The charm of Bhandardara is seductive during monsoons - It gets magical with green carpet and numerous waterfalls vying for your attention. It is a not to be missed Monsoon getaway. Bhandardara is popular amongst trekkers as it an ideal base for Ratangad and Kalsubai Treks. Bhandardara can also be an excellent stop over on a trip to Shirdi
Bhandardara Resorts
MTDC Bhandardara is popular with cottage type accommodation. Of late, there are other resorts at Bhandardara. Anandvan Reosrt being a good mid range option. If you are going to Bhandardara for a weekend, it is better to make an advance booking.
Reaching Bhandardara :
Mumbai to Bhandardara distance: 165 Kms
Mumbai Bhandardara Road Map : Mumbai > Thane > (Nasik Highway) > Bhiwandi > Kasara Ghat > Igatpuri > Ghoti > turn right) > Bhandardara
Mumbai Bhandardara by Train : Alight at Igatpuri and hire a Jeep (Rs.300 - Rs.500). Also, there are ST buses from Igatpuri that ply to Bhandardara.
Pune Bhandardara Road Map (Distance : 200 Kms) Pune > ( Nasik highway) > Chakan > Narayangaon > Ozar > Otur > Brahmanwada > Rajur > Shendi > Bhandarardara
Bhandardara to Shirdi : During monsoons, Bhandardara is a good stop over enroute to Shirdi. Shirdi is 110 Kms away and the route to be followed : Bhandardara - Ghoti - Sinnar - Shirdi. There are various accommodation options at Shirdi.
Bhandardara Travel Guide
Arthur
Lake
: Lake sits in midst of dense
greenery and offers picture perfect scenery with hills encircling the
lake.
Sun
Set
The most ideal place to watch the sunset would be Konkan Kada which is
a bit away from the village of Bhandardara but the drive is definitely
worth it.
Randha
Falls
The water from the dam overflows into a deep gorge creating a
spectacular sight.
Not surprisingly, Randha falls have served as the
backdrop for song and dance sequences in a number of silver screen
blockbusters.
Treks
Ratangad and Kalsubai Treks are most popular.
Ratangad, Shivaji's favourite fort , can be reached by a boat
from Ratanwadi. Kalsubai is a moderately difficult
trek. Kalsubai climb starts from village Bari - be sure to
hire a guide.