Near Mumbai Bhandardhara
Introducing Bhandardhara
Bhandardhara is a very scenic and beautiful weekend getaway from Mumbai. Located 185 Kms away from Mumbai, Bhandardhara is an ideal holiday offering scenic mountain views, gushing waterfalls, a magnificent lake, the largest earthen dam of India and lush green forests. You can stay in a lovely cottage by the Arthur Lake and visit the numerous water falls as well as the origin of Pravara River.
Bhandardhara is 185 Kms away from Mumbai. The closest railway station is 45 kms away at Igatpuri from where taxis and buses are available. If coming from Mumbai, you can take a local train from CST till Kasara. Jeeps and buses are available from Kasara to Igatpuri or Bhandardhara directly.
If coming by Road you can drive down on Nasik Highway and turn right after crossing Igatpuri at Ghoti Village. There are directions all the way from Ghoti to Bhandardhara.
Stay at Bhandardhara
MTDC has lovely resort in Bhandardhara. Lake facing cottages are a real treat. You also get dorms and rooms. The canteen is decent and you get freshly cooked food.
Brief History of Bhandardhara
Bhandardhara goes back to the Ancient Times. Long ago Sage Agastya had meditated by the Pravara River in Bhandardhara for a full year surviving on only air and water. Pleased with his devotion God gave him a part of River Ganga and that became the River Pravara. Bhandardhara also finds mention in the Ramayana, the great Epic. Lord Rama has supposed to have met Sage Agastya in his ashram located in Bhandardhara and collected the divine arrow which was used ultimately to kill the demon king Ravana.
Arthur Lake
Arthur Lake is formed by the Pravara River and serves as the reservoir for the Wilson Dam. The Lake looks serene at all times of the year and adds to the beauty of the landscape of Bhandardhara. Arthur Lake is 34 kms long and has a few breathtaking waterfalls like Randha and Umbrella Falls.
Wilson Dam
Wilson Dam is India’s largest Earthen Dam. It was built in 1910 and is 150 meters high. The base of the Dam is a popular hangout for visitors as there is a beautiful garden with scenic views. There are several fruit bats for company in this garden.
Randha Falls
During the monsoons Randha Falls is an incredible sight as a roaring Pravara Rover falls down from a height of 170 feet into a gorge. These falls are the third largest of India.
Agastya Rishi Ashram
The Ashram of Saint Agastya lies besides Pravara River in a dense forest. During the Ramayana age, Lord Rama and Lakshmana came here to take the Rishi’s blessing. Agastya gave them a divine arrow which finally killed the demon king Ravana. There is a cave near the Ashram where Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshamana had spent some time during their Panchavati days.
Ghatghar
The best viewpoint for the magnificent Sahyadri ranges is at Ghatghar. Located 22 kms away from Bhandardhara, Ghatghar provides panoramic views of the beautiful mountain ranges all around Bhandardhara. During the monsoons visibility turns near zero with fog and mist covering the entire landscape.
Kalsubai Trek
Mount Kalsubai is Maharashtra’s tallest peak at 1646 meters. The base village for Kalsubai is Bari which is very close to Bhandardhara. Not only is Kalsubai a favorite for Trekkers of Sahyadris, but it is also a famous pilgrimage. There is a Temple of Kali right at the top of the peak. Kalsubai also has a well of mystery. This well which lies behind the temple, has never had water going below 3 feet.
Ratangad Trek
Ratangad is a 400 year old fort overlooking the Arthur Lake. Ratangad fort which was once captured by Shivaji Maharaj is today a very popular trekking destination. Ratangad Trek is very enjoyable due to its approach. You need to take a ferry over the Arthur Lake to get to the base camp. A series of waterfalls and a thick jungle follow next. Finally the entrance to the Fort is well hidden and you need to enter it from a chimney! For a travelogue on Ratangad trek, click here.
Amruteshwar Temple
The Amruteshwar Temple is located in Ratanwadi, the base village of Ratangad. It is more than a 1000 years old with Lord Shiva as the main deity. Some say it was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata period. Amruteshwar Temple is built in the unique Hemadpanthi style of architecture. This style uses black stone and lime in the construction and was propagated by Hemadpanth, the prime minister in the court of Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri. The Amruteshwar Temple has several carvings worth having a look.
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