The attraction of Maharashtra in terms of natural places is not hidden from anyone and Bhandardara village is an attractive tourist destination in Ahmednagar district. Where there are historical forts, forests, rivers, mountains and waterfalls, all in one village. Although it is a hill tourist destination which can be visited throughout the year but the best season is monsoon.
During the monsoons, greenery is seen all around and there is plenty of water in the springs and rivers, making the picture of the place quite colorful. There are many attractive places near this village that attract tourists.
1. Lake Arthur: This lake is also famous as Bhandardara Dam built on Pravara river. The main source of water of this lake is river Pravara. This river and lake have made Bhandardara one of the attractive tourist destinations in India. There are beautiful natural scenery around the lake for tourists to see, including green mountains, water falls, forts built on the mountains, which remind the tourists of the ancient times.
2. Waterfalls of Pancha Village: Pancha Falls is also located near Pancha village on the main river Prawar in Ahmednagar and is the largest waterfall in the district. The water flow becomes very high and fast during the monsoon season, due to which security guards are deployed by the government for the safety of tourists and warning sign boards are also installed at various places to avoid going near the falls. Pancha Falls also generate hydroelectricity during the monsoon season. The beauty of this waterfall increases during the rainy season. There is another waterfall here and the streams of water flowing from both the waterfalls look very exciting. Both these waterfalls are located at a distance of about 10 km from the main bus stand of Bhandardara. Near this waterfall is the temple of Ghorpade Devi where one feels peace and tranquility by sitting.
3. Ashram of Sage Agastya: There is a temple of Sage Agastya on the banks of river Pravar near Bhandardara town, a special pooja is performed in this temple and a Mahayatra is also organized in which devotees come from far and wide to participate.
4. Kalsubai Peak: Kalsubai Peak is located amidst the mountains of the Western Ghats, which boasts of being the highest peak of the Sahyadri Hills. The height of this peak is about 5400 feet above sea level. To reach this peak, you can trek under the supervision of a skilled guide. This trek is only for trekking enthusiasts. Walking on the rough, up and down slippery paths of the forest has its own thrill and charm. After reaching the peak of Kalsubai, tourists also visit Goddess Kalsubai where a beautiful temple of the goddess is built. This place is within the limits of Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary.
5. Wilson Dam: This dam holds the status of the largest earth-made dam in India. This dam was built in the year 1910 on Pravara river. Every tourist is amazed to see the engineering design of the dam. The natural scenery around this dam is very spectacular and beautiful.
7. Ratanwadi Village: An ancient village situated near the Kalsubai Peak, the Amriteshwar Shiva Temple is built in this village, while the world famous Ratangad Fort is also close to the village. The small hut-like mud houses of the villagers are found only in the valleys of the Sahyadri mountains. The trekking route to Ratangarh Fort starts from this village.
8. Ratangarh Fort: Almost 400 years old, this fort is still a tourist destination of historical importance. The special feature of this fort is its four gates which are known as Konkan, Ganesha, Trimbak, Hanuman. A visit to the fort from the inside gives a chance to know the history up close. In the fort one can see many small and large ponds with clean drinking water for the king’s family and soldiers in ancient times. These water tanks used to store drinking water for the whole year during the monsoons.
10. Amriteshwar Shiva Temple: The construction time of this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is about 1000 years old. There is a small beautiful lake in the premises of this temple from which a spring of hot water flows throughout the year.
11. Harishchandragarh Fort: This fort was built to show the bravery of the Maratha kings. Built on the hills of Sahyadri, this fort can be seen from the surrounding natural scenery.
Bhandardara has many popular camping sites for travelers who are fond of camping in the jungle. Where one can spend some moments in peace in the lap of nature. A look at the main camping spots in Bhandardara.
1. Bhandardara Lake: Camping facility is available on the banks of Arthur Hill Lake. Camping at this place is a different experience. Here tourists are provided with comfortable tents to stay and enjoy music and dance along with food of their choice.
2. Bhandardara Dam: There is also a camping facility on the banks of this dam. By camping here you can enjoy the beautiful view of nature at night and day. From here, the flowing streams of the beautiful waterfall and the sound of the birds amidst their sounds gives a distinct peace to the mind.
4. Sandhan Valley: Sandhan Valley is the most beautiful place for tourists who are fond of camping in the mountains. Camping in the Madan and Alang mountains of the Sahyadri range is an adventure of its own. Here, along with camping, you can also enjoy adventure sports like rock climbing, trekking etc.
The easiest way to see Bhandardhara tourist spots
Route Route: Bhandardara is about 180 km from the country’s financial capital Mumbai, about 170 km from Pune, about 75 km from Nashik, about 130 km from Shirdi and about 45 km from Igatpuri. State Transport Corporation buses are available from all cities of Maharashtra to reach here. Tourists can easily reach there by private cab or taxi according to their budget.
Railway Tracks: The nearest railway stations to reach Bhandardara are Igatpuri at a distance of about 45 km and Nashik at a distance of about 75 km. Nashik is a bigger railway station than Igatpuri. Where there are a large number of trains to and from Pune, Goa and Mumbai from every major city stop.
Air Shaft:The nearest airport to Bhandardara is Pune Airport which is about 170 km away, while Mumbai Airport is about 180 km away. Both these airports are connected with all the major airports of the country.
