Road Trip To Bhandardara | HikerWolf

Day 1: (24th August 2019)

• 6:55 am: We will board Kasara train from CST (7:08 Am from Dadar, 07:19 A.M. from Kurla, 07:34 A.M. from Thane, 07:55 A.M. from Kalyan) beginning our fun-packed journey for the day.  
• 09:11 A.M.: Reach Kasara station.
• 09:30 A.M.: We meet the group at Kasara station and board a private vehicle further continuing our journey towards our day full of Pour decision making.
• Our first place will be the Bhavali dam: an earth-fill dam on Bham river, simple calm yet serene dam best for Photography. It has the best of the waterfall filled with ample greenery, foggy climate and number of crabs. Sitting quietly and enjoying this natural beauty, no stall no counter only nature, is the best part of this place!!!
• After spending some peaceful time here, we will head to our next stopping place i.e. Shendi village: small road turning through the fields on both sides, crossing over the hillocks over the Ghats, totally different than the mundane highway drive!!! Having some sumptuous lunch here and enjoying the true essence of Maharashtrian typical village we will head to one of the remarkable places of Bhandardara i.e.: The Bhandardara dam/Wilson dam
• An enormous piece from where we have amazing views of scenery which gives back the best of its beauty if it's rainy!!! Built on Pravara river in 1910 is the largest earthen dam in India, it has the main water reserve and is surrounded by beautiful Sahyadri mountains lines. Not only this it has a treasury view of the amazing Umbrella fall: When the water is released from 200ft from Bhandardara dam main reserve to Pravara river, first it falls on the rocky crags, it sprinkles presents same as an umbrella, which gives a magnificent view of Umbrella fall. Truly a treat to eyes!!! The added flavor of the dam is the Randha fall: third largest in Maharashtra, a scenic waterfall on Pravana river ferociously falls from a height of 170ft into a magnificent ravine. If possible, we will go a few steps down to the pond and reward ourselves with an exquisite dip.
• After this glory lets head to our next point, it will be the Nice Falls: a fragile place Spillway alongside Ghorpade Devi temple and Necklace falls: looks like a necklace from a distance, also have a nice walkway where we can walk and get the best view of this colossal falls.
• Evening we will visit the Famous trekking base as it far from the main town and has a very rustic charm to it.
• Ratanwadi: a dwelling of some 30-40 houses scattered over the hill, a village that houses the famous Ratangad Fort and the popular Shiva temple called: Amruteshwar-constructed using Hemandpanthi architected style. It is one of the 12 Shiva temples build in 900AD by King Jhang of Shilahara dynasty. The ceiling and the walls of the temple are decorated with some impressive and lovely murals. Near the temple is an ancient water cistern, a must-visit an ideal place for history lovers!!!
• After exploring half of the Bhandaradara by road it’s time for some refreshment and make a happening night with bonfire, wacky dances, music and sumptuous dinner!!
• Night stay will be in Samrad village with splendid views of Sandhan valley!!!
• There are many interesting stories about the place, we will make sure to have a chat with locals about the same!

Day 2: 25th August 2019

• Another blooming morning at Bhandardara starting with hot chai and some mouth licking breakfast!
• Starting our trip again with one of the canyons in the Sahyadri mountain ranges: the valley of suspense. Don’t worry it’s not a trek just a feel and side exploring of this majestic place!!! The valley is surrounded with mighty Alang, Malang, and Kulang (Known as AMK), Ratangad, Ajoba & Kalsubai (highest peak of Maharashtra, 5400ft) the village (Samrad village: base village) is itself located approx. at 3000ft above sea level.
• During monsoon, a waterfall here comes to life and its known for a Bizarre phenomenon – its flow is reverse!!! An experience like never before, very attractive with green pastures landscape, heavy clouds and a point called Konkan Kada (Concave shaped mountain): the scenic route from Samrad village. From gushing waters, typical villages, and visiting huge dams till the mesmerizing views of Sandhan valley and its stupendous Reverse waterfalls, all with a comfy ride by road with a collection of endless memory and twist of music and masti we will end our journey and head back to Mumbai!!
• By late evening we will reach and time to say Goodbye!!!