Bhandardara Arthur Lake courtesy ruturaj.net
The rain was thin but uninterrupted when we left Mumbai. The metropolis was crowded, damp and depressing. It took us about 2 hours to reach at the base of the Ghats (hills) at the village KASARA. This is where the fun began. From there onward as we gained altitude, the temperature dropped, the rain intesified and suddenly clouds engulfed us. With difficulty we could locate MANAS RESORT at Igatpuri, a good stop over to BHANDADARA on NH3. Igatpuri is also the only rail road station to BHANDARDARA from where you can either take a bus or a taxi.
The clouds were inside the back lawns of the Manas Resort and we stood still there watching the captivating sight, totally mesmerized! We enjoyed Paneer Pakoras and Spiced tea and soon left driving through clouds and fog? on NH3 (NASIK NATIONAL HIGHWAY).
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| Ride in Rains |
A 10 KMs drive brought us to a place called Ghoti from where we took a left on the State Highway toward Bhandardara. Soon we saw a sign board on right pointing Bhandardara. It was a narrow road with a slow gradient up, passing through a village. The road was surrounded by a green carpet on both sides with hills in the backdrop. I was enjoying the pristine landscape drenched with rains, hills crowned with Monsoon clouds and numerous milky water falls. We drove 45 minutes and were close to Bhandardara when the rain intensified into a sheet. A sharp gradient took us up. And there it was!
We went to Anandvan, a very good resort for a light lunch but finally settled for MTDC Resort for famous fish curry and rice.
And then we saw it-THE ARTHUR LAKE. Wow,
what a view ! (see above top picture)
The food was good, though in the rains the restaurant on the first floor was untidy and no match to the restaurant at Anandvan Resort. However, looking at the difference of cost (MTDC-is less than half) to Anandvan Resort, we settled for MTDC Resort and it was not a bad decicion, as we found out later. The rooms were facing the lake below.
Bhandardara comes under Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra and is one of the finest jewels in the Sahyadri Hills. Bhandardara is quick escape from the hustle - bustle of Mumbai.
Bhandardara is at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level. It is located on the banks of the Pravara River. According to the legend, Agasti Rishi meditated here for a year without a morsel of food, surviving only on water and air. Pleased with his devotion, god came down to the earth and blessed Agasti Rishi with a stream of the Ganga river, which is now known as the Pravara River.
Next 2 days we visited most of the sightseeing places around Bhandardara, the details of which are mentioned below:
Things to see and do:
- Kalsubai Peak: The magnificent image of Mount Kalsubai is reflected in the backwaters of the Wilson Dam. While in the early times this peak served as a watchtower to the Marathas, today it’s turned into a gorgeous tourist attraction. An ideal place for those who enjoy trekking, and those energetically inclined can hike up to the temple. Watch out for the mist that makes the path steep and treacherous.
- Wilson Dam: A popular site for picnicking, built in 1910, on the Pravara River, this dam is one of the oldest. It offers you a spectacular view of the scenic Umbrella Falls as well as Lake Arthur that attracts crowds from all over. Monsoons are definitely the best time to catch a view of this breathtaking beauty.
- Agasti Rishi Ashram: On the banks of the Parvara River, is the Agasti Rishi Ashram that finds a place in the scripts of the Ramayan. It is here that Ram is said to have visited Agasti Rishi. The ashram, although under renovation, attracts devotees and crowds from all over.
- Randha Falls: Most certainly enjoyed in the monsoons these picturesque falls lie downstream on the Parava River. The river plunges into a deep gorge with stream lets from the lake cascading way down. Watch your step, as the place does not have any railings.
- Amruteshwar Temple: Accessible by boat, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to be about 1000 years old. The intricate Hemadpanti architectural style carvings give it a magnificently historical look.
- Ratangad Fort: A favourite spot for trekkers, the fort is definitely a thrill and awaits to surprise you. Once a favourite abode to Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj the top of the fort has two caves which offers breathtaking panoramic views all around.
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