During the monsoon, the Bhavali Waterfall near Igatpuri, Nashik, is a beautiful place to visit. It’s a nice spot near Igatpuri, in the village of Bhavali. During the monsoon, we may view stunning waterfalls near the dam.
“Rain clouds come floating in, not to muddy my days ahead, but to make me calm, happy and hopeful.”
I enjoy short vacations. Short getaways are not only refreshing for the mind, but they are also convenient. Moreover, they are inexpensive. All you need is a weekend, a place to visit, a tiny backpack containing your best travel items, and your restless mindset.
I recently made a weekend trip with my friends to Igatpuri, a beautiful hill station in the Nashik region. During the monsoon season, Igatpuri is endowed with lush green valleys and gorgeous waterfalls. A trip is rarely complete until you see the local attractions. Bhavali Waterfall/dam, on the Bham river near Igatpuri, is an unexplored beauty.
A well-connected location with tremendous natural beauty, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Because it is not as well-known as other waterfalls, it attracts fewer visitors. It’s crowded on weekends. The road to Bhandardhara and Kalsubai peaks can be visited easily. Since these two destinations are only a few kilometers apart, it is also a great stopover near Igatpuri. The best place for a family trip is close to Nashik and Mumbai.
It was only 55 kilometers from Nashik after Igatpuri, and also the highway was only 10 kilometers within. The road is made of cement and connects to a dam and a waterfall.
Best Time To Visit Bhavali waterfall & Dam:
Monsoons are a great time, as one gets to experience the Bhavali waterfalls dam too. Moreover, the surrounding valleys are lush green during monsoons. The Bhavali Dam, Waterfall is a great place for picnics. During the Monsoon, you can observe the water falling in two levels. This natural beauty should be explored during the peak of the Monsoon (say mid-July to mid-Sep). Nashik blogger visited during the month of December & loved the mild weather & dry roads that helped us walking a 4 km distance from our resort fairly easily.
On the way and at waterfall, there are small shelters that serve hot Tea, Sweetcorn, Wada Pav, Maggi, Onion pakora (Kanda Bhaji), and Poha in smoggy rains have always been associated with monsoon snacks. Since the right season has arrived in Igatpuri,
Things to take care about (USEFUL TIPS) –
Wear Shoes or grippy footwear.
Park your vehicles safely since there is no dedicated parking there.
From Mumbai – Distance of 135 km (2.5 hrs to 3 hrs drive) From Nashik – 50 km from Nashik (1 hr drive). (NH160)
“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
I’ve been to some of the most beautiful places in Bhandardara. The drive to these attractions is also challenging. Some of the roads leading to the attractions are in terrible condition. The trip to the sites was wonderful and picturesque. We were riding through lush greenery, and the small farms that passed us by on the way were freaking amazing.
Way to Bhandardara
It was a wonderful feeling. This is the place to go if you enjoy nature and want to get away from the chaos and bustle of the city.
If you live in Nashik or one of the surrounding towns, a short trip over a long weekend is a must to get away from the chaos and madness of the Forest. Maharashtra is known for its delightful small towns/villages dispersed around the state and Bhandardara is one of them, where visitors may rent a car in Nashik and go on a day trip or relax for a few days.
Bhandardara, located in the picturesque region of Igatpuri, has grown into one of Maharashtra’s greatest and least commercial hill stations. Mount Kalsubai, the highest mountain in the state, is found in the village. Bhandardara is the ideal escape for the mind, body, and soul, surrounded by natural lakes, waterfalls, flora, and wildlife.
Bhandardara is a hill station in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri Range. Beautiful landscapes with lush greenery, immaculate hills, and, of course, countless stunning waterfalls can be found in this pristine region. With the beautiful Arthur lake, Kalsubai mountain, and other camping areas, Bhandardara is becoming the weekend destination for city folks from Nashik, Mumbai, and Pune looking for a getaway in nature.
Continue reading to learn how to plan your trip to the fullest Adventure!
Best time to visit –
Arthur Lake_Bhandardara
When visiting Maharashtra’s hill towns, there’s one rule to follow: go when the temperature is cooler. The state’s best seasons are surely monsoon and winter. While hundreds of fireflies can be seen in the pre-monsoon season, the monsoons and winters bring possibilities for trekking and camping, and Bhandardara’s abundance of crystal clear streams and waterfalls, as well as fishing and boating, make it a year-round place to visit. That’s when Bhandardara comes alive for visitors in all its splendor. Firstly, if you’re planning a trip, go after the monsoon, between August and November, when nature is bathed in all shades of green. Secondly, You can also visit during the winter months, between December and February, to get a feeling of the chills and cold temperatures.
