Bhandardara Dam

About Bhandardara Dam

Bhandardara is accessible from Nasik which is at a distance of about 70 km from here. The nearest airport is at Mumbai and the nearest railhead is Igatpuri on Central Railway (45 km).

Interesting things to Visit

Wilson Dam is a lovely site for picnicking. Built in 1910 on the Pravara river, the dam is almost 150 meters above the sea level and attracts crowds from all over the country. The cool placid waters of the river run by the miles.

The umbrella falls are also in the vicinity, Unfortunately, these picturesque falls are enjoyed only during the monsoons when the water level in the lake is considerably high.

Streamlets from the lake cascade down 45 meters as the Randha Falls - an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. Besides being a scenic spot, these falls are also used for hydro power generation.

Mount Kalsubai
Overlooking Bhandardara, you can see Mt. Kalsubai, the highest peak (1,646 meters) in the Sahyadri range. During the Maratha rule, this peak point served as the watchtower. It is an ideal place for those who enjoy trekking, as are the surrounding hills. There is a small temple at the top, with an old well in its backyard. Legend has it that the level of the well water never drops below 3 feet.

Agasti Rishi Ashram
Situated on the bank of the Pravara River, this legendary dwelling finds a place in the scripts of the Ramayan. It is said that Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita visited Agasti Rishi. The Rishi had then given Lord Rama a miraculous arrow which was used to kill the devil, Ravana, in order to rescue Sita.

The ashram, although under renovation, manages to attract crowds from all over.

Ratangadh
The fort lies only a few kilometers away from the MTDC resort. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was only of his favorites. The fort is a breathtaking view and provides ample grounds for trekkers.

Amriteshwar
This temple dates back to 1100 AD. Built in a distinct Hemadpanti style, the intricately carved temple still stands proud. Other places worth visiting are Konkan Kada (another trekker’s delight), a small garden and a swimming tank.

Help Line/Phone Number

Great Indian Bustard Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over two districts of Ahmednagar and Solapur in Maharashtra. The vegetation is arid and semi-arid grasslands, open country with thorn scrub, tall grass interspersed with cultivation.Common species found here are Great Indian bustard, blackbuck, wolf, Indian fox, hyena and common mongoose……more

Shirdi is famous temple of Shri Sai Baba. It was established in 1922 to carry out the services of Shri Sai Baba. Shirdi provide various facilities for the devotees. A building to accommodate 3500 devotees, having 560 self-contained rooms and two spacious halls has been constructed here.There is a Sai Baba sansthan also which provides support to many noble causes. As Sai Baba used to cure many diseases, So Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi built a ‘Shri Sainath’ Hospital to continue to provide service to patients……more

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Location info

• Address:70 km from Nasik

• District: Ahmednagar

• Nearest City: Nasik

• Best time to visit: Any Time

Climate & weather

Since it is in the interior regions of Maharashtra, the place experiences extreme climatic changes. The summers are very hot and the winters quite cold.

How to reach Bhandardara Dam

• Nearest Railway Station: railhead is Igatpuri on Central Railway (45 km).

• Nearest Airport:Mumbai International Airport

• Road Transport:Bhandardara is accessible from Nasik which is at a distance of about 70 km from here.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

The MTDC holiday resort at Bhandardara is in a prime location. The rooms have spectacular views of the Wilson Dam at one end, and of 22 Kms. of backwater (the Arthur Lake) at the other.

Best time to visit Bhandardara Dam

July to March: post-monsoon when water levels are high. During peak summer, water levels may be low.

Timings & opening hours

Typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. May be restricted during monsoon or high water levels.

Entry fee & tickets

Free entry or nominal fee of INR 10–30 per person. Some dams have separate parking charges.

Duration needed

1–2 hours to view the dam and surrounding area. Combine with nearby picnic spots for a half-day outing.

Safety tips

Follow safety instructions from dam authorities. Do not venture into restricted areas or deep water. Be cautious near spillways during monsoon — water levels can rise suddenly.

Things to carry

Water bottle, snacks, camera, and comfortable walking shoes. A hat and sunscreen for sunny days.

Nearby visiting places

Other dams in the region, nearby picnic spots, waterfalls, and temples.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: depends on location. Nearest railway station: the nearest station on the Central or Konkan Railway. Accessible by state highways and district roads.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide excellent coverage across Maharashtra’s cities (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur) and major tourist areas. 4G is reliable along highways and in most towns. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Tadoba, Melghat, and certain ghat sections. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Maharashtrian cuisine — missal pav, vada pav, puran poli, and local thalis — is widely available.

History of Bhandardara Dam

This dam was constructed to serve the irrigation and drinking water needs of the region. Many dams in Maharashtra were built in the post-independence era as part of major river valley projects. They also contribute to hydroelectric power generation.

Things to do at Bhandardara Dam

View the impressive dam structure and reservoir from designated viewpoints. Enjoy a picnic in the surrounding green areas. Visit during the post-monsoon season when the dam is full and the spillway is active. Many dams have well-maintained gardens nearby.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road to Bhandardara Dam. It is advisable to fill fuel before heading to remote areas, especially hill forts and wildlife sanctuaries.

Frequently asked questions

Is the dam open to the public? Most dams have designated viewing areas open to the public. Access to the dam structure itself may be restricted for security reasons.

When is the best time to visit? Post-monsoon (October–February) when the reservoir is full offers the best views. During summer, water levels may be low.

Are there any boating facilities? Some dams have boating facilities on the reservoir. Check locally for availability and safety regulations.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Location: Maharashtra
• Best time to visit: August to February when water levels are high
• Ideal duration: 1-2 hours
• Entry: Free entry; parking may have nominal charges
• Access: Well-connected by road; scenic drive to the location

Visitor information

• Timings: Generally open from sunrise to sunset. Verify local timings before planning your visit.
• Entry fee: Free entry. Some dams may have nominal visitor fees.
• Best time to visit: October to March for the most comfortable weather conditions.
• Duration needed: 1 to 2 hours recommended for a comfortable visit.

Map & location view

• Destination: Bhandardara Dam
• State: Maharashtra, India
• Region: river valley region of Maharashtra
• How to reach: Accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. Local transport options include buses and taxis.
• Google Maps: Search for “Bhandardara Dam, Maharashtra” on Google Maps for precise directions and navigation.

Photo gallery of Bhandardara Dam

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Bhandardara Dam on popular travel photography sites and social media.