Bhandardara, Maharashtra
Been there recently?
Bhandardara, a stunning village tucked away among the vast and lush Western Ghats hilly ranges, is a popular holiday resort village located 117 kilometres from Mumbai. This charming hamlet serves as the ideal retreat for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a long weekend. It has bright blue skies, green paddy fields, cascading waterfalls, and surrounding blue-green hills. The Wilson Dam and its nearby Arthur Lake enhance the village’s natural beauty and offer adventurers and astronomy enthusiasts some great camping options. During the rainy season, you can see a circular waterfall forming at the dam. This waterfall is known as the Umbrella Waterfall because of its distinctive shape. The magnificent Ratangad Fort, which is more than 2,000 years old and has a distinctive natural rock formation with an arch-like cavity at the very top that overlooks the valley below, is another highlight of this area. One can see the entire Bhandardara region from above by climbing the fort’s ramparts.
Nearby Places to See
Umbrella Waterfalls
This waterfall is situated directly in front of the Wilson dam’s crest gates. Water released from the dam enhances the beauty of the waterfalls. When in full bloom, the waterfalls resemble an open umbrella.
This waterfall is situated directly in front of the Wilson dam’s crest gates. Water released from the dam enhances the beauty of the waterfalls. When in full bloom, the waterfalls resemble an open umbrella.
Wilson Dam
This dam, constructed across the Pravara River, is a prime example of the cutting-edge engineering that existed during its time. Its construction began in 1910 and was completed in 1926. There is a beautiful garden in front of it, making it a popular tourist attraction. Leslie Orme Wilson, the governor of Bombay at the time, inaugurated the dam, which bears his name.
This dam, constructed across the Pravara River, is a prime example of the cutting-edge engineering that existed during its time. Its construction began in 1910 and was completed in 1926. There is a beautiful garden in front of it, making it a popular tourist attraction. Leslie Orme Wilson, the governor of Bombay at the time, inaugurated the dam, which bears his name.
Mt. Kalsubai
This peak is said to be the highest in Maharashtra and is 5400 feet above sea level. It’s situated within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. The name Kalsubai comes from the Kalsubai Devi temple located at the peak. The beginning of the peak trek is in Bari Village, which is approximately 14 kilometres from Bhandardara. The trek is about 3 kilometres long.
This peak is said to be the highest in Maharashtra and is 5400 feet above sea level. It’s situated within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. The name Kalsubai comes from the Kalsubai Devi temple located at the peak. The beginning of the peak trek is in Bari Village, which is approximately 14 kilometres from Bhandardara. The trek is about 3 kilometres long.
Arthur Lake
The large body of water created by the Bhandardara (Wilson) dam’s backwaters is known as Arthur Lake. From the lake shore, the Sahyadri range’s large mountains appear magnificent. The lake has boating amenities as well.
The large body of water created by the Bhandardara (Wilson) dam’s backwaters is known as Arthur Lake. From the lake shore, the Sahyadri range’s large mountains appear magnificent. The lake has boating amenities as well.
Ratangad
This fort from the 17th century is over 4200 feet above sea level and can only be reached by hiking. The moderately difficult trek leads to the fort, which is perched atop one of the hills by the Bhandardara (Arthur) lake. The trek to the fort takes about 5 hours and begins in the village of Ratanwadi, which is located 14 kilometres from Bhandardara. Amrutheshwara Temple, which dates back to the ninth century, is located at the trailhead.
This fort from the 17th century is over 4200 feet above sea level and can only be reached by hiking. The moderately difficult trek leads to the fort, which is perched atop one of the hills by the Bhandardara (Arthur) lake. The trek to the fort takes about 5 hours and begins in the village of Ratanwadi, which is located 14 kilometres from Bhandardara. Amrutheshwara Temple, which dates back to the ninth century, is located at the trailhead.
-
Destination