Bhandardara

Bhandardara sits by the Pravara River, and is a blend of natural beauty, waterfalls, mountains, tranquility, greenery, invigorating air and pristine ambiance. The Bhandardara Lake and the Randha falls are major tourist attractions. Its 35 km far from Igatpuri.

A village near Bhandardara

Village Folks at Bhandardara

Bhandardara is full of attractions – from Wilson Dam to Arthur Lake. As legend has it, Shri Agasti Rishi meditated here for a year, surviving only on water and air, pleased with this display of devotion, God came down to Earth and blessed Shri Agasti Rishi with a stream of the Ganga river, which is now known as the Pravara River.
From Bhandardara, you can climb up to see the Ratangad and Harishchandragad fort. Or, you can follow the trails that lead to Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks. Also, if you are up for a challenge, the highest peak in Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai (1646 m), stands tall for you to conquer. The starting point of this challenging trek is Bari Village, located 12 km away from Bhandardara. Atop, there is a small temple and standing. Standing at the summit, you can have panoramic view of Sahyadris and Bhandardara.

Kalsubai

         Kalsubai is the Maharshtra's highest peak (1646 meters).From Igatpuri take the early morning bus (at around 5.00 am from the Igatpuri Bus Stand) going towards Pune and alight at Bari.It usually takes three hours to reach the top from Bari. Soon after leaving Bari, a small stream is crossed followed soon after by a Hanuman temple. The route from behind this temple takes the hiker straight to the summit. There are three iron ladders along this route. There is a well near the last iron ladder as one approaches the top but the water is not potable during the summer. The rest of the route is without water, so it is best to fill water bottles in Bari. It is an easy hike, but parts of it are quite steep in places.
         At the summit is a small temple of Kalsubai, which can seat just three people. The vastly spread out backwaters of Bhandardara attracts ones attention from the top. To the north of the mountain range forts such as Ramsej, Harihargad, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai can be seen. To the east one can spot Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad, to the west Alang, Madangad, Kulang, Ratangad (south west) and to the south Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar, Harishchandragad can be seen.

Dhammagiri (Vipassana vishw vidyapeeth)

On the base of the mountain, located at the outskirts of the village, is a ‘math’ (house of saints). This place is known for the ‘Vipassana’- a Buddhist style of meditation and attracts people from various parts of India as well as abroad. ‘Vipassana’ has made Igatpuri famous throughout the world, and the famous pagoda of Dhammagiri serves as a landmark for Igatpuri.

Lakes of Igatpuri

Igatpuri is home to many lakes, namely the lake owned by the municipality, the railway’s lake, the Talegaon Lake and so on. The lakesides are the best places to spend a peaceful and soothing evening.
Tringalwadi Fort - Behind the Mahindra Company in Igatpuri, a turban like peak of the Tringalwadi Fort can be spotted. A small path on the edge of the mountain adjoining Igatpuri leads to this fort. The steps and walls of this 3000ft high fort still stand in fine condition. Behind the fort, on the edge, is a Hanuman temple. The secret path is a must see. From atop the fort, the mountain range from Kumpan to Kalsubai can be seen in a row. The peaks of Utvad and Harihar can also be spotted. A picturesque scene is formed on the eastern side of the fort where the lake can be seen down in the valley. This is a great place to do some cycling.

The Five Waterfalls

A little further from Ghatandevi, the rough road leading to the railway line begins. Across the railway line, while climbing down, falling one below the other, are five waterfalls that form a breathtaking sight. The path to this place is a little difficult and the best time to visit is the rainy season.

Ghatandevi Temple

Just before entering Igatpuri, after crossing the camel Valley, towards the right hand side, one comes across a small road, which leads to the Ghatandevi temple. This temple is half a kilometer away on this road. Behind the temple lies the Tringalwadi Fort. The mountains of Durvar Utvad, Trimak and Harihar, stand behind, forming a spectacular backdrop.

Camel Valley

A few metres away from Bhatsa river Valley, on the right is the camel valley. On the other side of the valley is a spectacular waterfall formed by the rain waters, which fall from a height of 1000 ft onto the base of the valley. The waterfall is the chief attraction of this place.

Bhatsa River Valley

The Bhatsa River Valley is located just before entering Igatpuri, at the end of the Thal Ghat. A dense tree cover formed by the river on this valley is a pleasant sight, and the fresh air is soothing to the mind and body.