Places to Visit in Bhandardara

Witness the spectacular waterfalls which, as the name suggests, form the impression of an umbrella. Flowing over the naturally placed rocks, Umbrella Falls originating from Wilson Dam are one of the most rejuvenating tourist places in Bhandardara. 

You can witness the full might of the falls during the monsoon, when the cascade gets down from a height of 500 feet. A footbridge connecting Wilson Dam and the waterfalls offers a stunning view of the falls. Umbrella Falls, located in the Sahyadris, are also a prominent source to generate electricity.

Location: Near Arthur Lake, Bhandardara

Built in 1910, Wilson Dam has a huge water reservoir and is surrounded by the magnificent Sahyadri mountain ranges. Also known as Bhandardara Dam, it is the largest earthen dam in India and gets its water from Pravara River. You can visit the garden at the base of the dam, which offers stunning views of the architectural marvel and it is one of the best places to visit in Bhandardara.

Experience the sprinkling water at the garden edge, when the gates of the dam are open to release water. There are several water streams which emerge from the dam and make Bhandardara the green paradise that it is.

Location: 11 km from Randha Falls, Bhandardara

Soak yourself in adventure by trekking to the Kalsubai Peak, which is the highest peak in Maharashtra. At 5400 feet, Kalsubai Peak is one of the best places to visit in Bhandardara if you want a tinge of adventure on your laidback sojourn.

Enjoy panoramic views of lush greenery, nearby forts and Bhandardara Dam as you scale the peak. The trek offers easy to moderate trails as well as difficult terrain in places, which will test your hiking skills. You can also climb the man made stairs if you want to reach the top without hiking.

Location: Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, near Bari village

Cascading from a height of 170 feet, Randha Falls offer a rejuvenating sight as the water gushes down with its full vigour, creating a loud roar as it touches the surface. You can also take a dip in the pond of the waterfall to revive yourself with some freshness.

Mainly attractive in monsoon, the Randha Falls are every photographer’s delight as the white stream of water emerging from the Pravara River forms a spellbinding sight. On your visit to the dam, munch on some snacks to spend some refreshing time along the pond-side. The falls are also the third highest in Maharashtra, making it one of the must places to visit in Bhandardara. 

Location: Near Lake Arthur Hill

If you want to experience the village charm, Ratanwadi Village is arguably one of the best tourist places in Bhandardara for its old world inheritance. Reach the village by boating in the Arthur Lake. The village houses an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, popularly known as Amruteshwar Temple in the region.

The village also serves as a base camp for trekking to Ratangad, which is a 2000-year old fort reachable by a 3-4 hour trek from the village. You can also try camping at the village by the riverside for a laidback experience. 

Location: Kalsubai Mountain

Situated on the banks of River Pravara, Agastya Rishi Ashram is one of those tourist places in Bhandardara which will interest history buffs and nature lovers. According to mythical scriptures, Saint Agasti, who gifted Rama the arrow which killed Ravana, had meditated here for a year by surviving on air and water.

The ashram is also mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, making it one of the most popular places to see in Bhandardara. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the ashram and take a stroll along the riverside to experience peace from the maddening crowds of the city.

Location: 40 km from Bhandardara

A hill fort in the Sahyadris, Ratangad is a 20 centuries old fort conquered by Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj. The fort, for its formidable altitude and history, is one of the best places to visit in Bhandardara for trekkers and photography enthusiasts.

Enjoy stunning views of the Kalsubai Peak, which is the highest peak in Maharashtra, while trekking up the fort from the base village of Ratanwadi. The fort, perched atop a hill, offers stunning views of the lush greenery and is a prominent place with historical significance.

Location: Near Bhandardara Dam, Ratanwadi Village

Built from black stones 1000 years ago, the Amruteshwar temple has intrinsic sculptures of God and houses a pond within its premises. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple hosts a hot spring below the Shiva Lingam, making it an interesting place to visit. The main sanctum of the temple gets filled with water in monsoon as the level in the spring rises. Constructed out of black stones, the temple is worth capturing in your camera. 

Location: Near Shend, Ratanwadi Village

Situated in Malshej Ghat, the historic fort boasts of the swelling pride of the erstwhile Maratha rulers. If you are an adventure enthusiast, the fort now offers excellent trekking trails leading to the fort located at an altitude of 4665 feet. Experience stunning greenery along the route as clouds cross your path while hiking to the fort. Several temples dot the route to the fort, making your trail exciting and it is one of the amazing places to visit in Bhandardara.

Location: Malshej Ghat, Ahmednagar