Bhandardhara Hill Station

About Bhandardhara Hill Station

Bhandardara is 180 km north east of Mumbai. It is located on the banks of the Parvara River. It is the nearest of all the hill stations to the highest peak in the Sahyadaris, Mt. Kalsubai. Bhandardara, is the most calm and rustic hill station among all. Here you get the real taste of the rural Maharashtra and coming here definitely cuts you off from the hectic city life. With the cleanest of air and water, you well get the most refreshing trips of your life in Bhandardara. A walk in the nature along the shores of the lakes will give you the best possible relaxation.

Bhandardara is located at a distance of 70 km from Nashik.This hill station is popular for fun loving and picnic lovers. Radha Falls, a deep valley, a clean and large Arthur Lake, a historical Ratangadh Fort, an ancient temple - Amritheshwar Temple, a peaceful Agasti Rishi Ashram, Wilson Dam also known as Bhandardara Dam, and Viewpoints are the important destinations at Bhandarda. It also has a trekking destination - Mount Kalusubai.

To reach Bhandardara, detrain at Igatpuri. If you are traveling 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 marvelous retreat. Although it is just about an hour’s journey, the sights are spectacular. Fluorescent green paddy fields contrast with 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.

The largest earthen dam in the country and one of the oldest dams in Asia, Wilson Dam or Bhandardara Dam is at Bhandardara. The height of the dam is nearly 150 m. The overflowing water makes the Umbrella Falls, which is a picturesque sight during the monsoon season.

Interesting things to Visit

There is also a lake with serene beauty called Arthur Lake. One can also visit the site from where the lake originates at Pravara River. Streamlets from this lake flow down to 45m heights at Randha Falls. Not only a heart catching scenic spot, these falls also serves as a hydropower generation.

Agasti Rishi Ashram is on the bank of the Pravara River, which attracts huge crowds.

One can also visit Amriteshwar Temple at Bhandardara.

Wilson Dam/ Bhandardara Dam : The Wilson Dam also known as Bhandardara Dam at a height of 150m is the largest earthen dam in the country and one of the oldest in Asia. At the base of the dam is a circular garden & a swimming pool. It is a beauty in itself and a very serene spot for the regular picnickers. An attraction of this place is the Umbrella Falls, which provides a most picturesque sight. The falls are best enjoyed in monsoon, when the water level is amazingly high.

Arthur Lake : Bhandardara hosts an extravagant Arthur Lake amidst the dense greenery. The lake water originates from the Pravara River. Streamlets from the lake gush down 45m and are known as the Randha Falls. A scenic spot, these falls have a great significance of being used for hydropower generation. On the bank of the Pravara River is the Agasti Rishi Ashram. The ashram attracts crowds from all over.

Mount Kalsubai : Mount Kalsubai is the highest peak of Maharashtra, on the Sahyadri range. Standing at an altitude of 1,646m above sea level, this mountain is famous for trekking. It also gives breathtaking views of the Arthur Lake and the Wilson Dam. 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.

Ghatghar : It is one of the famous viewpoints. It is situated 22kms from Bhandardara and offers excellent views of the Sahyadri ranges.

Nearest Visiting places

• Amruteshwar temple built in 8th century
• Ratnagad Fort
• Konkan Kada sky rising peaks of the Sahyadri hills
• Trimbakeshwar
• Shirdi
• Nashik

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

• Anand Van Resort
• Patang Hotel
• Vaity Ropeway Resort
• Savshanti Hotel
• Hotel Anando

Help Line/Phone Number

Bhima River originates in Bhimashankar hills near Karjat on the western side of Western Ghats, known as Sahyadri, in Maharashtra state in India. Bhima flows southeast for 725 km through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh states. Bhima is the most important tributary of the Krishna river, which is one of the two majors rivers in Maharastra, the other being Godavari River. Nira confluences with Bhima in Narsingpur, Solapur. Bhima is a major tributary of the Krishna River. Its banks are densely populated and form a fertile agricultural area.The river is prone to flooding due to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season…..more

Built in 1926, Bhandardara Dam, noted for its vantage points for nature watching, lies across the Arthur Lake in Ahmednagar District. It is one of the oldest dams in Asia, situated at a height of 750 m from mean sea level. The dam is also known for its Umbrella Falls which provides an awe-inspiring sight to visitors. About 11 km from the dam is another waterfall known as the Randha Falls……more

Copyright 2016 HolidayLandmark All rights reserved

Location info

• Address:70 km from Nashik

• District:Nashik

• Nearest City:Nashik

• Best time to visit:Bhandardara is most suited to visit after the monsoon season as its beauty emerges only after the rains

Climate & weather

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

Things to do at Bhandardhara Hill Station

Watersports in the vast Bhandardara lake. Enjoy the Beauty of the place.

How to reach Bhandardhara Hill Station

• Nearest Railway Station:nearest railway station is Igatpuri at (45 km).

• Nearest Airport:Airport is Nashik at (93 km)

• Road Transport:Bombay - Bhandardara 185 km. Pune - Bhandardara 191-km. Buses ply regularly from Igatpuri to Bhandardara

Nearest petrol pump

On the Highway or at the City.

Things to carry

Water and clothes are essential things. U can carry a camera too for capturing the beauty.

Best time to visit Bhandardhara Hill Station

Throughout the year. Monsoon (June–September) brings lush greenery. Winter (October–February) offers clear skies and cool weather. Summer (March–May) provides an escape from the plains heat.

Timings & opening hours

Accessible 24 hours. Most viewpoints and attractions are open from sunrise to sunset.

Entry fee & tickets

Free entry to the hill station. Specific viewpoints and attractions may have nominal entry fees of INR 10–50.

Duration needed

1–2 days to experience the hill station fully. Day trips are possible for nearby hill stations.

Safety tips

Carry warm clothing even in summer as evenings can be cool. Drive carefully on ghat roads — fog and rain reduce visibility. Stick to marked trails when trekking. Avoid venturing alone into forested areas after dark.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Pune International Airport (PNQ) or Mumbai International Airport (BOM). Nearest railway station: Lonavala or Pune Railway Station. Well-connected by road from Mumbai and Pune.

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 Bhandardhara Hill Station

This hill station in the Western Ghats was developed during the British colonial era as a summer retreat. Its cool climate and scenic beauty have made it a popular holiday destination.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Bhandardhara Hill Station? The hill station is pleasant year-round. Monsoon (June–September) brings lush greenery. Winter (October–February) offers clear skies. Summer provides an escape from the plains heat.

How many days are needed? 1–2 days is sufficient for most hill stations. A weekend trip is ideal from Mumbai or Pune.

Are there trekking trails? Yes, most hill stations have designated trekking trails through the surrounding hills and forests. Local guides can be hired for guided treks.

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: October to June for pleasant climate
• Ideal duration: 1-2 days recommended for full experience
• Climate: Pleasant year-round with cool temperatures
• Activities: Trekking, nature walks, sightseeing, and bird watching

Visitor information

• Timings: Generally open from sunrise to sunset. Verify local timings before planning your visit.
• Entry fee: Free entry to the hill station. Point-of-interest attractions may have separate 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: Bhandardhara Hill Station
• State: Maharashtra, India
• Region: Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Maharashtra
• How to reach: Accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. Local transport options include buses and taxis.
• Google Maps: Search for “Bhandardhara Hill Station, Maharashtra” on Google Maps for precise directions and navigation.

Photo gallery of Bhandardhara Hill Station

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