MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
| BHANDARDARA |
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| Bhandardara
guide>>> Bhandardara travel guide and tourist information on Bhandardara, how to
get to Bhandardara, also details on sightseeing in Bhandardara, best time to visit
Bhandardara and accommodation in Bhandardara |
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There are many charming and little-known hill
stations in the Western Ghats, but perhaps none so unpretentious as Bhandardara in
Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district. Bhandardara is comfortably close to Mumbai - just a
short train journey - making it a delightful weekend getaway. The best thing about
Bhandardara is that it is uncrowded and peaceful, with the kind of
"back-to-nature" environment that helps you connect with yourself. The serene Arthur
Lake glimmers at Bhandardara's core, the forests of the Sahyadri hills huddling
protectively around. The Pravara River waters Arthur Lake. Bhandardara is justifiably
proud of its 150 m high Wilson Dam that bridles the river, as it is not
just an engineering marvel but also the lifeblood for the paddy fields nearby.
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The ancient Agastya Rishi Ashram on the banks
of the Pravara River is another attraction. The ashram is mentioned in the Ramayana as the
spot where Ram met Agastya Rishi. Close to Bhandardara, the Randha Falls hurtle down a 45
m granite gorge, its spray splattering the rock face. The Ghorpada Devi temple nestles in
a dry hollow and remains mysteriously protected from the rising water levels even during
the monsoons.
If you are energetically inclined, hike up to Mount Kalsubai,
Mahrashtra's highest peak at 1646 m. This is a day's trek from Bhandardara, and can be
combined with Ratanwadi, 22 km away; the 8th century Amruteshwar temple;
and the 400-year-old Ratangad Fort where the Maratha warrior Shivaji
rested on his laurels.
Drink in the solitary splendour of the area from the cliffs of Konkan Kada
- where you can see the Sahyadri peaks staggering up to the sky. The entire region is a
wildlife sanctuary and the forests shelter a host of jungle birds and mammals.
Once you discover Bhandardara, it's a cert that you will be drawn by its tranquillity
again and again!
Getting to Bhandardara
Bhandardara is 185 km from Mumbai. The railhead closest to Bhandardara is at Igatpuri, 45
km away on the Central Railway. From Igatpuri, State Transport buses and taxis take around
one hour to get to Bhandardara. The fare is Rs 16 for the bus and Rs 300-400 for the taxi.
Best time to visit Bhandardara
The peak season is between November and April, but Bhandardara is spectacularly beautiful
during the monsoons too.
Accommodation in Bhandardara
Bhandardara has some low to medium budget hotels and motels, in addition to the MTDC
resort. Tariffs at the resort range from Rs 400 for an economy room to Rs 1,000 for a
deluxe room and Rs 2,000 for lakeside cottages. For bookings, contact the MTDC, which has
offices all across India's larger cities. The MTDC Mumbai contact no. is: 91-044-202 6713
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