Bhandardara, One of the Best Places to Rejuvenate In Maharashtra

Bhandardara is a hill station in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra
. This beautiful hill station is located at a distance of about 70 km from Nashik and about 185 km from Mumbai. The place is featured with charming mountains, serene atmosphere, pleasant climate, fascinating waterfalls and scenic picnic spots, which makes Bhandardara a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra. It is a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate and is very much popular among the tourists from different parts of India. The scenic environment and the tranquility of this place will definitely make you fall in love with Bhandardara. 

 

Attractions

Lake Arthur Hill- Lake Arthur Hill, which is also known as the Bhandardara Lake, came into existence after the construction of Wilson dam, built on Pravara River. Abounded by dense forests, the lake is one of the largest lakes in the country. Arthur Lake also holds a religious significance, as it is believed that Agastya Rishi had meditated for over a year at this place. Tourists can enjoy boating on the waters of this lake and also explore the untouched surroundings of this place. 

Umbrella Falls- It is an artificial waterfall, which forms when one of the sluice gates of the Wilson dam is opened. When the water of this fall fans out over the rocks, it forms the shape of an umbrella that is why it is called Umbrella Falls. The perfect time to visit this fall is during the monsoon season, when the water level of the Pravara River rises up to its highest point. A pathway from the park located below the Wilson dam will take you to within the drenching distance of this waterfall. 

Ratangad Fort- The fort is one of the oldest historic structures of the place, which dates back to about 400 years. Ratangad fort was built by the Maratha warrior, Shivaji Maharaj. The place was used by Shivaji to spend his leisure time. Several trekking trails are located close to this fort, which allows the travelers to enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley in the Sahyadri Mountain Range.

Best Time to Visit

The place experiences very hot and humid climate during the summers and a cold climate during the winters. So, the best time to visit the hill station is during the monsoon and winter season, which falls during the months of August to February. Monsoons are also the perfect time to enjoy mesmerizing waterfalls of this region. 

Accommodation

The place is dotted with several numbers of resorts and hotels, which provide facilities like TV and AC, along with the options of deluxe and luxury rooms with well furnished washrooms. These rooms of these places are affordable at reasonable rates.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to this place is the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, which is located at a distance of about 185 km. The airport is well linked with various domestic and international cities. Regular taxi services are available from the airport to the place. 

By Train: The nearest railway station to this place is Igatpuri, located at a distance of about 35 km. The station is well linked with various cities in India. One will get taxi and bus services from the station to get to the place. 

By Road: The hill station has a very good network of roads that connects it places like Mumbai (185 km), Nashik (70 km) and Pune (137 km). Regular state owned buses ply from these places along with few other places in Maharashtra to Bhandardara.