Have you ever wondered how a fairy tale land would look like? Shimmering blue waters of a pristine lake, zillions of shining stars, dancing fireflies & ample green wilderness with a cool breeze at nights… Doesn’t the description fit the bill? What if this was not fairy tale land but a real place which you could visit? You can enjoy all this & much more at the enchanting monsoon getaway – Bhandardara. We won’t be surprised if you are already packing your bags for the weekend to get there!
Bhandardara is a less known tourist destination yet & great for those looking for a laid-back nature retreat. Best places to visit nearby are:

1. Arthur Lake

It is a pristine blue lake & a great spot for a lakeside picnic & swimming. The surrounding mountains reflecting off the lake are a charming sight to watch!

2. Wilson Dam

The dam is full to the brim with gushing water in monsoons & offers great views of the surroundings.

3. Umbrella Falls

Explore the grandeur of the Umbrella waterfalls in the monsoon. Sit like a yogi beneath the falls & make it a memorable trip!
4. Harishchandragad 
This daunting fortress of the mighty Marathas sits atop a mammoth mountain range & is steeped in history with micro lithic age caves & an ancient Shiva temple on top to explore.

5. Kalsubai & Tablelands

Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra with a temple on top & can be accessed from the base village Ratanwadi. Bhandardara also has many table tops in the surrounding hill ranges which offer great views of the dam, lake & waterfalls around. The gushing waterfalls & tall eucalyptus trees swaying with the pushing winds & many hilltop tablelands make Bhandardara experience a must have this monsoon. Those who love the adventures can also enjoy a swim in the pristine blue waters of Bhandardara Lake or enjoy the thrill of a trek to the highest mountain peak -Kalsubai.

Lakeside camping is also a great activity for the avid adventurers, but it is better not to do so during monsoons as it pours mightily in Bhandardara.

How to Reach Bhandardara:

Bhandardara is the perfect weekend getaway nestled in the leafy hill ranges of the Sahyadris, easily accessible by road from Pune, Mumbai & Nashik. Many state transport buses & private jeeps ply on the route if you don’t have your personal vehicle for transportation.

Best Places to Stay Bhandardara:

Nearby farmstays are the best-staying options to enjoy & soak into the rustic village life. People in Bhandardara are simple & friendly & the agrotourism here offers a unique blend of enjoying the natural beauty along with a taste of the local culture & Maharashtrian cuisine.

One of the things Bhandardara is well known for is the Firefly Festival during the monsoons! You can witness the dance of the fireflies at night while staying on a quite farm enjoying the wonders of nature in these twinkling beauties.

Plan it as a romantic getaway & spend some sparkling time with your loved one on top of a tree-top Machaan (platform) away from the hustle of the city.

Those with family & kids can also plan this as a unique vacation for friends & family. Locals from the farmstay often offer the options of having a barbeque & bonfire in the night when it is not raining.  So here’s your chance to bond with friends & family by sitting around the fire singing or sharing horror stories as the memorable night progresses!

Best Time to Visit Bhandardara:

Monsoon is an ideal time to visit to soak in the lush greens surrounding & to dip your toes in the mighty waterfalls here. Winters are a bit chilly but equally good to plan a visit to Bhandardara.