Introduction

Bhandardara is a tourist destination village close to Igatpuri in India's western ghats. The village is situated about 155 kilometres (96 miles) from Ahmednagar and 185 kilometres (115 miles) from Mumbai in the Akole tehsil of Maharashtra state's Ahmednagar district.

The Pravara River runs through Bhandardara, which is home to waterfalls, mountains, the Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, and Randha Falls.

Wilson Dam and Arthur Lake are two of Bhandardara's tourist attractions.The Fireflies Camp in the Purushwadi region is currently  the area's main attraction. you can also visit Chopta Trek and It is a popular trekking destination located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland" of Uttarakhand due to its picturesque beauty and serene surroundings.

Around the dam, there are a variety of interesting historical and ecological locations. 

Visitors can ascend from Bhandardara to view the forts of Ratangad and Harishchandragad. 

The treks to Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks can also be taken by visitors.The hike begins in Bari Village, 12 kilometres from Bhandardara, at Mount Kalsubai, Maharashtra's highest peak at 1646 metres.With views of the Sahyadris and Bhandardara, the peak has a tiny temple.The Sahyadri region's three most difficult trio-forts, Alang Fort, Madangad Fort, and Kulang Gad (commonly known as A-M-K), are situated on the southern side.On the western side of the dam, there lies a remarkably small Sandhan valley.

Bhandardara: A Scenic Paradise in the Western Ghats

One of the must-see locations close to Mumbai is Sandhan Valley, which is recognised as a wonder of nature and a superb example of the Western Ghats.On the western side of the stunning Bhandardara region, close to Samrad village, is the Sandhan Valley Trek.The Alang, Madan, Kulang, Ratangad, Ajoba, and Kalsubai (5400 ft. highest peak in Maharashtra) mountain ranges, which are the toughest hike in the Sahyadri, surround the valley.

Between the two tall mountain range walls lies a magnificently formed, 2-kilometer-long valley with a deep, narrow rock bed.During the route, there are spots where the width is only 3 feet and where sunlight cannot penetrate.Sandhan Valley is also known as the Valley of Shadow for this reason.You begin at one end and must cross 2-3 water pools to get to the other end. The water level in these pools varies throughout the year and can get as high as waist level in the winter. You get to enjoy an incredible panorama of steep cliffs and deep valleys at the valley's end.

Transportation

From Mumbai, which is around 185 km away, and Pune, which is about 191 km away, Bhandardara is also conveniently reachable by road. 

Driving on the ghats towards Bhandardara, please use caution on the narrow roads.The closest airport is in Nashik, about 90 km away, and the closest railhead is at Igatpuri Railway Station, about 45 km away.To get to Bhandardara, one can take a state bus from Igatpuri. To get to Bhandardara, regular buses run between the two cities; alternatively, you can take a taxi.

locations of interest

The tallest peak in Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai (5,400 ft or 1,600 m), is located in Bhandardara.

The Wilson Dam on the Pravara River, which was constructed in 1910, is an additional tourist destination.Although it may only be viewed between July and October during the monsoons, the Umbrella Falls also attracts tourists. The Randhaa Waterfalls are located around 10 miles from Shendi Village.The distance between Shendi/Bhandardara and the Ratangad fort is around 22 kilometres, and there are two ways to get there: by road and by ferry over Lake Arthur.At the end of a 22 km road that winds through forests and tribal communities on the Kalsubai side, Konkankada offers views of the plains.Another neighbouring mountain trekking destination with historic temples is Harishchandragad.

What to anticipate

As you make your way to the trail's end, you will need to traverse shallow streams, jump over boulders, crawl through tight crevasses, and at one point, rappel. The trek begins in the village of Samrad.

Tips

It is preferable to go on the journey with a guide.

If you want to stay the night, there are several of campgrounds close by.

Ajoba Hill and Bann Pinnacle may be seen while on the hike.

At Samrad village, there are also homestays available.

You can go there if you want the entire camping, hiking, adventure, and thrill-seeking experience. This location has everything a hiker might want. The second-largest valley in Asia is Sandhan Valley.And it's both stunning and exciting.Where affordable zipline and rappelling facilities are accessible for all food campers.You and your friends and family are welcome to visit there.

The valley is large and has some suitable spots for water crossing; it's a great site for hiking and rappelling.There are many places where you can jump into the valley, which is an exhilarating experience. At the bottom of the valley, there is also a nice view.Well recommended, with plenty of lunch and dinner alternatives due to the abundance of hotels around.

One of the well-known treks in Maharashtra is through Sandhan Valley.The vista from the summit of Sandhan Valley is its most underestimated feature.From the top of the valley, one should spend at least two hours of their evening admiring the breathtaking sunset.Unquestionably, there are some avatar and Wakanda vibes.

Conclusion

Amazing location for those that enjoy adventure.Keep at least some cash on hand if you plan to go rock climbing in the valley because there is absolutely no network for upi payments. 

Sandhan Valley is located after Bhandardara, the roads are not great during the monsoon, but once you reach the location, your thrill doubles up! Wear shoes with good grip and carry at least a 1 litre water bottle.

It is the second-largest valley in Asia, and the trip, the scenery, and the experience are all completely unique.Reverse waterfalls occur during the monsoon when strong winds in the valley cause cascade water to be pushed up into the air.