Top 10 Treks To Explore On Bhandardara Trekking In Maharashtra

A picture of Bhandardara Trekking scenic view of Ratangad Lake surrounded by lush hills.
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Bhandardara trekking is a great excitement that makes the tourists more near to the actual beauty of the hill of Maharashtra. Located in the Sahyadri region, Bhandardara is considered to have some of the best trekking destinations in the region. In general, trekking in Bhandardara can be adventurous for the new trekkers, who also have to provide the old trekkers with the best view of nature, including forts and beautiful waterfalls and lakes. This guide covers the finest trekking sites in Bhandardara and includes easy treks and those for the most adventurous trekkers.

Popular Places To Visit In Bhandardara

Some of the most common places to visit in Bhandardara trekking mainly include:

1. Ratangad Fort Trek

A view of Ratangad Fort from Nedhe, a popular spot on the Bhandardara Trekking route.

Photo: KUSHAGRA DHALL / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Trekking in Bhandardara Ratangad Fort is always exciting, with stunning views of the Sahyadri ranges. The trek is located 1250 meters above sea level, and one of my favourite parts is to climb through the rocks. The Nedhe, a large formation of local sandstone, is visible, as are rock-cut cisterns and a temple. There is beautiful nature, and the history of the fort attracts tourists. It is the perfect trek for people who are seeking adventurous journeys.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Ratangad Fort, Nadhe Peak, Waterfalls
Nearest Railway Station: Igatpuri Railway Station (40km)
Entry Fees: Free

2. Kalsubai Peak Trek

A picture of sunrise from Kalsubai Peak, showcasing the beauty of Bhandardara Trekking trails.

Photo: Ragz13 / Wikimedia Commons

Kalsubai trek, at 1,646 meters, is one of the most enchanting Bhandardara treks in Maharashtra and might give you some adventure. The trek is demanding but possible at any time of the year, though the best climate is during the monsoon season when everything is green, and the view is spectacular. Kalsubai temple at the summit gives a religious flavour to the place. The top offers an extremely beautiful and clear view, specifically in the morning, whereby the sunrise can be viewed, and the trek up to this peak.

Best Time To Visit: September to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Kalsubai Temple, Viewpoint, Scenic Waterfalls
Nearest Railway Station: Kasara Railway Station (35 km)
Entry Fees: Free

3. Arthur Lake Trek

A scenic view of Bhandardara Lake, which is very ideal for Bhandardara trekking.

Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Arthur Lake is particularly famous and is set near Bhandardara Dam, famous for nature lovers. It is a natural lake with very clean water, and the surrounding environments of this lake are full of vegetation, making trekking fun. This scenic area generates interest when walking around the lake, provoking the beauty of the hills and valleys. Still, this is the perfect spot for boating, and the quiet environment gives trekkers a great breaching place before proceeding to the other recommended attractions in the region.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Arthur Lake, Bhandardara Dam, Sunset Point
Nearest Railway Station: Igatpuri Railway Station (40km)
Fees: Free

4. Umbrella Falls Trek

A picture of Umbrella Falls in lush hills, ideal for Bhandardara trekking.

Photo: Desktopwallpapers / Wikmedia Commons

Umbrella Falls attracts trek lovers, and the monsoon season is ideal for experiencing the amazingly beautiful waterfall. This water falls from the Bhandardara Dam and forms an umbrella-shaped structure, making the scene look beautiful. The waterfall is located within the forest and hilly region, and this makes it cold most of the time. The mist produced by the falls somehow complements the area and is an excellent place for taking pictures. Visiting the falls combined with trekking breaks allows tourists to have the adrenaline rush and see some of the natural features of the surroundings.

Best Time To Visit: June to September
Top Tourist Attractions: Umbrella Falls, Bhandardara Dam, Waterfalls
Nearest Railway Station: Igatpuri Railway Station (45km)
Entry Fees: Free

5. Sandhan Valley Trek

A scenic view of Sandhan Valley, which is ideal for Bhandardara trekking.

Photo: Nilsjadhav / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

One of the most exciting treks is Sandhan Valley, the ‘Grand Canyon of Maharashtra’. It is a long, slim valley partially enclosed by great cliffs and has deep gorges. On the trek, one excels in rock climbing and rappelling; thus, the activity is best suited for professional hikers. Trekking destination: The geographical structure of the valley and the captivating sceneries boost the interest in trekking. Adventure travellers have a tough time trekking through Sandhan Valley as it spoils that adventurous feeling with an added dash of nature.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Sandhan Valley, Rock Climbing, Deep Gorges
Nearest Railway Station: Kasara Railway Station (50km)
Entry Fees: ₹200 per person

6. Bhandardara Dam Trek

A scenic view of Wilson Dam amidst lush greenery in Bhandardara trekking.