Top 5 Must Visit Places in Bhandardara
Bhandardara_Forest
Bhandardara’s whole attractiveness is found in its water bodies, breathtaking gardens surround, and historical forts. If you’re planning a trip to Bhandardara, these are the top 5 places to see in Bhandardara:
Wilson Dam – Wilson Dam is India’s oldest dam, has been constructed in 1910. The sluice gates regulate the flow of the Pravara River, on which it is constructed, providing a spectacular view from the top. At the base of the dam, near the river, there is a garden where you may sit and enjoy the scenery or take a stroll.
Arthur Lake – This calm and clean lake, surrounded by the rich flora of the Sahyadri Mountains, is ideal for camping, hiking trails, or a ferry ride. The pristine skies and calm blue lake (with boating facilities) seem amazing almost all day, as the sun rises and sets, and the stars come out to light up the night sky. Camping, bonfires, stargazing, and nature trails in the neighboring lush forests are some of the activities that make this location a must-see in Bhandardara.
Ratangad Fort – All forts have a story to tell, and the 400-year-old Ratangad Fort in Bhandardara is no exception. It is reported that Shivaji, the great Maratha monarch, captured this fort from attackers during his reign. The ‘Eye of the Needle’ is a naturally created rock fort with a narrow spire that tapers upwards. Experience the stunning vistas of the Sahyadri Range by climbing the fort’s rock elevation.
Kalsubai peak – Mount Kalsubai, Maharashtra’s highest peak and the highest point on the Sahyadri Mountains, measures 5,400 feet above sea level. Most trekkers choose to trek through the surrounding hills to the closest point. Because the terrain and height are tough and physically demanding, make sure you have the proper trekking gear and are well prepared for a long journey.
Randha Falls – Maharashtra’s water bodies are abundant and at their best during the rainy season. If you visit Bhandardara during the monsoon, the Randha Falls are a must-see. The roaring Pravara River flows over a 170 ft valley, creating a sight and sound that embraces the entire environment — a moment to relish in peace and treasure forever.
How To Reach Bhandardara?
By Road:- Bhandardara is easily accessible by road from all parts of Maharashtra. This town is traversed by State Route 44.
Mumbai – If you’re coming from Mumbai, follow National Highway 3 (NH# 3) and turn right after passing through the Ghoti toll booth. The road from Ghoti to Bhandardara is around 30 km, with gentle bends and curves. The farsighted railroad will drop you off at Kasara station. There are several rides available to take you to Bhandardara lakeside camp, which takes approximately 3 hours.
Nashik – Take NH# 3 south from Nashik to Ghoti and turn left. From here, drive approximately 23 km on Ghoti-Bhandardara Road until turning left along with SH# 44 and reach Bhandardara.
Pune – Bhandardara is about 175 km away from Pune. To get to Ghargaon, take the Pune-Nashik Highway (NH# 50). Take SH# 21 up to Bhandardara from Ghargaon. SH# 21 goes slightly left at Kotul and becomes SH# 44, which leads to Bhandardara.
Share your experience & your views about Bhandardara in the comments below, and kindly share this article with your friends. 😍
A few days ago I visited (Pavan Chakki) Windmills at Sinnar, Nashik with my 2 friends. I stopped in the Mohadari Ghat, to capture this beautiful sight.
Monsoon is not only a season but it is a feeling!
Monsoon! It’s time for the lovely earth fragrance, the little raindrops on the window glass, the thunderous sound of rain, and falling in love all over again. It has the ability to enhance the beauty of nature.
Everything around you is vivid, alive, and delightful. If you are fascinated by the picturesque season, you will certainly appreciate the foggy cloud, lush surroundings, and breathtaking waterfalls.
Windmills Sinnar, Maharashtra ka Switzerland
We routed from Nashik road in the early morning at 6.30 am and reached by 7.30 at Windmills and the peak was fully covered with clouds & Firstly, we were in amid fog and raindrops (showering). Secondly, after reaching the top we were so damn hungry in that cold wind & rains We opened the dabbas (tiffins) which we brought from our homes and started eating hot Poha, it reminded us of good old times when we used to go for picnics.
The rain had just stopped, and everything was crisp, clear, and bright.
The gathering of clouds over the windmill caught my attention. They appeared to be ready to deliver a heavy blow on the windmills.
Windmills can be found in Nashik. This location is as clean as beautiful as it gets, located near old Sinnar, near Pandhurli village, Mohadari Ghat.
