Bhandardara is
comfortably close to Mumbai - just a short train journey - making it a delightful weekend
getaway. The best thing about this resort is that it is uncrowded and peaceful, with the
kind of "back-to-nature" environment that helps you connect with yourself.
The serene Arthur Lake glimmers at
Bhandardara's core, the forests of the Sahyadri hills huddling protectively around. The
Pravara River waters Arthur Lake. Bhandardara is justifiably proud of its 150 m high Wilson
Dam that bridles the river, as it is not just an engineering marvel but also the
lifeblood for the paddy fields nearby. The ancient Agastya Rishi Ashram on the
banks of the Pravara River is another attraction. The ashram is mentioned in the Ramayana
as the spot where Ram met Agastya Rishi.
Nearby, the Randha Falls hurtle down a 45 m
granite gorge, its spray splattering the rock face. The Ghorpada Devi temple nestles in a
dry hollow and remains mysteriously protected from the rising water levels even during the
monsoons.
If you are energetically inclined, hike up to Mount
Kalsubai, Mahrashtra's highest peak at 1646 m. This is a day's trek that can be
combined with Ratanwadi, 22 km away; the 8th century Amruteshwar temple; and the
400-year-old Ratangad Fort where the Maratha warrior Shivaji rested on his laurels.
Drink in the solitary splendour of the area from
the cliffs of Konkan Kada - where you can see the Sahyadri peaks staggering up to
the sky. The entire region is a wildlife sanctuary and the forests shelter a host of
jungle birds and mammals.
Once you discover Bhandardara, it's a cert that you
will be drawn by its tranquillity again and again!
Getting there: Bhandardara is 185 km from
Mumbai. The nearest railhead is at Igatpuri, 45 km away on the Central Railway. From
Igatpuri, State Transport buses and taxis take around one hour to get to Bhandardara. The
fare is Rs