Photo: www.win7wallpapers.com / Wikimedia Commons

Bhandardara Dam is one of the famous places of interest in the area and gives breathtaking scenic beauty for relaxation. It is one of the oldest dams pumped in the country and plays a critical role in serving water to the region. Hills and Arthur Lake can also be viewed from the site, and due to this, the d mas in question is scenically beautiful. It is not a very challenging hike, but the dam trip can be very calming and is highly recommended for photography, nature walks, and having a go at the water.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Bhandardara Dam, Sunset Point, Scenic Views
Nearest Railway Station: Igatpuri Railway Station (45km)
Entry Fees: Free

7. Naneghat Trek

A breathtaking view of the Bhandardara Trekking route, surrounded by lush hills and greenery.

Photo: Nikhil More / Wikimedia Commons

Naneghat is a pass and a trekking area between the Konkan coast and the Deccan plateau region. It also provides both natural and archaeological sites for visitors, such as ancient caves and rock-cut inscriptions on either side. It is more of a moderate incline hike and the exercise is rewarded with fantastic views of the valleys around. Naneghat is a quaint hill that offers the best trekking experience to history lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It offers the best scenery, culture, and adventure.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Naneghat Pass, Caves, Historic Trails
Nearest Railway Station: Kalyan Railway Station (60km)
Entry Fees: Free

8. Harishchandragad Fort Trek

A scenic view from the Kalbhairav pinnacle on the Bhandardara Trekking route.

Photo: Cj.samson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Harishchandragad Fort is recognized as one of the most important treks since historical and geographical evidence must be witnessed to believe the actual presence of such beauty. From the top of the fort are breathtaking views of the hills and valleys around the Kutch region of Gujarat. The adventurous program we have given itself is a beautiful hike having steep landscapes/ gradients and uneven terrains of the fort. The revered temple of Harishchandreshwar adds spiritual significance to the trek atop the hill.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Harishchandragad Fort, Temple, Konkan Kada
Nearest Railway Station: Kasara Railway Station (40km)
Entry Fees: Free

9. Kundalika River Trek

A breathtaking view from Bhandardara Trekking, showcasing lush green landscapes.

Photo: Omkar mhetre / Wikimedia Commons

White-water rafting is perhaps the most famous water activity here at the Kundalika River, which also has a less strenuous trekking course. Largely devoid of rapids and fed by sublimely forested hills, the river’s clear waters give it a serene atmosphere. Hiking near the river enables tourists to enjoy sightseeing without having to stray far from the park. Although it is well-known as a site for rafting, the view of the river and its calmness, which can be observed nowadays, is a perfect place for a nice trek or a good stop after a fast and active journey.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Attractions: Kundalika River, Rafting, River Views
Nearest Railway Station: Karjat Railway Station (25km)
Entry Fees: ₹500 per person (for rafting)

10. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Trek

Scenic snapshot of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and its lush dense forest

Photo: Nikhil More / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Tourism is one of the sectors, and the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for wildlife lovers and trekking freaks. Some specimens in the sanctuary are the endangered Indian Giant Squirrel. The beauty of the trek within the sanctuary is that you can discover various species of plants and animals. The Bhimshankar temple, situated inside the sanctuary goes a step further and affords a religious touch to it. The environment within the sanctuary is highly conducive to nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone who would wish to undertake nature forest treks.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Bhimashankar Temple, Waterfalls, Trekking Trails
Nearest Railway Station: Kalyan Railway Station (80km)
Entry Fees: ₹100 per person

Famous Trekking in Bhandardara provides tourists with an exciting experience that is indeed worth the visit. Today, whether a newcomer in the region or a skilled hiker, there are many places where you can set off that offer the opportunity for a trek and sightseeing through outstanding nature and history. Since the best time trekking in Bhandardara is from October to March the right time to explore these amazing beautiful spots is now. Plan your trip with us and explore Bhandardara Trekking seamlessly.

Cover Photo: Abhinav Varshney / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Although there is no limit to these age limits, trekking at Bhandardara calls for middle-end physical fitness. Some treks are relatively steep, especially those with long ascents.
Yes, but one must be careful when trekking during the rainy season. Trekking paths can turn slushy, which could turn a good trek into a harder one depending on rain, for instance, Ratangad Fort and Kalsubai Peak treks.
Yes, there are many places near Ratangad Fort and Harishchandragad Fort where camping sites are available for those trekkers who like to take tents. Sometimes, it is done after trekking, such as in Sandhan Valley or Harishchandragad Forts.
Yes, with Bhandardara trekking, one has to get a good opportunity to glimpse the variety of wildlife in regions like Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Anticipate seeing Indian giant squirrels, leopards, and many types of birds.
For instance, Kalsubai–Peak is pretty demanding overall, while Arthur Lake is comparatively easier but provides a remarkable view. It is for thrill seekers and can be challenging.

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