Bhandardara
About the city
Bhandardara has a special charm. An easygoing, sleepy, rustic charm, that makes it a refreshing getaway for both the active and the not-so-active tourist. Here you can relax in nature's cradle and gaze out dreamily over a placid lake. Coming to Bhandardara is truly getting away from city life. No five-star comforts here, no luxury dining. What you get is a taste of rural Maharashtra and a healthy dose of clean air, greenery and natural beauty. The huge expanse of Bhandardara Lake and the thundering Randha Waterfalls are the chief spectator attractions here, and after ticking them off on your itinerary you can comfortably plop into an armchair and enjoy your lazy weekend. If you are an avid student of history or archaeology, Bhandardara can take you back a few millennia. Or, bring your line and tackle along and find a suitable spot for angling. But that's not all there is plenty of scope for an active weekend. Ask any trekker who knows the Sahyadris and they will tell you you are in the right place to get into active gear and climb a rugged fort or peak. From Bhandardara you can attempt the famous Ratangad and Harishchandragad forts. A little further afield are the famous Ajoba, or grandfather peak, and Ghanchakkar. Or perhaps you are here with a predetermined aim to undertake a physically demanding hike up the highest peak in Maharashtra.There are jeeps available at the village square in Shendi, just 3 km away, to take you on a tour of the predetermined points of interest around Bhandardara, but this often ends up being just a long drive and not worth the money. Instead, set your own itinerary and take the hired jeep only to places of your choice, or just hop on and off the many jeeps that ferry locals from one village to another. The last option is cheap and you get a taste of how the residents commute. Some ferries ply on the lake but these are irregular. Check with the officials at the dam for details.