Bhandardara - Bhandardara lake and Randha falls

Bhandardara

Bhandardara has a special charm. An easy going sleepy rustic charm that makes ita refreshing getaway for both the active and not so active weekend traveller. Coming to Bhandardara is truely getting away from city life. What you get here is a taste of rural Maharashtra and a healthy dose of clean air and natural beauty. The Bhandardara lake and the Randha Falls are the major attraction in Bhandardara.The picturesque Umbrella falls should be in your itinerary only if you are here during or post monsoons.

Bhandardara is a base for trekkers from Pune for forts like Ratangad and Harishchandragad. A little further away is Ajoba and Ghanchakkar. Its also the base for the climb up the mother of all peaks Kalsubai. Agasti Rishi Ashram - Situated on the banks of Pravara river, is a popular tourist draw. This spot is mentioned in ramayana as the home of Agasti Rishi, visited by Ram, Sita and Lakshman during their travels. The sage is said to have given the arrow with which Ravana was killed.

Randha Falls

About 10 Kms down the river the tranquility is shattered by the roar of Randha falls. The Pravavra river plunges 170ft into a gorge creating a breathtaking sight and the third largest waterfall in India. There is a temple on the banks of the river and lately there has been a mushrooming of tea stalls near the falls. A lookout point just above the falls provide a great view. There is a footpath that leads down to the pool.

Bhandardara Lake

Also called the Arthur hill lake was created when the wilson dam was built across the Pravara river. The dam one of the country's oldest and at a height of 492 ft has an interesting design and structure. When the sluice gates are opened it creates two huge cascades of water creating a spectacular sight. The garden at the wilson dam is in a state of neglect but still worth a visit.

Warning : Noone is allowed onto the dam and no photography is allowed in the vicinity.