Nestling amidst the hills, Bhandardara is easily among the most beautiful
holiday resorts. A perfect stop over on the way to or from Shirdi, it is a
charming little picnic spot.
Amidst the dense green forest, lies
the most splendid lake of country - Arthur Lake. It is formed by the
dammed waters of the Pravara river. Legend has it that Shri Agasti Rishi
meditated continuously for a year, living only on water and air. Pleased
with his tremendous devotion the Lord came down to Earth. He blessed Shri
Agasti Rishi and left leaving behind a stream of Ganga - now known as
Pravara River.
Places of Interest:
The
famous Dam:
Wilson Dam is a lovely site for picnicking. Built in
1910 on the Pravara river, the dam is almost 150 metres above sea level
and attracts crowds from all over the country. The cool placid waters of
the river run by for miles. The Umbrella Falls are also in the vicinity.
Unfortunately,
these picturesque falls are enjoyed only during the monsoons when the
water level in the lake is considerably high. Streamlets from the lake
cascade down 45 metres as the Randha Falls - an ideal place to relax and
enjoy nature. Besides being a scenic spot, these falls are also used for
hydro-power generation.
Mount Kalsubai:
Overlooking
Chandardara, you can see Mt. Kalsubai, the highest peak (1,646 metres) in
the sahyadri range. During the Maratha rule, this peak point served as the
watchtower.
It is an ideal place for those who enjoy trekking,
as are the surrounding hills. There is a small temple at the top, with an
old well in its backyard. Legend has it that the level of the well water
never drops below 3 feet.
Agasti Rishi Ashram:
Situated
on the bank of the Parvara River, this legendary dwelling find a place in
the scripts of the Ramayan. It is said that Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita
visited Agasti Rishi. The Rishi had then given Lord Ram a miraculous arrow
which was used to kill the devil, Ravan, in order to rescue Sita. The
ashram, although under renovation, manages to attract crowds from all
over.
Ratangadh:
The fort lies only a few kilometers
away from the Maharashtra Tourism resort. It was captured by Chhatrapati
Shiivaji Maharaj and was one of his favourites. The fort has a
breathtaking view and provides ample grounds for trekkers.
Amriteshwar:
This temple dates back to 1100 AD. Built in a distinct Hemadpanti
style, the intricately carved temple still stands proud. Other places
worth visiting are Konkan Kada (another trekker's delight), a small garden
and a swimming tank.
Bhandardara
Travel Info
Climate:
Since it is in
interior regions of Maharashtra, the place experience extreme climate
changes. The summers are very hot and the winters quite cold.
Languages
Spoken:
Marathi, Hindi and English.
What to Wear:
Attire
is best decided upon according to climatic conditions. During summers,
cotton clothes are fine, while in winters warm woolen clothing is a must.