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| Bhandardara |
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One of the less famous hill stations in the Western Ghats, but nevertheless charming and peaceful, amid lush forests, Bhandardara is located in Maharashtra.
In the lap of the Sahyadri Hills, Bhandadra is famous for its high mountains, picturesque waterfalls and abundant greenery. Apart from its serenity and closeness to nature, Bhandadara ’s other claims to fame are
the Arthur Lake, one of the country’s largest lakes;
Wilson Dam, one of the oldest dams in Asia (built in 1910) and the largest earthen dam in the country;
Mount Kalsubai, the highest mountain peak in Maharashtra (1,646 metres) from where there is a grand view of the lake and the dam; and
cascading waterfalls during the monsoons – the renowned Umbrella falls and the Randha falls.
Besides, its proximity to the pilgrim city of Shirdi makes it a perfect stopover. |
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| How to get there |
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By Air : Nearest airport is Mumbai |
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By Rail : Nearest railhead is Igatpuri, 45 Kms. on Central Railway. |
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By Road : Mumbai - Bhandardara. 165 Kms.
Pune - Bhandardara, 190 Kms.
Nashik - Bhandardara, 60 Kms. |
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| Best Time to Visit |
| January to December but spectacularly beautiful during monsoons. |
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| Interesting Outings |
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Arthur Lake
The pride of Bhandardara id the huge, placid and breathtakingly beautiful Arthur Lake, set like a huge jewel amidst the dense greenery. The lake is formed by the waters of the Pravara River. |
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Wilson Dam
The Wilson Dam also known as Bhandardara Dam is India’s is the largest earthen dam in the country and one of the oldest dams in Asia. It was built in 1910 on the Pravara River and boasts a height of 150m.
At the base of the dam is a circular garden and a swimming pool. The cool placid waters of the river run by for miles. |
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Mount Kalsubai
Towering over Bhandardara like a watchful sentinel is Mt. Kalsubai, at 1,646 meters the highest peak in the Sahyadri range. During Maratha rule, this peak also served as a lookout point. |
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Amriteshwar Temple
An 8-km boat ride on the Arthur Lake takes visitors to the historical Amriteshwar Temple, which houses the idol of Lord Shiva. It is famous for its intricate carvings, in the Hemadpanti style, which can be traced 1,200 years back in history. |
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Ratangadh
A top favourite with trekkers, this historical fort gets its name from the resident deity, Ratneshwaridevi. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shiivaji Maharaj and was one of his favourites. It has a breathtaking view from its ramparts. |
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Umbrella Falls
This artificial waterfall is formed when one of the sluice gates from the Wilson Dam is opened (when water levels rise above acceptable limits during the monsoons or whenever water is needed for irrigation) It is vaguely umbrella-shaped as it fans out over the rocks. A pathway takes you from the park at the foot of the dam to within drenching distance of the falls. |
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Agasti Rishi Ashram
According to the Ramayan, the Agasti Rishsi Ashram, situated on the bank of the Parvara River, was visited by Ram, Laxman and Sita. It was the magical arrow given by Shri Agasti Rishi to Ram that was used to kill Ravana. Legend has it that the rishi meditated here for a year, living on water and air. |
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| For the Religiously Inclined |
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Shirdi
The holy town of Shirdi is located just 130 km. away from Bhandardara. The abode of Sai Baba, one of India’s most revered saints, this pilgrimage center attracts people of every faith, throughout the year. |
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Trimbakeshwar
Approximately 30 kms west of Nasik is the temple of Trimbakeshwar. An ancient Hindu temple , it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.. The source of the Godavari river, the longest river in peninsular India lies in the hills surrounding the temple. |
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