Surrounded by a lush green bed of grassland, this location appears to be in the lap of heavenly paradise. It’s also called the mini Switzerland of Maharashtra.
There is a village called Pandhurli that is blessed with nature, and the windmills that are located there enhance the beauty.
This spot embraces the beauty in a way that no other can because it is gently kissed by the clouds. The wind turbines are shrouded under a veil of pristine, clean, and bright skies. Moreover, Witnessing this stunning and magnificent view is a must-do during the monsoon season.
THINGS TO CARE ABOUT
Because it is located in a remote area, it is only recommended that visitors come in groups. Since it is located away from the town center and close to a tiny village named Pandurli.
Apart from little kiosks and ‘tapris’ where the weather can be enjoyed with a wonderful strong ‘cutting chai’! because there aren’t many eating alternatives nearby.
HOW TO REACH THERE?
It is about 30 – 35 kilometers from Nashik City and close to Deolali.
It will take about 25 minutes to get there from the main Deolali.
Take the Mumbai-Shirdi-Nashik Bypass Highway and you will witness windmills on both sides of the route.
Note – Mumbaikars can make a One-day trip at Windmills Sinnar.
Share your experience & your views about WindMills, Nashik, in the comments below, and kindly share this article with your friends.
It is situated about 28 kilometers from the city of Nashik, Shri Timbakeshwar. The state transport buses are well covered for Trimbakeshwar.
Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple is about 28 kilometers from Nashik, Maharashtra, near the mountain Brahamagiri, from which the river Godavari flows.
It was constructed on the site of an existing temple by the third Peshwa, Balaji Bajirao (1740-1760).
Trimbakeshwar Temple is a religious place that hosts one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Trimbakeshwar is situated at the foot of Brahamagiri hill, which rises 3000 feet above sea level. Temple Trust looks after Trimbakeshwar Temple.
They built Shivprasad Bhakta Niwas, which has 24 rooms (2 bed, 3 bed, 5 bed), a conference hall, a lift, and hot water facilities.
Insights about temple
The temple is surrounded by a 20-25 foot high stone wall. Photography is not permitted; you can not bring a camera inside but can bring a cell phone.
They have two cameras/mobile lockers right in front of the temple’s main entrance (basically it’s just a shop that keeps your times). In one shop I paid Rs 10 to put my camera. The shoe stand is located next to the main gate (Rs 1 per pair).
There is no need for autos since the temple is just a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
while moving towards the temple, there was this old man blowing and selling a flute and got captured in my cam.
The entrance gate will guide you to the queue, which has a logical separation of roughly 6-7 lines.
The queue of the main temple runs through the Nandi Temple, constructed before the Shiva temple (as you know Shiva temple always has Nandi Idol where Nandi always faces Shivalingam with an exception of Kapileshwar Temple in Panchavati where Nandi is not present at its place).
Nandi Idol is seated on a platform made of white marble that is about a foot or two high.
After passing through the Nandi temple, you enter the Shiva temple. From the inside, you enter a large hall with a dome-shaped roof. The sanctum is small and houses the main Shivlingam as well as three lings that live in a hollow building.
We could only see all three miniature lingams through the mirror I described earlier.
Outside the temple just in front of the entrance gate, one can see few cows self-feeding the grass, there must be some story behind this which I didn’t bother to find out.
People were supposed to purchase fodder and need to feed these cows and also there are many smalls temples on roads and poor people’s houses.
Kushavarta
Holy pond Kushavarta at Trimbakeshwar
A holy pond called “Kushavarta” is just a 5-minute walk away and is where the Ganga begins its journey to the rest of India.
I spent the day exploring Trimbakeshwar! It’s a very small town, and I had a great time walking around. The management had done an excellent job, and most areas were nice and clean.
There were just a few crowds around the temple and the main Kushavrat ghat. The other routes and places were not at all overcrowded.
According to Hindu mythology, taking a bath here purifies one of all sins. According to legend, Sage Gautam forced the river Ganga to halt within the enchanted grass area he created and swore a vow to her.
Kushavarta, a holy pond inside the temple grounds, is the source of the Godavari River, peninsular India’s longest river.
According to legend, Trimbakeshwar was the birthplace of Lord Ganesh, the ‘Tri-Sandhya Gayatri.’
Trimbakeshwar is also thought to be the home of the revered sage Gautama.
About Kushavarta
Gautama worshipped Lord Shiva at Brahmagiri Mountain for the Ganges’ down-flow in order to be free of the sin of gohatya.
