A serene weekend getaway from Mumbai
Monsoons make Maharashtra magical! It is the best time to plan a long road trip from Mumbai and visit Bhandardara, one of the best monsoon tourist destinations. If you are planning a trip to this picturesque town in the Sahaydris, read on for a detailed 1 day itinerary for Bhandardara.
“Why is Bhandardara famous you ask?”. The simple answer is that is a gorgeous weekend destination which delight you in every way possible. Located near the Pravara River, Bhandardara has several historical places that one can visit. These include the Wilson Dam, Ratangad Fort, Alang Fort, Harishchandragad fort Madangad fort and Kulanggad fort. It is home to some of the best waterfalls in Maharashtra, temples and also has great camping sites. If you are looking for some places to visit near Bhandardara, then this itineary is for you!
You must have heard of this saying several times… it’s not the destination that matters. It’s the journey that does. The Bhandardara Road trip will almost translate this quote into a reality. Bhandardara is an enthralling landscape that turns into a magical paradise during monsoon, almost like a dream sequence: beautiful mountains breathing into the lush green surroundings, clouds touching you from the skies, and the winds murmuring behind your ears. And when you have some lovely people accompanying you on your journey, the fun even multiplies.
Bhandardara: One of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai
Bhandardara is a small town in Maharashtra, located at an elevation of about 740 metres. It has been named after the lake Bhandar (lake) and Dhara (flow). It is situated at a height of around 2000 feet above sea level, which makes it cooler than its neighbouring locations.
A brief history of Bhandardara
Located in the Akole tehsil of Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Bhandardara is a gorgeous town that attracts tourists from all over Maharashtra. The Wilson Dam, built during the British regime was responsible for the prosperity of Bhandardara.
BRIEF ITINERARY
Train schedule and reporting time:
- CSMT- 4:45 am (5:00 am train time)
- Byculla- 4:50 am (5:08 am train time)
- Dadar- 5:00 am (5:18 am train time)
- Kurla- 5:10 am (5:28 am train time)
- Ghatkopar- 5:20 am (5:34 am train time)
- Mulund- 5:30 am (5:50 am train time)
- Thane- 7:45 am (5:55 am train time)
- Dombivali- 6:00 am (6:18 am train time)
- Kalyan- 6:15 am (6:29 am train time)
- Kasara – 7:39 am.
Note: Request you to be on time as we shall not be responsible in case you miss your train by any chance.
Bhavali Dam -> Necklace Falls -> Bhandardara Lake -> Bhandardara Dam -> Amruteshwar Temple -> Randha falls
- Start our journey at 5:00 am and consecutively board the Kasara local train from preferred boarding points.
- Meet and greet at Kasara station and have breakfast.
- Start the road trip and head straight to the Bhavali dam for some fun amidst the waterfall!
- Head to the dam to witness the marvellous structure, the magnificent Bhandardara lake, and the Umbrella waterfall.
- After a delicious lunch at Muthkhel village, we explore Necklace falls.
- on the way halt for Lunch explore.
- Last but not the least, visit the beautiful Randha falls, following which, we start our drive back to Kasara.
Note: Umbrella waterfall is active only when the dam is open, if the dam is closed we will visit Bhandardara waterfall instead of Umbrella falls
What is included in the tour
- Transportation from Kasara and back
- 1 breakfast
- 1 Lunch
- Expert Bhatakna Buddy
- Basic first aid
- Travelling within Bhandardara Dam, Bhavali Dam, and surroundings
What is NOT included in the tour
- 5% GST
- Cost of train tickets
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in Inclusions
- Identify proof (Original Compulsory)
- Backpack
- Trekking Shoes
- Power banks for charging electronic devices
- Cap, Goggles, Sunscreen, etc.
- Pair of clothes as much required (shorts, track pants or any comfortable clothing you wish for)
- Personal medicines
- Sanitary kit
- Towel
- Bluetooth speakers
- Warm clothes
- Rain wear
- Avoid carrying heavy weight for the trek.
- Floaters and Sandals are not allowed, please wear sports shoes or trekking shoes of good quality.
- Put clothes, money, camera, phone etc in polythenes while packing
- Use repellents to keep bugs away Make note of nearest railway station, bus stop, taxi stand etc.
- Do not stray away from your group during the trek Keep family & friends informed about your whereabouts
1. Can I travel solo?
Of course, you can, we always have people joining solo and they go back home making many new friends.
2. How and when will your team coordinate with me?
We make a WhatsApp group of all the participants, besides, one day before the event, and share all the necessary details in it.
3. How do I join if I am from Pune?
If you’re from Pune, kindly meet us at Kasara.
4. Is this trip kids-friendly?
Yes, kids above the age of 5 can join this trip
5. How many days are required to visit Bhandardara?
Sightseeing will essentially consume. 1 day of the itinerary including Kalsubai Peak, Umbrella Falls, Arthur Lake, Amruteshwar Temple, Agastya Rishi Ashram and Wilson Dam. 2 days can be spent trekking and camping at the Kalsubai Peak, Sandhan Valley, Bhandardara Dam or near the Umbrella and Randha Falls.
6. How to travel in Bhandardara?
By Road. Igatpuri is the nearest transport city that is connected to Bhandardara from other major cities. MSRTC buses connect Thane, Nashik and Mumbai and a single service from Pune to Igatpuri and from thereon to Bhandardara.
7. Why is Bhandardara famous?
Bhandardara is home to Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak (5,400 ft or 1,600 m) in Maharashtra. Another tourist attraction is the Wilson Dam on the Pravara River, which was built in 1910. The Umbrella Falls also draw visitors, although it can be seen only during the monsoons between July and October.
Kasara Railway Station
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days prior to the event date.
- 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days prior to the event date.
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets can be transferred to another person against cancellation.
Terms and conditions
- Rs.500 Advance payment is Non Refundable.
- If you are not feeling well already then kindly do not book the tickets.
- Seats are on the basis on 1st come - 1st serve basis. While returning also you have to sit on your initial Seat.
- Please carry a valid ID proof along with you.
- Tickets once booked cannot be exchanged
- Hiking / Trekking / Rock climbing is an adventurous activity and accidents can happen in spite of taking utmost caution and care. Bhatakna Tours & Travels are not responsible for any injury or damage occurring due to the event.
- Participants with any medical issues /history are not allowed to opt for this event. If he/she does so that it is done at the participant's risk. The management won't be responsible for any incident.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- Leaders’ decisions will be final and binding.
- Participants or Members are responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
- Team reserves all the right to change/deviate/cancel the plans without prior notice.
