- Best time
- Jun–Feb
- How long
- 1–2 days
- Stay a night
- ₹1,200–8,000
- Food a day
- ₹350–1,400
- Nearest railhead
- 45 km away
- Nearest airport
- 180 km away
Plan Bhandardara in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.
Plan this tripAbout Bhandardara
A quiet lake village in the Sahyadris — Arthur Lake camping, monsoon waterfalls, Maharashtra’s highest peak and a firefly season before the rains.
Things to do in Bhandardara
Arthur Lake
Arthur Lake in Bhandardara is a scenic reservoir formed by the Wilson Dam. It is a popular spot for camping and watching beautiful sunsets over the water.
Wilson Dam & Umbrella Falls
Wilson Dam and Umbrella Falls in Bhandardara feature a unique dam spillway that fans out during the monsoon season. Visitors can enjoy the flowing water and scenic surroundings at this popular spot.
Randha Falls
Randha Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Bhandardara, Maharashtra, where the Pravara river drops fifty metres into a rocky gorge. It is a peaceful spot to enjoy nature and watch the rushing water.
Kalsubai Peak
Kalsubai Peak is Maharashtra’s highest point at 1,646 metres in the Western Ghats, located within the Kalsubai-Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. It features the Kalsubai temple at the summit and offers a rewarding trek with iron ladders fixed near the top for climbers.
Tip: Wear sturdy grip shoes as the rocky patches and metal ladders can be slippery.
Ratangad Fort
Ratangad Fort is a historic hill fort located in Bhandardara, Maharashtra. It features a unique natural rock formation known as the eye of the needle and offers a challenging trekking experience.
Tip: Wear sturdy grip shoes as some sections of the trail are steep and rocky
Amruteshwar Temple
Amruteshwar Temple is an ancient carved stone temple located in the village of Ratanwadi near Bhandardara, Maharashtra. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcases remarkable ancient architecture.
Tip: Combine your visit with a trek to nearby Ratangad fort
Firefly Festival
Forests glow with fireflies before the monsoon in Bhandardara, Maharashtra, India. This seasonal experience brings visitors close to nature as thousands of these luminous insects light up the trees in the evening.
Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes for the forest trails
Where to stay in Bhandardara
Arthur Lake camps
Lakeside tents with bonfires.
Shendi
Hotels and the MTDC resort by the dam.
What to eat
Pithla bhakri
Gram-flour curry with jowar bread.
Maharashtrian thali
At the Shendi restaurants.
Good to know
- Firefly season and monsoon weekends get crowded — book camps early.
Going to Bhandardara? Build the plan, split costs with your group and keep tickets in one place.
Plan this trip