Rishi Ashram: The Agastya Rishi Ashram is a famous landmark in Bhandardara, known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance.
- Amruteshwar Temple: The Amruteshwar Temple is a popular religious site located in the village of Ratanwadi, near Bhandardara. It is known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
- Sandhan Valley: The Sandhan Valley is a popular trekking destination near Bhandardara, known for its narrow canyons and high walls that block sunlight.
- Wilson Dam: The Wilson Dam is a popular tourist spot located near Bhandardara. It is one of the oldest dams in the region and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Umbrella Falls: The Umbrella Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Bhandardara, and a popular spot for photography and relaxation.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bhandardara is during the winter season, from November to February. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and camping.
The monsoon season, from June to September, is also a good time to visit Bhandardara, as the region receives heavy rainfall and the waterfalls are in full flow, making for a picturesque landscape. However, outdoor activities like trekking and camping may be affected due to heavy rainfall and slippery trails.
The summer season, from March to May, can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. While the weather may not be ideal for outdoor activities, it is a good time to explore the historical landmarks and temples in the region.

How to Reach
Bhandardara is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, and can be easily accessed by road and rail. Here are the different modes of transportation available to reach Bhandardara:
- By Road: Bhandardara is well-connected to major cities in Maharashtra, like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik, by road. One can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bhandardara from these cities. The journey from Mumbai takes around 3-4 hours, while from Pune it takes around 4-5 hours.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to Bhandardara is the Igatpuri Railway Station, which is located around 45 km away. The station is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik. One can hire a taxi or take a bus from the station to reach Bhandardara.
By Air: The nearest airport to Bhandardara is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, which is located around 160 km away. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bhandardara.