Bhandardara is a beautiful yet less known hill station near Igatpuri, in the Western Ghats. From natural lakes, waterfalls, flora and fauna, this destination has it all!
Bhandardara is beautiful throughout the year, but during & after monsoon it turns absolutely stunning! I would highly recommend visiting it then, especially if it’s your first trip.
Here’s my guide to Bhandardara for an adventurous weekend!
Getting There
🚌 There are several buses running between Mumbai and Bhandardara. Fares range from ₹ 450 to 700, and will take 5 hours only. You can book bus tickets here.
🚂👍 I’d recommend taking a train from Mumbai till Igatpuri, which is the nearest railway station to Bhandardara. The train journey is only 2 hours in duration! Once you reach Igatpuri, you can take a state transport bus (@ ₹ 25/-) or a taxi (@ ₹ 500/-) till Bhandardara.
Where to Stay
🏨 Since this was a last minute plan and I didn’t get any rooms. So I took a tent with me and camped overnight right in front of the Bhandardara lake! It was one crazzzyyy experience I will never forget, should write a separate blog-post on it.
I would strongly recommend you to book a room in advance at MTDC, Bhandardara. It has a beautiful view of the lake and good food as well. (I know this coz, I had my dinner & breakfast here :P)
#1 Camping at Arthur Lake
Popularly known as Bhandardara Lake, this calm and clear water-body offers the perfect camping place for city dwellers. Surrounded by thick beautiful forest, it provides much needed solitude that one craves for. It is formed by the water from the Pravara River and thus acts as a reservoir for the Wilson Dam.
Take a morning walk on the bank, a dip in the lake or go boating, whatever relaxes you!
#2 Go See Wilson Dam
This dam was built in 1910 on the Pravara river and is one of the oldest dams in the country. Situated at a height of 150 m above sea level, it makes for a great view from the top!
Also just below the dam, you can find gorgeous Umbrella falls – named so after its shape!
#3 Visit Amruteshwar Temple
This intricately carved stone temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is over 1,200 years old and the locals believe that the temple was visited by the Pandavas!
Located in Ratanwadi village, which is also the starting point of Ratangad trek.
#3 Hike to Kalsubai Peak
The tallest peak in Maharashtra & the highest point on the Sahyadri range, Mount Kalsubai stands tall at 5,400 feet from the sea level. Given its height and the views it offers, it’s a great place for trekking enthusiasts.
#3 Enjoy Randha Falls
These falls make for a marvelous scene! Enjoy the sight and sound as the Pravara River gushes down from a height of 170 feet into a gorge. Take a dip in the waterfall and let the surroundings sooth your soul.
PS Pranika 