Bhandardara is a holiday resort village near Igatpuri in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, nestled in the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats. Owing to its surreal scenic beauty with its lush greenery, cascades, mountains, and lakes, it has not only become a popular offbeat destination for many tourists, but is also emerging to be one of the top spots for camping in the region.
Located on the banks of Pravara river, camping in Bhandardara is a very sought-after experience owing to its locales, scenery and the presence of several camping operators.
Here is your guide for camping in Bhandardara:
Located on the banks of Pravara river, camping in Bhandardara is a very sought-after experience owing to its locales, scenery and the presence of several camping operators.
Here is your guide for camping in Bhandardara:
Best Time for Camping in Bhandardara
The best time for camping in Bhandardara is the monsoons and early winter season i.e. from June to September. During this season, the temperature is at it's best and the region blooms with rich greenery and gushing waterfalls, and you can experience spellbinding charm. The climate remains cool and breezy with temperature ranging between 20-30 degrees. Summer is not considered the most ideal time to camp, however, it still experience a hoard of tourists.
Source
1. Bhandardara Camping King
Location: At. Murshet Post. Shendi Tal. Akole dist. A. Nagar, Bhandardara 422604, IndiaCost: INR 4,388 - INR 4,604 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
Services: tent, local guides, food, transport, rooms and bonfire.
Contact: 09552393420
Website: www.bhandardaracampingking.com
2. Bhandardara Village Camping
Location: Mutkhel Bhandardara, Bhandardara 422604, IndiaCost: Starting from INR 3000 per day
Services: Tenting, Campfire, Boating and Food.
Contact: 9545973980, 9623069465
Website: www.bhandardaravillagecamping.com
3. Lakeside camping by 99 hikers
Location: MTDC Resort Near Shendi Village, Bhandardara 422604, IndiaCost: Starting from INR 1500
Services: boating, tents, campfires, food,
Contact: +9920431641 email us: [email protected]
Website: www.99hikers.com
4. Bhandardara Campers
Location: Bhandardara dam 422604Cost: INR 2,000 - INR 3,000 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
Services: Tent, camping, food, camping gear
Contact: 9762614131
Website: www.bhandardradamcamping.com
5. CampinGear
Location: Sector -1, GhansoliCost: INR 2000 - INR 3000
Services: Camping, Trekking, Bird Watching, Angling, Pilgrimage, Boating.
Contact: Mobile: +91 9969767487, +91 9769147241, E-mail:[email protected]
Website: www.campingear.in
Other Things To Do While Camping in Bhandardara
Source
Once you pitch your camp along the pristine Bhandardara lake, set forth to explore your surroundings. Some camping packages take you on a boating ride on the clear waters of the lake. The real fun begins once dusk approaches. The mesmerising sunset makes way for a clear sky inundated with stars. People especially carry their cameras and telescopes to enjoy the night sky which is free from pollution and clouds. Campers light up a bonfire, and some even carry their musical instruments with them. The night is all about stargazing, singing, and dancing. Bhandardara is very safe for camping since there are no wild animals around.
More Activities and Places to Explore
1. Trekking
Another favourite trekking spot is the Harishchandragad fort. This fort goes back to the 6th century, under the Kalchuri dynasty. The three peaks of Harishchandragad are Rohidas, Taramati, and Harishchandra. These peaks offer a panoramic and scenic view of the surroundings. The trekking path from the nearby Paachnai village is a 5-kilometre trek via green forests and rocky patches. It is a relatively tough trek however the experience is enriching. You can even camp on the peak.
2. Boating
Source
Surrounded by the dense green forests of the Sahyadri Hills, a boat ride on Arthur Lake will surely offer you a serene experience with the spectacular surroundings and placid waters. Ghatghar, Mount Kalsubai, Umbrella Falls and Sandhan Valley are other popular attractions nearby.
What To Carry when Camping in Bhandardara?
If you take a camping package, you are provided with sleeping mats, camps and meals. However, it would be advisable to carry the following:- Clothes
- Extra food
- Flashlight and batteries
- Drinking water
- First-aid kit and personal medication
- Bedsheet
- Rucksack
- Mosquito repellent
- Raincoat
- Woollen garments and thick blankets
Some Dos and Don'ts
Source
- Check beforehand as most camping packages have a minimum age required of at least 18 years.
- Don't forget to carry your ID proof.
- Swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited.
- Some camping packages do not offer you utensils. Carry your spoons and plates.
- Wear good quality trekking shoes.
How To Reach the Campsites in Bhandardara
Source
The nearest railway station to Bhandardara is Igatpuri which is 45 kilometres from the destination. Igatpuri station lies on the Mumbai-Nasik rail route. From the station, you can either take a cab or a bus. It is also easily accessible from other roadways.
So, this weekend, drive to Bhandardara and return with unforgettable memories of sleeping in the heart of nature under the starry blanket of the sky.