Bhandardara Attractions

Bhandardara Attractions / Places of Interest/ Places to Visit/ Things to Do

Some of the must see attractions at Bhandaradara are listed below:

Kalsubai Peak near Bhandardara:

The Bhandardara Hill station is situated at a height of 750m above sea level. In comparison, Lonavala-Khandala is at 622m, Matheran at 800m, and Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani at about 1334 m. So Panchgani hills are not located at very high altitude.

However very close to Bhandardara is the Kalsubai Peak (called Kalsubai Shikhar) which is at a height of 1646 m above sea level. The Kalsubai Peak is the tallest mountain peak in the state of Maharashtra in India, and attracts a lot of trekkers from all over the state, who want to scale this highest summit.

From Bhandardara you can go for trekking and climb up the Kalsubai peak. The trek trail starts from Bari village, which is just 12kms away from Bhandardara. The Mount Kalsubai also has a very ancient temple that you can visit.

Also from Bhandardara you can go for trekking and a climb upto the Ajoba peak and the Ghanchakkar peak located in the vicinity.


Agasti Rishi Ashram at Bhandardara:

It is said that in ancient times, the sage Agasti Rishi lived at the Ashram that is located close by on the banks of the Pravara river. It is also said that Lord Shri. Rama came to meet Agasti Rishi here, and the Rishi then gifted him a special arrow which Rama used to kill the demon king Ravana in the war.

On your visit to the Agasti ashram at Bhandardara, you can also explore the small cave that is located in its vicinity. It is said that Lord Shri Rama alongwith his brother Laxman stayed in this small cave for a short while.


The Wilson Dam / Bhandardara Dam:

The Wilson Dam also simply called the 'Bhandardara Dam' is the oldest dam in India, and also one of the oldest dams in Asia. It was built in the year 1910, and it blocks the waters of the Pravara river.

When the sluice gates of Bhandardara dam are opened during the rainy season, the water gushes out with full force, and it falls on the rocks below thus creating an artificial waterfall, which is known as the Umbrella waterfall of Bhandardara.
The Wilson Dam (Bhandardara Dam) is one of the most famous tourist attractions at Bhandardara.


Arthur Lake / Bhandardara Lake:

Perhaps the best tourist attraction of Bhandardara is the Arthur Lake that is formed by the Bhandaradara dam which is built across the Pravara river. The lake is very huge, beautiful and scenic and has calm and placid waters. One of the best things to do at Bhandardara is to go for boating and fishing in this lake.


The Randha Waterfalls (Randha Falls) at Bhandardara:

The Randha falls located just 11 kms from Bhandardara are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the rainy season. Water falls from a height of 45m at the Randha falls. Hydroelectric power is also generated at this place.
The Randha falls is the 3rd largest waterfall in India.


The Ratangad Fort & Harishchandragad Fort near Bhandardara:

From Bhandardara you can trek over to Ratangad and Harishchandragad forts that are located close by.

The 400-year old Ratangad fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and it is said that it was one of his favorite forts. At the base of the Ratangad fort, is the village Ratanwadi where you can also visit the 1000-year old Amruteshwar temple (Shiva temple) which has beautiful sculptures and attractive ancient architecture. To visit this place you can walk over to Murshet village, and from there take a ferry boat to cross the lake and reach Ratanwadi.

Best time to visit Bhandardara:
The best time to visit Bhandardara is during the monsoon season, or just after the monsoon season, so that you can get to see the Umbrella waterfalls, and the Randha waterfalls in their full glory. Also the lush greenery and the cool climate makes the place all the more beautiful in the monsoons.

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