How to reach Bhandardara (near Igatpuri-Maharashtra) from Bangalore?

Distance wise - too tedious and too time consuming journey. At Bhandardara, you can visit Wilson Dam, Randha Falls ( few kms away on Sangamner Road - funtastic view but be very very careful here ). Bhandardara is a sanctuary area but very difficult to find animals here. Too domesticated areas. You can stay in MTDC's resort here. That's the only nice and value for money place here. If you are a trekker or hiker, then this is the great area for you. Kalsubai Peak ( the highest in Maharashtra) is nearby. Ratangad ( fort ) across the Wilson Dam is ancient place ( u need to be good trekker to reach the top ), the ancient temple ( 7th century - if I am correct ) on the banks on dam while going to Ratangad is worth visit. But as I said at the start- are you sure you wish to undergo strenuous journey just to visit this one place? Of course from here, Nasik and Shirdi are nearby, too. Shirdi is nearer than Nasik as the toll-paid direct Shirdi road is very nearby. In case you need more info do mail me. Wish you happy travel.

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Nestled among the Sahyadri Hills, Bhandardara has all the makings of a beautiful holiday resort. Sky-high mountains, roaring waterfalls and lush greenery throughout the year, attract tourists from all over. To reach Bhandardara, detrain at Igatpuri. If you are traveling by road from Mumbai, you need to turn right just a few kilometers after Igatpuri and enter Ghoti. This small town leads to a long narrow road, which cuts across the lofty mountains and ascends to the marvelous retreat. Although it is just about an hour’s journey, the sights are spectacular. Fluorescent green paddy fields contrast with bright blue skies above and the murky brown streams that crisscross the whole land. When it rains, and clouds descend from the sky to blanket the earth, the sight is truly breathtaking! Bhandardara has many attractions – from majestic Wilson Dam to wondrous 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. Like all scenic spots, the magic of Bhandardara has to experience to be appreciated; if you are nature lover, this spot should definitely appear on the top of your holiday destination list. Sights Wilson Dam Built way back in 1910 on the Pravara-River and standing 150 mts high, Wilson Dam is the largest earthen dam in India- a powerful testimony to the engineering skills of days gone by. At the base of Wilson Dam there is a garden endowed with thick greenery, streams and gigantic trees- the latter, home to hundreds of harmless fruit bats that hand precariously from the branches all through the day. During the monsoon, when the level of the lake rises, the dam opens its gates to release a torrent of water that finds its way down to the plains below. You could stand at the edge of the garden embankment and enjoy the cool spray, or visit the picturesque Umbrella Falls, which are another major attraction during the monsoon. Arthur Lake Arthur Lake, a tranquil blue mirror amidst the dense greenery of Bhandardara, is fed by waters from the Pravara River. nearest airport is Mumbai 177 km. away. Igatpuri, 45 km. on Central Railway is the Nearest railhead. Mumbai-Bhandardara, 180 km. (Via Ghoti) Pune-Bhandardara, 191 km. Accommadation Self-contained rooms (21 blocks), dormitory (1 block) Check out time :9.00 a.m. Reservation: Mumbai and Bhandardara. Where To Stay MTDC Holiday Resort The MTDC Resort at Bhandardara presents spectacular views of Arthur Lake and Wilson Dam. Deluxe room (10 blocks), Special room (9 blocks), Standard room (8 blocks), Lakeside cottage (6 blocks) and Group accommodation (1 block).