Bhandardara, Pristine, Just the Way Nature Was Meant to Be!
Can you name a nice and quiet hill station in Maharashtra where there are trees instead of buildings, fresh air instead of pollution, and abundance instead of affluence? A place that is in striking contrast to your urban setting of brick and mortar, traffic signals and all that honking. It is Bhandardara.
This is an untouched place where nature today is just as it was a hundred years back. That’s a huge achievement, considering what we have done to our Shimla, Nainital, Manali, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Ooty and other more popular hill stations in India. The list is never ending almost. Modernization and industrialization has not been able to ruin this place yet. You’ll find the beautiful Pravara River that meanders slowly through the hills, cutting its own terrain.
Bhandardara is a fantastic place for trekkers. Hundreds of trekkers visit Bhandardara for its natural attractions. There are quite a few trekking routes that give you stunning views of the river and the surrounding areas. Bhandardara is located in the Sahayadri Mountains. You will see flowers in bloom in the season, beautiful meadows, small picturesque villages, and so much more. The best thing about the place is the greenery that you will find all around. But if you want, you may want to just relax, taking in the stunning beauty of the place. The choice is yours.
What to See and Do in Bhandardara
The entire region around Bhandardara has been declared as a wildlife sanctuary because of the greenery and the abundance of birds and mammals. It’s a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. So you are sure to see wildlife on your hiking trip. Carry along your binoculars and camera. And do not forget the raincoat as well as it ours down quite often here. Many trekkers want to visit Mount Kalsubai, which is the highest peak in Maharashtra.
There are many forts too around Bhandardara. It adds a bit of history to the place and makes it even more charming. The two forts you don’t want to miss are the Ratangad Fort and the Harishchandragad Fort. You will love the trek to these forts.
Wilson Dam and Arthur Lake are two other popular tourist attractions here. If you want, you may spend some time enjoying fishing in the lake. Boating is not allowed on the lake.
A lot of tourists visit Bhandardara while they are on their way to Shirdi or Nashik. But Bhandardara could be a destination in itself.
