If you want a perfect vacation that offers adventure, peace, and natural beauty, Bhandardara is the place for you.
In this guide, I will share the best places to visit in Bhandardara.
What’s more, I have listed some interesting things you can do in Bhandardara to make the most of your trip to this beautiful hill station.
From exciting hikes and adventure sports to relaxing camping and visiting old temples, Bhandardara has something for everyone.
So, let’s explore and find out what makes this place so special and amazing.
Key Takeaways: places to visit in Bhandardara in 2024
1. The hill station is home to several notable attractions, such as the: Wilson Dam and Arthur Lake, Umbrella Falls, Randha Falls, Kalsubai Peak, and a few old forts and temples.
2. Bhandardara offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including Camping, Boating, Attending the Fireflies Festival, and much more.
3. The best time to visit Bhandardara is from September to March, while the monsoon season and summer offer different experiences.
Which places to visit in Bhandardara in 2024?
To those who are wondering what to see in Bhandardara, you have many options to discover.
There are multiple beautiful places to visit in Bhandardara, including old forts and temples, dams, lakes, and more. Here are a few places to see in Bhandardara in Bhandardara:
1. Wilson Dam
The Wilson Dam is a big, old dam that was built by the British in 1910. It’s 150 feet high and one of India’s biggest and oldest dams.
The dam got its name from Sir Leslie Wilson, the Governor of Mumbai then.
When they built the dam, a beautiful lake called Arthur Lake was created, named after another vital person, Sir Arthur, who worked for the government in Bombay.
2. Arthur Lake
Arthur Lake is a peaceful spot with lots of greenery and hills. It’s a great place to take in the beautiful views and relax.
You can also go boating on the lake, which is a lot of fun. If you like fishing, you’ll enjoy spending time here too.
3. Umbrella Falls
The Umbrella Falls is a waterfall close to the Wilson Dam. It got its name because the water falls down like an umbrella.
The water drops from way up high, about 500 feet, and it looks really amazing. The best time to see the Umbrella Falls is during the rainy season, which is called the monsoon.
That’s when there’s a lot of water flowing, and it looks the most impressive.
4. Randha Falls
Randha Falls is another beautiful waterfall near Bhandardara. It’s about 11 km away from the main town. Here, the water falls from a height of around 170 feet, creating a misty and magical atmosphere.
To get to the falls, you’ll need to go on a short hike along a scenic trail.
During the hike, you’ll see some stunning views of the hills and valleys around you.
5. Kalsubai Peak
Kalsubai Peak is the tallest mountain in the Sahyadri Ranges of Maharashtra. It’s 5,400 feet above sea level.
If you love adventure and hiking, this is a great place to visit. The climb to the peak is a bit challenging, but it’s worth it for the incredible views you’ll see.
The hike to Kalsubai Peak starts from Bari village and takes 3-4 hours to reach the top. Along the way, you’ll walk through thick forests, rocky areas, and steep slopes.
It’s a moderately difficult hike, but if you’re fit and like a good adventure, you’ll enjoy it.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and the Bhandardara Dam.
6. Ratangad Fort
Ratangad Fort is an old fort located about 22 km from Bhandardara.
It was built in the 16th century and is situated high up on a hill, at 4,250 feet above sea level. You can see amazing views of the surrounding hills and valleys from the fort.
To get to Ratangad Fort, you’ll need to go on a moderate trek, which takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
The trek goes through dense forests and rocky areas, making it an exciting and adventurous experience.
Once you reach the fort, you can explore the old ruins, including temples, water storage areas, and fortifications. The fort is also an excellent spot for rock climbing and rappelling if you’re into those activities.
7. Ratanwadi Village
Ratanwadi is a small village near the base of Kalsubai Peak. It’s the starting point for the trek up to the peak. The village offers some nice homestay options if you want to stay overnight. This small village is one of the pleasant places to visit in Bhandardara in winter.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and authentic rural experience, Ratanwadi is the perfect place to stay.
The village is surrounded by lush green fields, rolling hills, and crystal-clear streams, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
You can take a stroll through the village, interact with the friendly locals, and learn about their traditional way of life.
8. Amruteshwar Temple
In Ratanwadi village, there’s a famous temple called Amruteshwar Temple. It’s a very old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and built in the 11th century.
This village is one of the divine places to visit in Bhandardara and it should be considered one of the devotional things to do in Bhandardara with family.
The temple has a unique style of architecture called Hemadpanthi, and it’s decorated with beautiful carvings and sculptures.
9. Agasti Rishi Ashram
Agasti Rishi Ashram is a special place near Bhandardara that’s connected to a famous sage from Hindu mythology named Agastya.
According to legend, Sage Agastya spent many years meditating at this exact spot.
At the ashram, there’s a small temple called the Agastya Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is built in a traditional Hindu style and has intricate carvings and sculptures that are pretty to look at.
When you visit the ashram, you can explore the caves nearby and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
10. Sandhan Valley
Sandhan Valley, also known as the “Valley of Shadows,” is a stunning natural wonder located near Bhandardara.
This deep canyon is situated between two towering cliffs and offers a thrilling adventure for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
The trek through Sandhan Valley is challenging and requires a good level of fitness. You’ll need to navigate through narrow passages, wade through water, and climb over boulders.
However, the breathtaking views of the canyon walls and the lush greenery make it a worthwhile experience.
The best time to visit Sandhan Valley is post-monsoon, from October to February when the water level is lower, and the weather is pleasant.
11. Harishchandragad Fort
Harishchandragad Fort is an ancient fortress located about 50 km from Bhandardara. Perched at an altitude of 4,671 feet, this fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri mountain ranges.
The trek to Harishchandragad Fort is a moderate to difficult one, taking around 3-4 hours to reach the top.
