About Bhandardara
Bhandardara is a pristine and traditional village near Pune, Maharashtra. It is the best place to enjoy the weekend holidays in the serene surroundings of the Sahyadri Ranges in the Western Ghats, Maharashtra. There is a dam also whose name is based on the Bhandardara Village that is Bhandardara Dam. The exact location is Akole Tehsil, District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, and nearby Igatpuri, which serves as the nearest railway station to it. The distance between Mumbai and Bhandardara is 166 kilometers (103 Miles), and from Pune, it is 172 Kilometres(106 Miles). From the distance factor point of view, you can observe that Bhandardara is somewhere in the middle of both the major cities of Maharashtra. Due to the covered-up by lush green surroundings and enriched flora and fauna of Western Ghats, this place is also known as the - “Queen of Sahyadri.”
The Bhandardara is of hilly area type but not suitable for the summers as here you will experience the humidity and scorching heat. It becomes a paradise after the mid-session of Monsoon, and February remains the best spot for camping, trekking, sightseeing, and a perfect weekend getaway far from the crowded life of Mumbai and Pune. The climate and temperature at Bhandardara can be divided into four parts: Summer, Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter.
The Summer season commences in March and retains till May. At this time temperature lies between 20°C (68°F) to 38°C (100°F). The night remains cold, but the days are mild, and the sky remains clear. From June, the monsoon starts here and is retained till September. In the monsoon season, Bhandardara receives heavy rainfall. The humidity is high, but the wind remains cold. The minimum temperature recorded in monsoon is 24°C (75°F), and the maximum temperature goes up to 33°C (91°F). October to November is the season of Autumn, and the temperature is 20°C (°68F) to 29°C (84.2°F). The clarity of the sky is on the verge, and it is the best time to visit Bhandara Camping. From December to February, this place will be most pleasant, where during the day and night, you can feel the cool breezes from the Sahyadri Hills. In the winter minimum temperature is 8°C (46°F), and the maximum is 19°C (66°F).
About Bhandardara Camping:
Bhandara Camping is the best of the best ways to relieve yourself from routine life stress. It is the place where you can enjoy lakeside camping at Bhandardara Dam. From the campsite, you can enjoy nature's craftsmanship. The campsites at Bhandardara lake provide you with all the chances to capture the beauty in your eyes and camera forever. You will be mesmerized after seeing the panoramic views of the lake and surroundings.
To enjoy Bhandardara Camping, reach the campsite by town till evening at 5:00 PM and check in at your camp. The tents provided are so cozy, so have some little rest and then experience the serene surroundings followed by a sunset view. When it is getting dark outside, reach the campsite and settle down near the bonfire for chit chat with friends and intro with other campmates. At the night, you will see another wonder of nature which is fireflies near your campsite. It will be an enjoyable experience to have dinner under the sky with a bonfire. After enjoying this time, you may retire to your tent.
The Morning will be so beautiful at Bhandardara lakeside camping. Enjoy the sunrise, followed by getting some poster pictures by your camera. Have breakfast, relax for a while, and pack your bags to return to your sweet home with the best memories of Bhandardara Camping.
Best Time to Visit:-
Although suitable for a visit any time of the year, Bhandara unveils its spellbinding charm in the monsoon months of June till September when the climate is cool and breezy as opposed to the summer when it's quite hot and humid. Temperatures range between 20 degrees C to 30 degrees C. Hence, the months between June and March tend to be ideal times to visit Bhandardara. The downpours during these months create breathtaking sights for one to explore.
Bhandardara in Winter (October - February)
Beginning from October - February, the winter season is the most advisable time for a visit to Bhandardara. The temperatures here fall to nearly 10 degrees C. This cozy weather woos tourists from nearby cities (Mumbai and Pune) for spending a day or two amidst lush greenery and peaceful surroundings. The cold winter breeze adds to the enchantment of the place. The days become shorter in winter, so you might not get an ample amount of sunlight to explore the place thoroughly in one day. This is also the time when migratory birds cross this place, making it a spectacular sight for bird watchers. Carry light woolen clothes to keep yourself warm.
Visit Bhandardara for its scenic beauty. Lush green hills against a background of dazzling lake and a clear blue sky make for the perfect sight, with the waterfalls adding to its charm.
Bhandardara in Monsoon (July - September)
Beginning in the month of June and ending in September, the monsoon season in Bhandardara is heavenly. The natural beauty of Bhandardara enriches in monsoon. The temperatures are perfect, ranging from 20 degrees C to 30 degrees C. This is the best time to visit the place as you need not worry about the scorching sun, and there's still plenty of sunlight to roam about in. You could plan a picnic near lake Bhandardara, visit the famous Wilson Dam which is at its best in monsoon, and Radha waterfalls to witness water gushing down a hilltop – a sight you wouldn't want to miss.
Bhandardara in Summer (March - June)
Summers are not much appealing in Bhandardara. The temperatures go up to 35 degrees C. Although nights are cooler, the hot and sticky afternoons make it too uncomfortable to head out and enjoy the pure and pristine beauty of the hill. Summers start in March and continue till May, after which light showers help cool down the place. Summer is considered off-season. So this is the perfect time for bargain hunters and backpackers traveling on a tight budget. This is also the best time to plan a trek and camp with your squad. Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra is a challenging trekking option if you are up for it.
Things to Do At Bhandardara Lake:
If you have more time available, then you can visit nearby places to Bhandardara on your own after check-out from the campsite. The places to visit at Bhandardara are the following:
- Sandhan Valley
- Kalsubai Peak
- Pawna Lake
- Randha Waterfall
- Umbrella Waterfall
- Amruteshwar Mahadev Temple
- Samrad Village
- Ratangad Fort
- Bhavali Dam
- Wilson Dam
- Alang Madan Kulang
- Fireflies at Purushwadi
Other than sightseeing and trekking you can enjoy activities like
- Boating
- Angling
- Bird Watching
- Photography
How to Reach Bhandardara:
The Bhandardara is well connected with all major cities of Maharashtra. The best option to reach Bhandardara is by road and train.
By Road:
Bhandardara is located at a distance of 103 miles(166 Km) from Mumbai, and the distance between Bhandardara and Pune is 106 miles(172 Km). There are state transport buses and private buses available to reach there. Other than this, you can also hire a private cab from Mumbai or Pune. If you want to reach there in your vehicle, then it will also be the best.
By Train:
Igatpuri is the nearest major city to Bhandardara, which has the railhead also. The Igatpuri railway station is on the Mumbai - Nashik rail route. So by boarding on the train first reach there. The distance between Igatpuri and Bhandardara is 45 km. Outside the station, you can catch the shared jeep or hire a private vehicle for you to reach the Bhandardara Campsite. If you are planning to reach Pune by train, then first you have to board the Indrayani SF Express till Kalyan Junction, and from there, you have to catch Ratnagiri SF Express to reach Igatpuri.
By Flight:
If you are planning to visit Bhandardara from other parts of the country, then Mumbai and Pune airports are nearby airports.
