Guide to bhandardara camping
Bhandardara is a Maharashtra hill station located in the Sahyadri Range. Beautiful scenery with rich foliage, pure hills, and, of course, several stunning waterfalls can be found in this untouched region. With the beautiful Arthur lake, Kalsubai climb, and other camping areas, Bhandardara is fast becoming a popular weekend destination for city people from Mumbai and Pune looking for a respite in nature.
Continue reading to learn how to arrange your vacation to the best of your ability! Imagine a romantic setting with comfortable tents erected on the shores of a glistening blue lake and a sky ablaze with millions of stars. The sky is painted diverse shades of blue, purple, and orange as the Sun sets and rises with ultimate elegance. Welcome to Arthur Lake, one of the hill station’s most popular attractions.
While hundreds of fireflies may be seen in the pre-monsoon season, the monsoons and winters provide possibilities for trekking and camping, and Bhandardara’s abundance of crystal clear streams and waterfalls, as well as fishing and boating, making it a year-round tourist destination. Bhandardara provides an unrivalled range of possibilities for all types of travellers looking for a taste of nature and leisure. It is a must-visit weekend getaway place due to its closeness to Mumbai and constantly improving tourism infrastructure.
From Mumbai- Traveling by road in a private vehicle is the best method to get to Bhandardara. Taking public transportation will take some effort, and it can be a long journey with bad roads. Having said that, the bulk of the trip is pleasant, with several restaurants and bathrooms strewn throughout the roadway. Bhandardara is roughly 160-190 kilometres from Mumbai and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to get there by car.
Mumbai and the town are connected via the NH 3 highway. Eastern Express Highway, Mulund, Thane, Kalyan, Nashik Highway, Kasara, Igatpuri, Ghoti Toll booth [turn right], Pimpalgaon, Bhandardara Dam is the best route to take. From Pune- The hill station is about 170 kilometres from the city and takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours to arrive. SH#21 (State Highway) and NH 50 (National Highway) will be utilised. Pune, Narayangaon, Ozar, Otur, Bramhanwada, Kotul, Rajur, Shendi is the route to take (Bhandardara).
The hill station is accessible by road from all regions of Maharashtra thanks to the State route 44 that runs through it. If you depend just on Google Maps to locate campsites around Arthur Lake, it might be difficult. Seek advice from locals or contact your travel operator for directions to the place. There is usually enough parking space close to the campgrounds, however you will have to go down a dusty road to get there. Bikes can ride almost all the way to the lake’s edge. The months of July through September are ideal for seeing the waterfalls, and the foliage surrounding the hills is at its height during the monsoon.
The months of October through February are perfect for activities such as camping and trekking, with the little chill in the air making for an ideal backdrop for a BBQ. Summer is often hot and dry, making it unsuitable for a visit. However, hotels provide excellent off-season rates, and the lake is still stunningly gorgeous with nice evenings. Here are some of the best places to visit in and near Bhandardara.
Arthur Lake– The Pravara River forms the Arthur Lake, which has religious importance because Agastya Rishi meditated here for nearly a year. It’s around 34 kilometres long and serves as a reservoir for the Wilson Dam, which is close. The pristine skies and calm blue lake (with boating facilities) appear beautiful almost all day, as the sun rises and sets, and the stars come out to light up the night sky. Camping, bonfires, stargazing, and nature walks in the neighbouring lush forests are some of the activities that make this site a must-see in Bhandardara.
LOCATION: Approximately 2 kilometres from Bhandardara Village. RATANGAD ( FORT) The Sahyadri mountain range is seen from this historic fort. Ratangad, at 4,255 feet above sea level, provides breathtaking views of the surrounding surroundings.
At the top, there is a natural rock hollow known as ‘Eye of the Needle’ or ‘Nedhe.’ The ‘Jewels of the Fort,’ as they are known, are a must-see for any outdoor aficionado. The smaller of the two caverns atop the Ratangad Fort can hold up to 8-10 people, while the bigger one may hold up to 40-50 people.
LOCATION: Approximately 12 kilometres from Bhandardara. UMBRELLA FALLS The breathtaking waterfall cascades from a height of 500 feet through the lush foliage of the Sahyadri Hills.
The power of the water falling on the naturally arranged round rocks creates the appearance of a “Umbrella,” hence the name “Umbrella Waterfalls.” A footbridge connects the Wilson Dam to the waterfall, providing a spectacular view of the pouring water. Tourists visiting the region may also buy food and refreshments from shacks located throughout the area. Although there is some parking near the Waterfall, it is frequently congested during high season. a)
LOCATION: Bhandardara village is 2.5 kilometres away, while the Bhandardara Bus station is 500 metres away. WHAT TO PACK
We propose the following packing list for camping and walking near Bhandardara:
Backpack –A simple pair of trekking shoes, or even running shoes, would be sufficient for trekking. – Headlamp/torch – Snacks that are dry, such as biscuits, wafers, or nutty bars – A decent sleeping bag/blanket (for camping)
Araincoat/poncho
A good camera for photographing the gorgeous spots
If you’re camping, bring a small travel safe to keep all of your things safe in your tent. – Women should bring Peebuddy because there aren’t many facilities at the campsite or on the hike
– If travelling by automobile, consider bringing a car safety kit like this one. The roads can be difficult, and there aren’t many gas stations or maintenance shops nearby.
