Overview
A very famous tourist spot near Mumbai, Bhandardara is a hill station in the Ahmednagar district famous for nature lovers.Surrounded by the high mountain ranges of Sahyadri ranges, Bhandardara is just 117km from Mumbai. A natural escape from the busy city life, this small village in Igatpuri offers the best of Western Ghats to tourists.Composed of many tourist-friendly activities there are plenty of places to visit in Bhandardara. A quick weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune till Igatpuri is a very successful vacation.Trekking, camping, boating, kayaking, fishing, and many other activities attract tourists from all corners of the world.
Some of the famous spots are Umbrella fall, Randha falls, Ratanwadi village, Arthur lake, Kalsubai peak, Wilson dam, and Agastya Rishi Ashram. An ideal vacation for 3 to 4 days can sum up for exploring all the places in Bhandardara. Nearby places are also easily accessible for a short visit. When in Igatpuri, one can explore multiple other tourist spots also for various purposes. And in Bhandardara also, one can find various things to do reasons to visit again and again.The beauty of the Western Ghats and the thick sheet of grassland makes this small holiday village in Igatpuri an ideal place for a picnic and small vacations.
Bhandardara camping
A holiday resort in Western ghats means a 360 view of mountain ranges and widespread greenery. A favorite spot for nature lovers and picnic lovers. Hills, waterfalls, lakes, dams, and many places are the major attractions for tourists. Camping is one of the popular things to do in a clean environment and starling nights. Set a camp near the lake and embrace the night with a musical bonfire. Arthur lake is the most famous camping site at Bhandardara. A wonderful camping experience near the lake is a perfect natural escape from city life.
Many indoor activities for bad weather or just a lazy afternoon are also available and allowed at the campsite.
Indoor activities like indoor games and gatherings are some of the chosen things to do. Play cards, darts, ludo, and several other indoor games that are even easy to carry around.
For outdoor lovers, many water sports are also there for the adventure seekers. Boating, kayaking, fishing are some of the activities available at the campsite with instructors for the tourists. Rifle shooting and archery are some additional cost activities for the tourists near the campsite and around.
Bhandardara camping near Dam
A group camping near the dam of Bhandardara is a refreshing experience on its known. The scenic beauty of Western ghats and the natural peace of Bhandardara is what makes camping a must-try activity for tourists. Provided tents by the agents and all the facilities will make the stay very comfortable. The lush green hills and the clean dam water are the views worth camping for.
When camping near the dam, spend the day wandering Kalsubai peak, Amruteshwar temple, Umbrella Falls, Arthur Hill lake, and many tourist loving spots of Bhandardara.
Set a barbeque or bonfire for the night and spend the whole night stargazing.
Many sports and indoor games can also be provided by private agents and tourists can also take it with themselves. When planning to spend the whole day on foot, then explore the beautiful hills around or just go for a hike.
If want to stay indoors, then enjoy many board games like chess, carrom, ludo and many more sometimes in the tent.
Things to carry
- Sport shoes
- Torch
- Camera
- Extra cells or batteries
- Sleeping bags
- Tents ( rented are also available)
- ID proof
- Bedsheets
- Wollen clothes ( if necessary)
- Sunscreen or moisturizer
- Toiletries
- First-Aid box with urgent medicines
- Snacks and water bottle
- Extra pair of shoes and clothes
- Emergency contact info
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
How to reach:
Nearest airport:
Pune international airport is only 79km away from Bhandardara. Mumbai airport is also another option which is 177km away.
Nearest railway station:
Igatpuri railway station on the Mumbai Nashik rail route is the nearest as it is just 45km away.
Via route:
Many private and state road transportation are easily available from Mumbai for tourists. Taxis are the new comfortable mode of transportation available for everyone.