Maharashtra's attraction in terms of natural scenery is not hidden from anyone and one of the attractive tourist destinations in Ahmednagar district is Bhandardara village. Where apart from historical forts, forests, rivers, mountains, there are also waterfalls and all these are present in the same village. Although this is a hill tourist destination where one can visit throughout the year, but the best season is during the monsoon.

During monsoon, there is greenery all around and there is also plenty of water in the waterfalls and rivers, which makes this place look very colourful. There are many such beautiful places near this village which attract tourists.

1. Arthur Lake : This lake is also famous by the name of Bhandardara Dam which is built on the Pravara River. The main source of water of this lake is the Pravara River. Because of this river and lake, Bhandardara has been ranked among the attractive tourist destinations of India. There are beautiful natural sights for tourists to see around the lake, which include lush green mountains, water waterfalls, forts built on mountains, which remind tourists of ancient times.

2. Randha Village Waterfall: Randha waterfall is also located near Randha village on Ahmednagar's main Pravara river and is the biggest waterfall of this district. During the monsoon season, the flow of water in it becomes very high and fast, due to which the government deploys security guards for the safety of tourists, and warning sign boards are also installed at various places to not go near the waterfall. Randha waterfall also produces hydroelectricity during the monsoon season. During the rainy season, the beauty of this waterfall is enhanced. There is another waterfall here and the falling streams of water of both the waterfalls look very exciting. Both these waterfalls are located at a distance of about 10 km from the main bus stand of Bhandaradara. There is a temple of Ghorpade Devi near these waterfalls, where one can sit and experience peace and tranquility.

3. Ashram of sage Agastya: There is a temple of Agastya Rishi on the bank of the river Pravara near the city of Bhandardara. A special prayer is offered at this temple every Mahashivratri and a grand procession is also organised in which devotees from far and wide come to participate.

4. Kalsubai Peak: In the middle of the mountains of Western Ghats is the Kalsubai peak which has the distinction of being the highest peak of Sahyadri Hills. The height of this peak is about 5400 feet above sea level. To reach this peak, one can go trekking under the supervision of a skilled guide. This trekking is only for tourists who are fond of trekking. Walking on the rough, ups and downs slippery paths of the forest has its own thrill and attraction. After reaching the peak of Kalsubai, tourists also visit Goddess Kalsubai where a beautiful temple of the goddess is built. This place is present within the boundary of Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary.

5. Wilson Dam: This dam has the status of the largest earthen dam in India. This dam was constructed on the Pravara river in the year 1910. Every tourist is amazed to see the engineering of the dam design. The natural scenery around this dam is very amazing and beautiful.

7. Ratanwadi Village: An ancient village located near Kalsubai peak, Amriteshwar Shiva temple is built in this village, while the world famous Ratangarh fort is also near this village. Small hut-like kutcha houses of the villagers can be seen in the valley of Sahyadri mountains. The trekking route to Ratangarh fort starts from this village.

8. Ratangarh Fort: This fort, which is about 400 years old, is today a tourist destination of historical importance. The specialty of this fort is its four gates which are known as Konkan, Ganesh, Trimbak, Hanuman. Seeing the fort from inside gives an opportunity to know the history closely. In the fort, many small and big water tanks containing clean drinking water for the king's family and soldiers can be seen in the olden times. Drinking water was stored in these water tanks for the whole year during the monsoon.

10. Amruteshwar Shiva Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is almost 1000 years old. There is a small beautiful pond in the premises of this temple from which hot water spring keeps flowing throughout the year. In this temple, black stone has been used in the walls, pillars and idol of Lord Shiva.

11. Harishchandragad Fort: This fort was built to show the bravery of the Maratha kings. The surrounding natural views can be seen from this fort built on the Sahyadri hill.

There are many famous camping sites in Bhandardara for tourists who are fond of camping in the forest. Where some moments can be spent peacefully in the lap of nature. A look at the major camping sites of Bhandardara.

1. Bhandardara Lake : Camping facility is available on the banks of Arthur Hill Lake. Camping at this place is a different experience. Along with comfortable tents for tourists to stay here, they also get the facility to enjoy music and dance as well as food of their choice.

2. Bhandardara Dam : There is a camping facility on the banks of this dam. By camping here, one can enjoy the beautiful night and day views of nature. From here, the falling streams of beautiful waterfalls and the sounds of birds amidst their sounds give a different kind of peace to the mind.

4. Sandhan Valley: Sandhan Valley is the most beautiful place for tourists who are fond of camping in the mountains. Camping on Madan and Alang mountains of Sahyadri mountain range has its own unique adventure. Along with camping here, one can also enjoy adventure sports by participating in adventures like rock climbing, trekking.

The easiest route to see the tourist places of Bhandardara

By Road: Bhandardara is about 180 km from the country's economic capital Mumbai, about 170 km from Pune and 75 km from Nashik, about 130 km from Shirdi, and about 45 km from Igatpuri. State Transport Corporation buses are available from all the cities of Maharashtra to reach here. Tourists can also reach easily by taking private cabs or taxis according to their budget.

railroad track : The nearest railway station to reach Bhandardara is Igatpuri at a distance of about 45 km and Nashik at a distance of about 75 km. Nashik is a bigger railway station than Igatpuri. A large number of trains have stoppages here and trains going to and coming from every major city to Pune, Goa and Mumbai stop here.

air shaft :The nearest airport to Bhandardara is Pune Airport which is approximately 170 km away, while Mumbai Airport is approximately 180 km away. Both these airports are connected to all major airports in the country.