Randha Falls

Bhandardara is a renowned hill station nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. This tourist spot has got all the nature's blessings any place can get. The lavish greenery, the self-effacing waterfalls are fenced by high mountains marks this place as the perfect holiday spot for city dwellers.

Bhandardara is in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is around 117 km from Mumbai. However, it is easily accessible through roadways. This tiny village is full of so many attractions united with the tranquillity of the nature that it makes for an exciting vacation to run away from the hustle and bustle of noisy metropolises. 

There are so many waterfalls to view in Bhandara which give a breath-taking view. One of the most visited places is Randha Falls. 

Randha Falls, Bhandardara Overview

A famous waterfall attraction in Bhandardara is the Randha Falls of the Pravara River with unbelievably clear water ferociously falls from a height 170ft into a glorious gorge. But, to the matter of fact, this waterfall is attractive in the monsoons only. 

Best Time to Visit:

Although suitable for a casual visit for rejoicing any time of the year, Bhandara unveils its mesmerizing charm in the monsoon months of Maharashtra from June till September. This is when the climate is cold and blustery as contrasting to the summer. Temperatures range between 20 degrees C to 30 degrees C. Hence, the months from June to March is an ideal time to visit Bhandardara. The downpours during these months create breath-taking sights for one to explore.

How to Reach?

Bhandardara is easily connected to all parts of India by road. Regular bus facilities ply to and from the city of Bhandardara. Buses operated by private and government owners run in this place. However, no direct flight or rail connectivity is there. But Bhandardara is some 165 km away from Mumbai airport. This is known to be the nearest airport that connects Bhandardara to the rest of India. 

The closest railway station to Bhandardara is in Igatpuri, 42 km away from Bhandardara.

How to reach Bhandardara by flight?

The nearest airport, Mumbai International Airport is 165 km away from where taxis can be hired to Bhandardara.

New nearest Airport: New Pune International Airport is just 79 km from Bhandardara. Consider it if you want to reach by air. You can quickly get tickets to New Pune International Airport from major cities in India.

How to reach Bhandardara by road?

Mumbai is by road 180 km from Bhandardara. One can reach there via National Highway 3 (NH3) followed by a right turn from Ghoti toll post. After Ghoti 30 km more and you arrive in Bhandardara. However, from Pune, the distance is 175 km and can be accessed through NH 50 up to Ghargaon, from where take the State highway (SH 21) till Bhandardara.

How to reach Bhandardara by train?

The nearest railway station is Igatpuri lying on the Mumbai - Nashik rail route. It is the closest, 45 km from Bhandardara. From there, you can easily take local transport. 

Local transport in Bhandardara

State transport buses and taxis ply to and from Bhandara to the whole city. But these taxis are usually crowded as they have a shared system.

Tourists places nearby Randha Falls, Bhandara

Umbrella falls

The Umbrella Falls is famously formed under the Wilson Dam. The force by which the waterfalls on the naturally placed rocks gives an impression of an umbrella hence got its name. 

Wilson Dam

The Wilson Dam is built on Pravara River. It is known to be the largest earthen dam in India boasting about the engineering brilliance of those days. The base of the dam has a garden that claims of thick huge trees, greenary and little streams.

Kalsubai Peak

Mt. Kalsubai is the topmost peak of the Sahyadri Ranges from where get the view of the majestic mountain. This is a fantastic spectacle in Bhandardara. It is also called as the Everest of Maharashtra, the highest peak in the state.

Arthur Lake

The lush mountains of Sahyadri range surround Arthur Lake. It is a picturesque little pool that gets its water from the Pravara River. It is a tranquil place to relax and soak in the natural beauty.

Agastya Rishi Ashram:

This age-old ashram finds its mention in the mythological text of Ramayana. It is said that Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman came to seek the blessings of Agastya Rishi who gave Lord Ram an arrow to defeat Ravana.

Availability:

This place has parking convenience at a very reasonable cost. Small-time vendors from the village sell local food like corn, bananas, cucumber, guava. Many people carry their lunch and enjoy a day picnic at this place. Some small hotels are around the falls, which provide local lunch, tea, coffee, WADA, bhajiya and all. The road to this place is right and not too crowded. This place remains crowded on the event of a national holiday. Plan on a weekday or any other day but not a national holiday. 

Traveller Tips:

1. If you see warnings or instructions posted at the waterfall, over the hike or at the trailhead, then obey them. The signs are there for your protection.

2. Stay on public land and marked trails. Do not venture onto private property and avoid the temptation to venture along trails created by visitors or through the wilderness to find a waterfall or better view.

3. Do not climb on or go beyond fences or barriers into restricted areas.

4. If there are observation platforms, stay on them. They have been created for your safety and enjoyment of the waterfall.

5. Tread carefully as the tracks around waterfalls can be slick from the mist growing off the fall. Mud, slippery rocks, algae-covered rocks, loose rocks, gravel, and exposed roots can all be hazardous.

6. Do not lean over unprotected ledges.

7. Do not climb on or around a waterfall. The surfaces are slick and dangerous.

8. Do not jump or dive from waterfalls or neighbouring cliffs or rocks into the pool below the waterfall.