Lying 170 kms from Mumbai and 70 km,s from Nashik lies a beautiful spot in North of Maharashtra called Bhandardara. Famous for its scenic beauty, this place , though not developed enough, lies close to Igatpuri, which is hte nearest railway sation, about 45 kms from Bhandardara.
We caught train from Nagpur and reached Igatpuri at 5.45 a.m. The connect from Igatpuri to Bhandardara is still a problem, and is waiting for a solution. It was only till 8.00 a.m. that we could get a bus to Bhandardara. It was the much liked Maharashtra ST bus, which often produces a Mozart Symphony all through out the way.
The road to Bhandardara passes through Ghori, the only famous spot, otherwise. The roads are real pathetic and it takes 2 hrs to travel the 45 km distance. Another option is to go to Ghori and catch a Jeep that is a 16 seater. But in the morning at 8., it dint seem an illusion option. Ghori is 8 kms from Igatpuri.
The bus stops at two different stops in Bhandardara and rightly, we got down at the first stop. The Wilson Dam, which has stood for countless years is visible from the bus stop. All the motels and infrastructure is located near this area.
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 1000 for a deluxe room and Rs 2000 for lakeside cottages. For bookings, contact MTDC, OppositeLICBuilding, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai. Tel: 022 - 2026713, 2027762. Fax: 2852182. MTDC bookings ( Tel Nos. : 628169 , 626867 ).
For visiting the places around Bhandardara, best option is to board a jeep that'sll ask for Rs 700 to cover Randha Fall, Mount Kalisobai Peak, Ghatghar, Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls and Spill Way ( last three are close to each other).
Mt Kalisobai, the highest peak in maharashtra is also in Bhandardara.
Spill Way is worth watching, it is one end of the ArthurLake. The water gushing through the gates of wilson dam splashes over on the road and the winds blowing, give you a real cool natural feel .
Wilson Dam is a lovely site for picnicking. Built in 1910 on the Pravara river, the dam is almost 150 meters above the sea level and attracts crowds from all over the country. The cool placid waters of the river run by the miles.
The PRavara river is spread over a wide distance.
The other hyped spota like Amruteshwar Temple is really not worth spending bucks. Not ot hurt anybody sentiments its a site which is on the verger of extinction and does not give you much of a spiritual touch. Though, a boat ride to the Temple is real fun, but it is off most of the season.
One/ two days at max are sufficient to cover all the spots and it would take Rs 700 for the whole travel.
Another spot htta must be mentioned is the Ghatghar. At an altitude, it is the main place from which the canal waters are released. There are many beautiful sight seens on the way to Ghat ghar Avoid going to Ghatghar in foggy season when nothing is visible. If you are going in Navaratras u may get a chance to trek Mt Kalisobai Peak.
The on seasons could be just before rains or even at the onset, as it is lush green and provides a real good stop for the nature lovers
1 comment:
Well written blog about Bhandardara! it is a lovely place to visit in Maharashtra. Thanks for sharing this post, this post is very useful for the one who are planning for their trip. If anyone wants to travel by bus, try out your bookings in Bus Ticket Booking portal.
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