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Bhandardara

''Bhandardara is located at a distance of 70 km from Nashik. It is a small and peaceful area. This hill station is popular for fun loving and picnic lovers. Radha Falls, a deep valley, a clean and large Arthur Lake, a historical Ratangadh Fort, an ancient temple - Amritheshwar Temple, a peaceful Agasti Rishi Ashram, Wilson Dam also known as Bhandardara Dam, and Viewpoints are the important destinations at Bhandarda.
It is a calm and serene place, un-spoilt and unpolluted by modernization or industrialization. The entire region is a wildlife sanctuary and the forests shelter many mammals and birds. ''

Bhandardara is a charming hill station nestled on the Sahayadri mountain ranges in Maharashtra. Located on the banks of river Pravara, it is an excellent place for trekkers.

The place is absolutely beautiful with lush greenery. It is a popular stopover for tourists going to Nashik and Shirdi.

The largest earthen dam in the country and one of the oldest dams in Asia, Wilson Dam or Bhandardara Dam is at Bhandardara. The height of the dam is nearly 150 m. The overflowing water makes the Umbrella Falls, which is a picturesque sight during the monsoon season.

There is also a lake with serene beauty called Arthur Lake. One can also visit the site from where the lake originates at Pravara River. Streamlets from this lake flow down to 45m heights at Randha Falls. Not only a heart catching scenic spot, these falls also serves as a hydropower generation. Agasti Rishi Ashram is on the bank of the Pravara River, which attracts huge crowds. One can also visit Amriteshwar Temple at Bhandardara.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Summers are very hot and humid and winters are very cold. Monsoons are very enjoyable and romantic. It is also the time to enjoy beautiful waterfalls. Best season to visit Bhandaradara is monsoon and winter from August to February.

PLACES AROUND BHANDARDARA

Mount Kalsubai - It is the highest peak of Sahyadri ranges at 1,646 meters. The peak served as a watch tower during Maratha rule. It is an ideal place for trekking. There is a small temple at the top.

Bhandardara Lake - The 34 km long lake was built in 1910 and serves as a reservoir for Wilson dam. The lake formed by damming the river Pravara, is very deep at some places. Located amidst dense green forest, the lake is a exceptionally beautiful during monsoons.

Wilson Dam - This dam has the honour of being the largest earthen dam in India. Built in 1910 on river Pravara and standing 150 m high, it is an engineering marvel.

Randha Falls - Located in Igatpuri region, it is 45 m high. Situated 11 km from Wilson Dam, it is the spot where river Pravara plunges 170 ft down into a gorge.

Umbrella Falls - Located close to Wilson Dam, the beautiful falls are active only during the monsoon.

Agastya Rishi Ashram - The hermitage draws many tourists because of its beauty and serene atmosphere. Located on the banks of river Pravara, it also offers accommodation to tourists.

Ratanwadi - A small village, it is most famous for the Ratangad Fort. The place has a religious feel to it and one can visit the Shiva temple here. It might be a rough ride by road from Bhandardara.

CLIMATE

The peak season is between November and April, but Bhandardara is spectacularly beautiful during the monsoons. The summers are very hot and winters quite cold. Cool cottons for summers and warm woolens for winters are ideal.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air: Nearest international airport is Chatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai, nearly 185 km from Bhandardara. Mumbai is well-connected to all major cities in India and abroad. One can take a direct taxi from Mumbai to Bhandardara.

Rail: Nearest railway station is Igatpuri, around 35 km from Bhandardara. Taxis and buses are available from outside the station.

Road: State-run buses services ply regularly to Bhandardara region. Most of the major cities in the state, including Mumbai, Pune and Nashik are connected to Bhandardara by bus.