This is first of the 3 part series of post detailing a trip to romantic and serene monsoon getaway Bhandardara situated amidst the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India.
Get. Set.. Go…
With the onset of monsoon, I was itching to go and enjoy the greenery and the waterfalls that it brings to numerous locations near Mumbai. There were several popular destinations to choose from including Lonavala, Khopoli, Bhivpuri, Matheran etc. However, taking advice from few friends, I decided to choose Bhandardara. Bhandardara is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra state, about 180 kilometers from Mumbai.
Bhandardara is full of attractions and natural beauty. Come rain and the entire landscape turns picturesque blending different shades of green. The place is still less urban compare to other tourist counterparts, thus enabling us to leave the concrete jungle and enjoy nature at its fullest. The Arthur lake surrounded by the mountains hosting numerous waterfalls makes for an unforgettable experience. For more details please visit Bhandardara Wiki.
After some convincing, my wife, her family and my sister was ready to set for a three day trip to Bhandardara. We decided to depart from Mumbai on Thursday morning and arrive back by Saturday evening. We avoided the weekend as popular destinations are very crowded during this time and spoil the experience.
Pre journey checklist
Bhandardara is a go to destination for trek enthusiast. You will find lots of trekking points including Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra. In case you are giving a thought to going for a trek, make sure you stack up good pair of shoes with proper grip and jeans in your travel bag. Since I was travelling with family, trekking was not an option. I decided to pack three-quarter shorts as they are more comfortable and take less space compare to jeans. Remember to pack an extra day’s clothing as the monsoon climate guarantees to get your clothes wet. Carry a first-aid kit as medical stores and hospitals are not easily accessible if you are travelling outside the main village area.
Climatic Conditions
Bhandardara witness cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. It is always breezy and does not let the summer heat get you. Winters are chilly, so make sure to pack warm clothes. During monsoon season, the rain lashes at you almost continuously.
Sea level : 2800 feet above sea level
Average rain fall : 155 inches
How to reach Bhandardara
By Train: Igatpuri is the nearest railway station on Central Railway at a distance of 45 km.
By Air: The nearest airport is Mumbai 177 km. away.
By Road: Bhandardara is well connected with Mumbai and other nearby places via roadways.
Mumbai to Bhandardara – 170 km. (via kasara-Igatpuri-Ghoti)
Nashik to Bhandardara – 65 km. (via Ghoti)
Pune to Bhandardara – 190 km. (via Narayangaon-Sangamner-Akole)
Shirdi to Bhandardara – 110 km. (via Sinnar)
Mumbai to Bhandardara by road
We decided to travel Bhandardara via road. Out of the three options to take, we choose to go through the NH3 and take a right just few kilometers after Igatpuri and reach Bhandardara via Ghoti. The roads are in much better condition and it was a pleasure to drive amidst the greenery.
- National Highway 3 and State Highway 44 (Mumbai – Kalyan – Asangaon – Shenwa – Ghatghar – Kalsubai – Bhandardara)
- National Highway 3 (Mumbai – Kalyan – Asangaon – Kasara – Igatpuri – Ghoti – Bhandardara)
- National Highway 222 ( Mumbai – Kalyan – Kasgaon – Ghatghar – Kalsubai – Bhandardara)
We started at 7 am in the morning and reached there by 11 am (includes stoppage for breakfast). We were greeted by cool breeze and different shades of green everywhere. Just entering Bhandardara, I knew the next three days will by an enjoyable experience. I put my mobile in the offline mode and started to look forward to it.
Stay tuned for the second post of the 3 part review.
