Bhandardara has all the makings of a beautiful holiday resort with spectacular sights

Experience the magic

Bhandardara has all the makings of a beautiful holiday resort with spectacular sights

Nestled among the Sahyadri 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 Bhandardara, detrain at Igatpuri. If you are travelling by road from Mumbai, you need to turn right just a few kilometers after Igatpuri and enter Ghoti. This small town leads to a long narrow road, which cuts across the lofty mountains and ascends to the marvellous retreat. Although it is just about an hour’s journey, the sights are spectacular. Fluorescent green paddy fields contrast with the bright blue skies above and the murky brown streams that crisscross the whole land. When it rains, and clouds descend from the sky to blanket the earth, the sight is truly breathtaking! Bhandardara has many attractions - from majestic Wilson Dam to wondrous Arthur Lake. As legend has it, 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. Like all scenic spots, the magic of Bhandardara has to be experienced to be appreciated; if you are a nature lover, this spot should definitely appear on the top of your holiday destination list. Built in 1910 on the Pravara River and standing 150 mtshigh, Wilson Dam is the largest earthen dam in India. Arthur Lake, a tranquil blue mirror amidst the dense greenery of Bhandardara, is fed by waters from the Pravara River. At 1,646 metres, Mount Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra. Ratangad Fort offers spectacular views from its ramparts. Built in 1100 AD, Amriteshwar temple is constructed in Hemadpanthi style. Located close by are Nashik, Shirdi, Trimbakeshwar. The MTDC Resort at Bhandardara presents spectacular views of Arthur Lake and Wilson Dam.