A fiercely hot and early summer has left Puneites scrambling for cooler weekend options that obviously got us working overtime to bring you a fresh experience..
To let you make the most of a short trip, we chose Bhandardara, a small hill station in Ahmednagar district, North of Pune.
With its natural beauty and soothing environment, it is an ideal short trip destination from Pune due to its proximity, natural green trails and breath taking scenic beauty. Besides it being a nice family destination, it also offers excitement for the adventure seekers too.
To watch nature at its regal best, visit Bhandardara during the rains to witness the gushing waterfalls and misty mountains.
Once you reach the place, finding accommodation is fairly simple. If you are on a budget and looking for a resort that is both economical and worth staying, the MTDC Holiday Resort is what you could opt for. Apart from the numerous other options, this budget resort will cater to all your needs and is pocket friendly too.
When in Rome, live like a Roman! Move from the quintessential Mughlai and Tandoori cuisine to the wholesome and authentic Maharashtrian Aamti, Bharleli Wangi, or the hot favourite Vada Pao with that quintessential Peanut Chutney. The local cuisine here is dominated by Maharashtrian food with a blend of South and North Indian cuisines.
Enjoy the cuisine and hit the town for sightseeing. Some of the must- see places apart from the waterfalls, Arthur Lake, Randha Waterfalls, Umbrella Falls and Wilson Dam are these lovely spots that you cannot afford to miss:
Amriteshwar Temple: An ancient Shiva temple situated on the banks of river Pravara at Ratanwadi village which is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple is considered to be over 1,200 year old, with artistically carved stone motifs, black and red stones and ancient murals.
Kalsubai Peak: The highest peak in Maharashtra, also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, it is situated in the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. The peak offers an overall view of the Bhandardara Dam and was built to keep a watch on the enemies during the reign of the Maratha Empire.
Ratangad Fort: A small trek at this 400 years old fort in the early hours of the day will make your morning mesmerising. To reach the fort, one can take a route starting from village Samrad and the other from village Ratanwadi. The base village Ratanwadi is approached by boat from Bhandardara or by road from Ghoti-Bhandardara road.
This spot is also popular for open camping under the stars. Regular buses are available from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Shirdi and Igatpuri to reach Bhandardara.
Truly rejuvenating, Bhandardara is a pleasant holiday experience with it’s lush terrain, clean air and the mesmerising natural beauty.
Distance: 172km
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#All distances and images are purely for representation and readers are advised to check details with the MTDC and others for specific information.
Reach her at loveleen@pune365.com or tweet @KaurKaur18
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