The wish was granted, and Goddess Ganges took the form of River Godavari, which flowed from Brahmagiri Mountain’s Kushavarta.
This he did in order to take a holy bath in this water to atone for his sin of slaughtering a cow.
Sheemant Rao Sahib Parnekar built the temple that stands here today around the stalled water.
The walls within the hall are inscribed with various Idols, and there are small temples in each corner.
History of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
This Shiva temple was built by the Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire, Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, also known as Nana Saheb, in the mid-18th century. This temple’s reconstruction began in 1755 and was finished 31 years later in 1786.
Mahadev temple
This was the only true ‘baba’ picture I took. I am a very shy photographer. And when I asked their permission before clicking, they were more than happy to comply.
Trimbakeshwar Temple Mahashivratri Darshan Timings:-
Trimbakeshwar Temple Mahashivratri Darshan (Open) – 6 AM to 8 PM.
Darshan Timings of Trimbakeshwar Temple (normal days):-
Visit the Trimbakeshwar temple anytime between 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Different Pooja Timings:-The Special Pooja – 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
The Madhyan Pooja – 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
The Golden Crown of Shiva – 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Note –
1) Please keep in mind that the Trimbakeshwar Temple’s timings can differ on special occasions and during festivals.
2) While returning from Trimbakeshwar if you are not late and stretch your limits, I would suggest visiting Sula Vineyards.
Every weekend, I would often just pack my bags and head to a nearby mountain to hike in Sahyadris. This time the visit was to a small fort in Northwest of Nashik city called Ramshej fort. The fort is about 3273 ft on Nashik – Peth road. The base village is Ashewadi.
This time on the weekend I decided to visit Ramshej fort along with 3 friends. we had planned an early morning trek to the place starting on Saturday morning at 6 am by car from Nashik Road. The fort comes in easy grade and not much effort is required to climb it but on reading the history of the fort, It was quite interesting so I was sure the visit would be equally worthwhile. So I was all backpacked on Saturday morning, on my way with my travel buddies to explore and adventure yet another place that had played an important part in our history.
At the base village of Aashewadi, the Ramshej Fort trek begins. The trail begins with a concrete path, followed towards the end by stone stairs and a steep rocky path. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the lush green area below and the blue sky above while ascending. It takes about an hour for the top of the fort to be reached.
We have finally started our trek to Ramshej. When we began trekking, it was almost 7:00 AM. While trekking, clicking pictures & videos, listening to good music, chitchatting, watching the stunning landscape as we went up and up, we had a lot of fun. Beautiful views of the lakes, dams, temples, trees, and villages around the fort were visible. We shot all the lovely views as we could with our cameras and eyes.
In a large cave near the entrance of the fort, a temple dedicated to Lord Ram is situated. Rest for a little while and immerse yourself in the quiet environment. Potable water is contained in a cistern situated near the temple. Broken steps lead to the top of the fort near the cave temple.
A vast plateau with very little fortification is at the top of Ramshej Fort. You’ll come across a few more temples here, some water cisterns, the old building remains, rock-cut caves, and some ancient ruins. Enjoy the wonderful bird’s-eye views of the picturesque locale surrounding the fort when you are at the top.
The history behind Ramshej Fort
History has it that the fort was besieged by the army of Aurangzeb, and the Maratha kingdom was threatened by his commanders saying that they would conquer the fort in hours, but Sambhaji, the son of Shivaji Maharaj, defied these attacks for 7 years. Thus, the Fort remained with the Marathas for a longer time than the fighting lives of some of the army commanders of Aurangazeb who believed that the fort would be taken down in hours.
Best of the Ramshej Fort Trek
The breeze touching your face is stunning, as is the view from the top of Ramshej Fort.
For beginner hikers to explore on the weekend, Ramshej Trek is the best fort.
Enthusiasts of nature will be delighted to see green farms surrounding the Fort of Ramshej.
On the way to the apex, one can find some tamarind trees as well.
Exploring Ramshej fort, which goes back to the 17th century, can fascinate history buffs.
This holy fort is also known as the location where Lord Rama lived during his exile for a while.
One can notice the mountain ranges of Trimbak and Satmala from the top of the Fort.
Best time to visit Ramshej Fort Nashik
The best time to visit the Ramshej Fort Trek is at the monsoons’ beginning. The rainy season helps because when it rains, the hillside suddenly bursts into greenery, and during those short dry spells in the monsoons, the soil is firm enough to climb.
How to get there
•One can reach Nashik from Mumbai and Pune.
•Then board an S.T from Nashik’s CBS bus station to Peth and alight at the Aashewadi Phata.
