TOUR NO 02 BHANDARDARA HILL STATION

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Bhandardara - Nestled among the Sahayadri Hills, Bhandardara has all the makings ofa beautiful holiday resort. Sky-high mountains, roaring waterfalls and lush greenery throughout the year, attract tourists from all over.To reach Bhandardara, alight at Igatpuri (if travelling from Mumbai by train) and take a cab or bus from there. It will take 1.5 hrs to reach Bhandardara. But the best way to get to the hill station is by road fromMumbai.(180 km), enjoying the scenic beauty of the Kasara Ghat and tasting the 
local food at the highway side Dhabbas. Just a few miles after Igatpuri take a right turn and enter a small town know as Ghoti. Then take a single narrow road to reach to the top of the hill which takes hardly an hour of your time. But this 1 hr journey will be a treat to thenature lover. Lots of greenery around, sight of mountains covered with fog/clouds, and breath taking beautiful valley will sweep you off your feet n if you are lucky enough raingods will shower its blessing on you and it can't be better 
than visiting Bhandardara in therainy season.There are lots of attractions in and around the hill station. To name a few: Wislon dam, Arthur lake, Ratangarh fort, Amruteshwar Temple etc .As legend has it, ShriAgasti 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 .

Facts and things to remember
Bhandardara is around 180 km from Mumbai. Though many resorts are available, MTDCresort is the best giving full view of the dam get the booking done before as you will not get any rooms vacant during the weekends. Food is ok there but another restaurant in themarket offers better food at comparable rate. There is no wine shop as such so if you are avoid drinker carry your own brand with you. Bhandardara has to be visited to be appreciated. The best time to visit is during monsoons and winter.
Day wise Itinerary:
Day 01 : Mumbai/Pune Bhandardara
Departure from Mumbai / Pune to Bhandardara on arrival check into Hotel / Resort day is free to explore city on your own o/n halt.
Day 02 : Bhandardara 
After B/F proceed to sightseeing.

Wilson Dam
Built in 1910 on the Pravara-River and standing 150 mts high, Wilson Dam is the largestearthen dam in India . 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 batsthat hand precariously from the branches all through the day. During the monsoon, whenthe level of the lake rises, the dam opens its gates to release a torrent of water that findsits way down to the plains below. You could stand at the edge of the garden embankmentandenjoy the cool spray, or visit the picturesqueUmbrella Falls , which are another majorattraction during the monsoon.
Arthur Lake
The lake is fed by Pravara River and is around 10 Km from the town. Boating in deep and clear water of the wondrous lake with sights of clouds covered mountains on the background is truly breathtaking. Local people ply row boat for the tourists and per rideper person they charge Rs.20/-

Mount Kalsubai
At 1,646 mts, Mount Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra A favorite of trekkers; ithad great strategic importance during the Maratha wars as an observation post. There is asmall temple at the top with an old well in its backyard. It is said that the water level in the well has never dropped below 3ft.The peak can be seen on the way from Ghoti to Bandardara, full of fog and clouds it’s a delight to watch it and lose yourself in its beauty.
Ratangarh Fort
This ancient fort was captured by Shivaji and is believed to be one of his favorite. It’s verypopular among trekkers and nature lovers and offers breath taking views from thetop.The trek starts from a small and ancient temple, Ratanvadi. According to local legend, thewater in the temple never falls below 3 ft and the Shivlinga is always covered with waterthroughout the year. It’s also believed to be source of a river.Hire a guide from the temple (Rs. 200). Guide is the only person who knows the way tothe top. Without him you will be a rudderless ship. More than 5 streams have to be crossed on the way to the top. Take something to eat preferably candies to give instant energy and water is a must unless you are comfortable drinking stream water. The wholetrekk takes around 5-6 hrs and its worth going for it. It’s a once in a life time experienceand you will get refreshed on reaching the top. There is small temple in a cave just beforethe most difficult terrain begins.The top of the mountain offers breathtaking view of the whole valley.
Day 03 : Bhandardara-Pune/Mumbai
After B/F return back to Mumbai / Pune on arrival drop at residence / Airport / 
Railway Station with memorable experiences of Gagangiri Tours & Travels.

Tour Ends

Price includes: 

 (Stay 02 Night at Bhandardara)

 Breakfast & Dinner 

From Mumbai-Pune pickup & Drop by Non a/c car for Standard package/C car for 

DeluxePackage .All applicable taxes.

Child Policy: 

Child Cost ( between 5 to 12 yrs)- with Extra bed 45 % of Adult cost

- without Extra bed 30 % of Adult cost

Cost Excludes:

Air fare / train fare.Service tax 4.03%,Any meals other then those specified in 'Cost Includes'.

Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc.

Guide & Entrance fees during sightseeing.,Sightseeing other than mention in Tour programme.

Any other item not specified in 'cost includes'. 

 

Hotels Used

 

MTDC Resort

MTDC Resort

Yash Resort

Anandvan Resort