BHANDARDARA WEEKEND PACKAGE

 Bhandardara is a little known hill station in Maharashtra. Bhandardara is only around 185 kms away from the Mumbai – the financial capital of India. The nearest railroad to Bhandardara is at igatpuri which is around 45 kms away from this picturesque hill station. The nearest airport is in Bombay where international as well as domestic flights come from all most all parts of India. From Mumbai one has the pleasure to choose from the state transport bus to Bhandardara or a private cab. The state transport buses don’t charge more than 16 rs while the private taxis will charge anything around 300-400. It takes only around an hr to reach Bhandardara irrespective of the type of service availed.

How to Reach Bhandardara
By Air - Nearest airport is Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, which is nearly 185 km from Bhandardara. Mumbai (Bombay) is well connected to all major cities in India and also connected to many cities abroad. Taxi services are the one direct travel possibility from Mumbai to Bhandardara. It costs about Rs 3500.

By Train - Nearest Railway station is Igatpuri, which is nearly 35 km away from Bhandardara. Taxis will charge about Rs 500 and state bus charge is about Rs 25.

By Bus - Maharastra state road transport bus services are available up to the down hill. Most of the major cities in the state including Mumbai are connected to Bhandardara by bus.

Places to visit in Bhandardara
The Wilson dam – this gorgeous dam was made in 1910 on the Pravara River and it is almost 150 meters high above the sea level. This place is the point of attraction for many tourists all across the country. Even the umbrella falls is nearby the dam. However these falls can only be enjoyed in the rainy season when the water in the lake is very high. In addition to being a completely exhilarating scenic spot, these falls are also used to generate hydro-power.

kalsubai - from Bhandardara one can see the highest peak of the sahyadri range, mount kalsubai. In the bygone era this mountain peak served as the watching tower. Kalsubai with its height and view is ideal for trekking and so are the hills that are near by kalsubai. On top of the kalsubai there is a temple which has a well. It is said that the water from the well of the temple never goes down below 3 feet.

Ratnagad - this fort was captured by chhatrapati shivaji maharaj was one of his most favorite forts and he loved to spend his leisure time here in the realms of the nature. The fort lies in a near distance to the Maharashtra tourism resort and has ample of grounds to interest the trekkers. The view from this fort is simply spectacular and breathtaking.

Amriteshwar – this temple is very ancient and old. The temple was made in around the 1100 AD. The style of architecture used in this temple is hemadpanti. The exquisitely crafted temple still stands tall.


Attractions near by Bhandardara
Bhandardara Lake - Bhandardara Lake is also known as Lake Aurthur Hill. It is formed by the dammed up waters of the Pravara river. It is a major tourist attraction. It is located amidst the dense green forest. Shri Agasti Rishi meditated continuously for a year at this place so it has a religious importance too. The lake was built in 1910. The lake is a reservoir for Wilson dam and is 34 km long.

Activities at Bhandardara
Fishing - The shores of the lake are an excellent to try for angling. One can see large fish in there and if one has a combination of forbearance and luck, they will bite. Tourists can either go at casting or spoon fishing. But boats are not allowed to be used. Only a bit of a grey area is allowed for fishing. But casting a line on the river and the lake is been done and nobody seems to take notice of it. Fly fishing or casting can be done at the pools which is at the bottom of the falls.

Trekking - Mount Kalsubai in Bhandardara with its height is the ideal place for trekkers. The hills nearby are also an excellent place for trekking. To trek to the highest peak in Maharashtra can be physically demanding. As the region of Bhandardara is itself located on the hills, visiting the place itself is pretty much a trek. Also the Ratangad Fort at Bhandarkara has grounds for trekking lovers. One can challenge their physical stamina by trekking on the grounds.

Where to Stay in Bhandardara
Most accommodation in Bhandardara is very basic. No resorts or luxury hotels. Till a few years ago the MTDC Resort was the only real accommodation in the area. There are now a few others, though MTDC still commands the best location.
Places to eat in Bhandardara
There are very few options for eating out in Bhandardara. The local staple of varan bhat (dal-rice) is easily available but can be spicy. Some tandoori and non-veg food is available but should be ordered in advance or you can expect a long wait while it is prepared for you. Freshwater fish and, if you are lucky, shrimp is sometimes on the menu or can be ordered in advance. The Maharashtrian regular fare of usal pao, misal pao and vada pao are all easily available. The area is famous for a rather sweet peda that you will find being sold everywhere. It is even used to sweeten the tea you drink at the local chai stall.The freshly caught fish that they cook up is the only interesting item on MTDC's Nath Restaurant's Indian, Chinese, Gujarati and Punjabi menu. Like elsewhere in Bhandardara, anything you want at the next meal here needs to be ordered in advance. Nath is open 6.30 am to 11.30 pm. Some of the newer hotels also have restaurants where you can get fresh food.