The trail passes through dense forests, rocky terrain, and steep inclines. However, the stunning views from the fort make the effort worthwhile.
One of the highlights of Harishchandragad Fort is the Konkan Kada, a massive cliff face that offers a spectacular view of the Konkan region. The fort also has several ancient temples and caves that are worth exploring.
12. Ghatghar
Ghatghar is a small village located about 18 km from Bhandardara, known for its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
The village is surrounded by lush green hills, waterfalls, and streams, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
One of Ghatghar’s main attractions is the Ghatghar Dam, a massive dam built across the Pravara River. The dam offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and the river’s backwaters.
Another popular attraction in Ghatghar is the Devkund Waterfall, a stunning waterfall cascading down from about 200 feet.
The waterfall is at its best during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its highest.
13. Kokankada Fort
Kokankada Fort, also known as Kokandada Fort, is an ancient fortress located about 15 km from Bhandardara. The fort is situated at an altitude of 3,100 feet and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The trek to Kokankada Fort is moderate, taking 2-3 hours to reach the top. The trail passes through dense forests and rocky terrain, making it an exciting and adventurous experience.
One of the highlights of Kokankada Fort is the presence of several ancient caves and temples, which are believed to have been built during the Satavahana dynasty.
The fort also offers a spectacular view of the Pravara River and the surrounding hills.
14. Mhaismal Hill Station
Mhaismal Hill Station is a picturesque hill station about 70 km from Bhandardara. Situated at an altitude of 1,067 meters, it offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
One of the main attractions of Mhaismal Hill Station is the presence of several ancient temples, such as the Mhaismal Ganesh Temple and the Shiva Temple.
These temples are known for their intricate carvings and unique architecture.
Another popular attraction in Mhaismal is the Mhaismal waterfall, a stunning cascade that rises to about 100 feet. The waterfall is at its best during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its highest.
15. Ajoba Hill
Ajoba Hill is a beautiful hill located near Bhandardara, known for its stunning natural beauty and panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The hill is situated at 3,000 feet and offers a moderate to difficult trek for adventure enthusiasts.
The trek to Ajoba Hill takes around 2-3 hours and passes through dense forests, rocky terrain, and steep inclines. However, the stunning views from the top of the hill make the effort worthwhile.
Things to Do In Bhandardara in 2024
Bhandardara has multiple options for spending your time rather than money once you arrive there.
To find out what things to do in Bhandardara with family in Bhandardara, check out the options below:
1. Trekking
Bhandardara offers several trekking trails that cater to both beginners and experienced trekkers. The Ratangad Fort Trek takes you to an ancient fort at the top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Additionally, the Sandhan Valley Trek, also known as the Valley of Shadows, is a unique trek where you walk through a gorge surrounded by high rocky mountains.
Similarly, the Kalsubai Peak Trek takes you to the highest peak in Maharashtra, and on a clear day, you can see the entire Bhandardara region from the top.
2. Camping
Camping by the Bhandardara Lakeside is a tranquil experience. You can set up your tent by the lake, cook your own meals on a bonfire, and sleep under the stars.
The campsite often has basic amenities like toilets and shower facilities. Some organizers also offer pre-set camps with meals included.
3. Boating
Arthur Lake, formed by the waters of the Pravara River, is a beautiful spot for boating.
You can rent a rowboat or a paddle boat and spend a peaceful time on the lake, surrounded by hills and forests. It’s especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
4. Waterfalls
The Randha Falls and Umbrella Waterfalls are a sight to behold, especially during the monsoon season when they are in full flow.
The water cascades down from a height, creating a misty atmosphere and a roaring, thrilling, and soothing sound. This is one of the best things to do in Bhandardara during monsoon season.
5. Fireflies Festival
The Bhandardara Fireflies Festival is a unique event during the pre-monsoon season.
As darkness falls, thousands of fireflies start glowing, creating a spectacle like a star-studded sky on the ground.
6. Adventure Activities
Bhandardara offers several adventure activities. River Crossing involves crossing a river using a rope, while the Burma Bridge is a fun balancing act.
Slack Line is like tightrope walking, and Flying Fox lets you zip across a valley. Net Climbing, Ladder Walk, and Tyre Swing are other fun activities that test your agility and stamina.
Valley Crossing, Rifle Shooting, and Archery are also popular.
7. Rappelling And Rock Climbing
Bhandardara’s rugged terrain makes it ideal for rappelling and rock climbing.
These activities are conducted under the supervision of trained professionals, ensuring safety while you get your adrenaline rush.
Remember, checking with your specific activity organizer for the most accurate and up-to-date information is always a good idea. Enjoy your time in Bhandardara!
What is the best time to visit Bhandardara?
Bhandardara is a stunning hill station located in the Sahyadri mountain ranges of Maharashtra.
You can visit this beautiful place at any time of the year, but the best time to go is from September to March. During these months, the weather is cool and just right for outdoor activities like trekking and hiking.
The temperature during this time usually stays between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F), which is very comfortable.
If you visit Bhandardara during the monsoon season, from June to September, you’ll see a different side of its beauty.
The climate is cool and breezy during these months, and the heavy rains create amazing sights.
During the summer season, from April to May, Bhandardara can get hot and dry. But if you don’t mind the heat, you can still enjoy the place’s natural beauty.
No matter when you choose to visit, Bhandardara will leave you in awe of its stunning scenery. Have a wonderful trip!
Conclusion: Visit Bhandardara And Experience Real Contact With Nature!
Bhandardara is a true heaven for people who love adventure, nature, and peace.
You can do many things in Bhandardara, such as camping, trekking, and visiting beautiful waterfalls, tough hikes, old forts, and calm lakes. This hill station has something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you love exciting activities, beautiful nature, or learning about history, Bhandardara has something special waiting for you.
