Bhandardara, a hill station tucked away in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, is on the banks of the River Pravara. Trekking paths traverse Bhandardara, peppered with forts. Trekkers especially like the well-known Mount Kalsubai, Maharashtra's highest summit. There are amazing and serene places to visit in Bhandardara! Blessed with rich vegetation, Bhandardara is also a frequent halt for visitors heading to Shirdi and Nashik.
Best time to visit Bhandardara: One may visit at any moment of the year. Still, the best time to visit Bhandardara is the post-monsoon and winter seasons from September to March. Trekking and hiking among other outdoor sports find the climate cool and ideal here. In this area, the summer from April to May is rather hot and dry.
How to Reach Bhandardara: From throughout Maharashtra, Bhandardara is reachable by train and road. You might get here best via rail, bus, taxi, or your car. Given the little distance, you could either drive or hail a taxi to get there. Many state-operated buses also travel from several cities; you may grab one of these as they will be less expensive than a taxi.
Places to Visit in Bhandardhara
For someone seeking a peaceful retreat, Bhandardara is a wonderful hill station. Although Bhandardara is a well-known hiking site, there are also very many sightseeing possibilities there. If you are looking to visit places to visit in Bhandardara, do visit the Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls, and Randha Falls. Apart from its natural appeal, Bhandardara boasts several historical sites as well. If you enjoy history, make sure you stop at Ratangad Fort. Known temples in this hill town are Amruteshwar Temple and Kalsubai Temple. Here is all you need to know about Bhandardara's sightseeing attractions!
Arthur Lake
Created from River Pravara's water, Arthur Lake serves as the Wilson Dam reservoir. It is a fantastic place for camping, surrounded by hills and woods. Swim in the lake or ride a boat late at night. One of the main attractions, Arthur Lake, creates a lovely background for photos.
Wilson's Dam
Wilson Dam, one of the country's oldest dams, is another quite well-liked sight in Bhandardara. Built 150 meters above sea level on the Pravara River, it stands Families, as well as couples, would find this suitable for a picnic as the foundation features a circular garden and swimming pool. During the rains, two waterfalls also tumble down the dam, which makes for beautiful scenery! Wilson Dam is among the most popular places to visit in Bhandardara!
Mount Kalsubai
Rising at 1646 meters, Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra. This success qualifies it as the ‘Everest of Maharashtra’. Many people climb to this summit in order to enjoy the amazing perspective from here. Many adventure companies also plan treks; but, keep in mind that they are not a simple one, so if you are trekking for the first time, you may choose to forgo it.
The Kalsubai Temple
Make sure you visit Kalsubai Temple when visiting Mt. Kalsubai. This temple honours a local divinity of the same name. She seemed to be a maid fleeing her tormentor, running to reach the shrine, who vanished quickly though, soon after. Later, the people paid their homage till now by erecting a temple in her memory. Locals and visitors swarm here to pray; there is even an annual fair set aside next to the temple.
Waterfalls of Bhandardara
The two most often used waterfalls in the hill station are Umbrella and Randha Falls. Wilson Dam has umbrella falls, and during the monsoon, these beautiful waterfalls show their grand force. Rising from 170 feet, Randha Falls creates a stunning display during the rain.
Temple at Amruteshwar
Eight km from Arthur Lake, Amruteshwar Temple is devoted to Shiva. Surrounded by mountains, it is indeed a breathtaking scene. Thought to be around 1200 years old, the temple is sculpted from stone and was constructed by the Shilahaar family. When at this hill station, do pay a visit to this temple to appreciate its architectural strength that is even on display now!
Ratangad fort
Also called the ‘Jewel of the Sahydaris’, Ratangad is one of the highest peaks in the state and draws trekkers from all over. The fort provides a bird's-eye perspective of the hill station and is perfect to visit in November when it is generally covered with flowering plants. Apart from wells, the fort features four gates, and to get there, visitors need to ascend two ladders to get to the main fort area.