Nestled among the Shayadri Hills, Bhandardara has all the makings of a beautiful holiday resort. Sky-high mountains, roaring waterfalls and lush greenery throughout the year, attract tourists from all over.
To reach Bandardara, alight at Igatpuri (if travelling from Mumbai by train) and take a cab or bus from there. It will take 1.5 hrs to reach Bandardara. But the best way to get to the hill station is by road from Mumbai.(180 km), enjoying the scenic beauty of the Kasara ghati and tasting the local food at the highway side dhabbas. Just a few miles after Igatpuri take a right turn and enter a small town know as Ghoti. Then take a single narrow road to reach to the top of the hill which takes hardly an hour of your time. But this 1 hr journey will be a treat to the nature lover. Lots of greenery around, sight of mountains covered with fog/clouds, and breath taking beautiful valley will sweep you off your feet n if you are lucky enough rain god will shower its blessing on you and it can't be better than visiting Bandardara in the rainy season.
There are lot of attraction in and around the hill station. To name a few: Wislon dam, Arthur lake, Ratangarh fort, Amruteshwar Temple etc.
As legend has it, Shri Agasti Rishi meditated here for a year, surviving only on water and air. Pleased with this display of devotion. God came down to Earth and blessed Shri Agasti Rishi with a stream of the Ganga river, which is now known as the Pravara River.
Sight Seeing:
Wilson Dam
Built in 1910 on the Pravara-River and standing 150 mts high, Wilson Dam is the largest earthen dam in India.At the base of Wilson Dam there is a garden endowed with thick greenery, streams and gigantic trees- the latter, home to hundreds of harmless fruit bats that hand precariously from the branches all through the day. During the monsoon, when the level of the lake rises, the dam opens its gates to release a torrent of water that finds its way down to the plains below. You could stand at the edge of the garden embankment and enjoy the cool spray, or visit the picturesque Umbrella Falls, which are another major attraction during the monsoon.
Arthur Lake
The lake is fed by Pravara River and is around 10 Km from the town. Boating in deep and clear water of the wondrous lake with sights of clouds covered mountains on the background is truly breathtaking.
Local people ply row boat for the tourists and per ride per person they charge 20 Rs.
Mount Kalsubai
At 1,646 mts, Mount Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra A favourite of trekkers; it had great strategic importance during the Maratha wars as an observation post. There is a small temple at the top with an old well in its backyard. It is said that the water level in the well has never dropped below 3ft.
The peak can be seen on the way from Ghoti to Bandardara , full of fog and clouds its a delight to watch it and loose yourself in its beauty.
Ratangarh Fort
This ancient fort was captured by Shivaji and is believed to be one of his favourite. Its very popular among trekkers and nature lovers and offers breath taking views from the top.
The trek starts from a small and ancient temple , Ratanvadi. According to local legend, the water in the temple never falls below 3 ft and the shivlinga is always covered with water throughout the year. Its also believed to be source of a river.
Hire a guide from the temple ( Rs 200). Guide is the only person who knows the way to the top. Without him you will be a rudderless ship. More than 5 streams has to be crossed on the way to the top. Take something to eat preferably candies to give instant energy and water is a must unless you are comfortable drinking stream water. The whole trekk takes around 5-6 hrs and its worth going for it. Its a once in a life time experience and you will get refreshed on reaching the top. There is small temple in a cave just before the most difficult terrain begins.
The top of the mountain offers breathtaking view of the whole valley. Due to the dense clouds we were not able to see the whole fort and have to return as it was getting dark.
Facts and things to remember
Bandardara is around 180 km from mumbai. Though many resorts are available, MTDC resort is the best giving full view of the dam get the booking done before as you will not get any rooms vacant during the weekends ( we had problems so better get them booked early). Food is ok there but another resturant in the market offers better food at comparable rate. There is no wine shop as such so if u are avid drinker carry your own brand with you.
Bandardara has to be visited to be appreciated. The best time to visit is during monsoons and winter.