•A walk of some minutes takes us to Aashewadi village, where we can see the Fort.
•The route to Fort goes from the village’s backside by keeping Fort on the left side.
•One can also travel by private vehicle to the base village Ashewadi.
Want to experience something unseen and beautiful then welcome to the Sula Vineyards. It is located at Gangapur Nashik. The very place where the wines are made from scratch and along with you can see the journey of wine from the grape gardens to those expensive bottles. A visit to vineyards and wineries in Nashik is a pleasant experience for people of all ages and it’s carefully curated to give you an inside look at the winemaking process while allowing you to make wonderful memories along the way.
The Sula Vineyards is a well-known winery located in Nashik, 180 kilometers north-east of Mumbai, renowned for its sparkling wines such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Zinfandel. Let’s look at the history of it when the company started from a mere 30-acre estate in Nashik and has now expanded over Nashik and Karnataka to about 1,800 acres. This large estate is open to the general public and has gained immense popularity over the years for a round of wine tasting and a vineyard tour throughout the year.
The best time to visit here is from January to March, which is harvest and crush season. If you are here around that time then don’t miss one of the most happening Sula festival. The country’s leading gourmet world music concert, with wonderful music, delicious food followed by the most exciting grape stomping activity taking place here is an added delight.
It also houses an outstanding Gift and Bottle Shop, which has several unique wine labels that can only be bought from the winery. You can pick your favorite wines from this shop as a souvenir as a takeaway of memories or for gifting purposes. The two restaurants, named Little Italy and Soma, on vineyards, serve delicious Italian and Indian food in both these restaurants. The Tasting Room is a beautiful venue in front of the vineyards and backwaters of the Gangapur Dam.
Why Sula vineyards
Sula Vineyard Image Courtesy- Wikimedia
The vineyards also house a living retreat, a winery, and a tasting room where people can taste different samples and varieties of wines made in the winery. The place looks like it is a villa that is wrapped around by wineries. It is the kind of place from which you can sit down on the villa’s balcony, have a glass of wine in your hand, and enjoy the view. What do you expect if you think of a one-day trip? A calm environment, away from the noisy cities, ideal for all Instagram (these days are really important). Well, Sula Vineyards is only the place that would relax you with your hustle and bustle. The vineyard is a perfect getaway away from the city’s noise for people who want to spend their weekend or day off at leisure. The location’s ambiance and scenery are such that tourists don’t even know they’re actually in India, and the breathtaking views completely transform them into a different world.
About Sula fest
Sula Fest seems to be one of India’s best festivals drawing half of India’s music fans. The need for a break in the daily grind of one’s life is sufficient. It’s a fun-filled activity festival where visitors can enjoy hardcore music, food, wine, and fashion. The 2019 Sula Fest was a grand celebration; visitors enjoyed the presence of a number of famous guests.
It’s called Sula Fest Live Vineyard Music Festival and takes place at the winery each year. This two-day world music festival for gourmets started in 2008 and offers its visitors some great food and drinks with catchy music. People who attend the festival will take part in grape tasting, wine tasting, and camping during the festival.
Aren’t you already daydreaming about this place, why not just quickly pack your bags and have a breathtaking experience with your loved ones?
It is around 20 km from the Sula vineyard. It is an unexplored region. I was reached there and I was amazed. It is lovely. You would like to drive and look around for a pleasant spot where you’ll stop the car. But there’s no one around. The whole lake is for yourself. I was dazzle to see the clean environment, still and clear blue water. We put our feet in the water and went through a beautiful calm time there. Hence, this location is highly recommended for people who like peaceful places with no crowds and who like to explore abandoned areas.
Trimbakeshwar Temple is a religious place that hosts one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Trimbakeshwar is situated at the foot of Brahamagiri hill, which rises 3000 feet above sea level. Temple Trust looks after Trimbakeshwar Temple.
They built Shivprasad Bhakta Niwas, which has 24 rooms (2 bed, 3 bed, 5 bed), a conference hall, a lift, and hot water facilities.
After passing through the Nandi temple, you enter the Shiva temple. From the inside, you enter a large hall with a dome-shaped roof. The sanctum is small and houses the main Shivlingam as well as three lings that live in a hollow building.
We could only see all three miniature lingams through the mirror I described earlier.
Outside the temple just in front of the entrance gate, one can see few cows self-feeding the grass, there must be some story behind this which I didn’t bother to find out.
People were supposed to purchase fodder and need to feed these cows and also there are many smalls temples on roads and poor people’s houses.
