SIGHTS TO SEE

Nestled among the Sahyadri Hills, Bhandardara has all the makings of a beautiful holiday resort. Sky-high mountains, roaring waterfalls and lush greenery throughout the year, attract tourists from all over.

To reach Bhandardara, detrain at Igatpuri. If you are travelling by road from Mumbai, you need to turn right just a few kilometers after Igatpuri and enter Ghoti. This small town leads to a long narrow road, which cuts across the lofty mountains and ascends to the marvellous retreat. Although it is just about an hour's journey, the sights are spectacular. Fluorescent green paddy fields contrast with the bright blue skies above and the murky brown streams that crisscross the whole land. When it rains, and clouds descend from the sky to blanket the earth, the sight is truly breathtaking!

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Bhandardara has many attractions - from majestic Wilson Dam to wondrous Arthur Lake. As legend has it, Shri Agasti Rishi meditated here for a year, surviving only on water and air. Pleased with this display of devotion, God came down to Earth and blessed Shri Agasti Rishi with a stream of the Ganga river, which is now known as the Pravara River.

Like all scenic spots, the magic of Bhandardara has to be experienced to be appreciated; if you are a nature lover, this spot should definitely appear on the top of your holiday destination list.

Wilson Dam: Built way back in 1910 on the Pravara River and standing 150 mts high. Wilson Dam is the largest earthen dam in India - a powerful testimony to the engineering skills of days gone by. At the base of Wilson Dam there is a garden endowed with thick greenery, streams and gigantic trees - the latter, home to hundreds of harmless fruit bats that hang precariously from the branches all through the day. During the monsoon, when the level of the lake rises, the dam opens its gates to release a torrent of water that finds its way down to the plains below. You could stand at the edge of the garden embankment and enjoy the cool spray. or visit the picturesque Umbrella Falls, which are another major attraction during the monsoon.

Arthur Lake: Arthur Lake, a tranquil blue mirror amidst the dense greenery of Bhandardara, is fed by waters from the Pravara River.

Mount Kalsubai: At 1,646 mts. Mount Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra. A favourite of trekkers, it had great strategic importance during the Maratha wars as an observation post. There is a small temple at the top with an old well in its backyard. It is said that the water level in the well has never dropped below 3 ft.

Agasti Rishi Ashram: This age-old dwelling is mentioned in the scripts of the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama and his brother Laxmana visited Shri Agasti Rishi to seek his blessings. The Rishi gave Lord Rama an arrow, which he used to kill Ravana and rescue his wife Sita. The Ashram, situated on the bank of the Pravara River, continues to attract visitors.

Ratangad Fort: This ancient fort was one of Shivaji's favourites. Very popular with nature lovers and trekkers, it offers spectacular views from its ramparts.

Amriteshwar: Built in 1100 AD, this temple has been constructed in the distinct Hemadpanthi style.

Nashik: Located around 70 km. from Bhandardara, Nashik has its own distinct personality due to its mythological, historical, cultural and social significance. It is one of the holiest places for Hindus. There are many temples and ghats along the sacred river Godavari. The famous Kumbh Mela is held here once every 12 years, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees from around the country and all over the world. Nashik is also one of Maharashtra's major industrial centers, an aspect of its personality that starkly contrasts with its spiritual side.

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Shirdi: Just about 90 km. from Nashik lies the holy town of Shirdi, once the abode of Sai Baba, one of India's most revered saints. The Shirdi Temple is a key center of activity, and attracts people of every faith, throughout the year.

Trimbakeshwar: The origin of the holy Godavari River, Trimbakeshwar lies approximately 30 km. west of Nashik. The temple of Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Devotees believe that a visit to this temple helps them attain salvation.

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Location: Bhandardara is situated 185 km. from Mumbai, in Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra, India.

Languages spoken: Marathi, Hindi and English.

Climate and clothing: The peak season is between November and April, but Bhandardara is spectacularly beautiful during the monsoons. The summers are very hot and the winters quite cold. Cool cottons for summers and warm woolens for winters are ideal.

WHERE TO STAY

MTDC Holiday Resort: The MTDC Resort at Bhandardara presents spectacular views of Arthur Lake and Wilson Dam. Deluxe room (10 blocks), Special room (9 blocks), Standard room (8 blocks), Lakeside cottage (6 blocks) and Group accommodation (2 blocks).

Checkout time: 9.00 a.m.

Reservation: Mumbai, Bhandardara and other MTDC offices.

(Besides the MTDC Holiday Resort, there are a few hotels, resorts and guesthouses in Bhandardara offering various accommodation facilities.)

GETTING THERE

By Air - The nearest airport is Mumbai, 177 km away.

By Rail - Igatpuri, 45 km. on Central Railway is the nearest railhead.

By Road - Mumbai - Bhandardara, 180 km. (Via Ghoti) Pune - Bhandardara, 191 km.

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