Camping in Bhandardara | Your Lakeside Camping Guide in 2021

Bhandardara is a holiday resort village near Igatpuri in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, nestled in the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats. Owing to its surreal scenic beauty with its lush greenery, cascades, mountains, and lakes, it has not only become a popular offbeat destination for many tourists, but is also emerging to be one of the top spots for camping in the region.

Located on the banks of Pravara river, camping in Bhandardara is a very sought-after experience owing to its locales, scenery and the presence of several camping operators.

Here is your guide for camping in Bhandardara:

Best Time for Camping in Bhandardara

The best time for camping in Bhandardara is the monsoons and early winter season i.e. from June to September. During this season, the temperature is at it's best and the region blooms with rich greenery and gushing waterfalls, and you can experience spellbinding charm. The climate remains cool and breezy with temperature ranging between 20-30 degrees. Summer is not considered the most ideal time to camp, however, it still experience a hoard of tourists.

Here is a list of the major camping operators in Bhandardara that you can check out:

1. Bhandardara Camping King

Location: At. Murshet Post. Shendi Tal. Akole dist. A. Nagar, Bhandardara 422604, India
Cost: INR 4,388 - INR 4,604 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
Services: tent, local guides, food, transport, rooms and bonfire.
Contact: 09552393420
Website: www.bhandardaracampingking.com

2. Bhandardara Village Camping

Location: Mutkhel Bhandardara, Bhandardara 422604, India
Cost: Starting from INR 3000 per day
Services: Tenting, Campfire, Boating and Food.
Contact: 9545973980, 9623069465
Website: www.bhandardaravillagecamping.com

3. Lakeside camping by 99 hikers

Location: MTDC Resort Near Shendi Village, Bhandardara 422604, India
Cost: Starting from INR 1500
Services: boating, tents, campfires, food,
Contact: +9920431641 email us: [email protected]
Website: www.99hikers.com

4. Bhandardara Campers

Location: Bhandardara dam 422604
Cost: INR 2,000 - INR 3,000 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
Services: Tent, camping, food, camping gear
Contact: 9762614131
Website: www.bhandardradamcamping.com

5. CampinGear

Location: Sector -1, Ghansoli
Cost: INR 2000 - INR 3000
Services: Camping, Trekking, Bird Watching, Angling, Pilgrimage, Boating.
Contact: Mobile: +91 9969767487, +91 9769147241, E-mail:[email protected]
Website: www.campingear.in

Other Things To Do While Camping in Bhandardara

Ratangad, Trekking in Bhandardara — Trekking in Bhandardara
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Once you pitch your camp along the pristine Bhandardara lake, set forth to explore your surroundings. Some camping packages take you on a boating ride on the clear waters of the lake. The real fun begins once dusk approaches. The mesmerising sunset makes way for a clear sky inundated with stars. People especially carry their cameras and telescopes to enjoy the night sky which is free from pollution and clouds. Campers light up a bonfire, and some even carry their musical instruments with them. The night is all about stargazing, singing, and dancing. Bhandardara is very safe for camping since there are no wild animals around.

More Activities and Places to Explore

1. Trekking

Bhandardara has several treks and hike routes. One of the most popular amogst those is the trek to Ratangad fort. Ratangad is an ancient hill fort in the Ratanwadi village and is one of the best forts in Maharashtra. This four hours trek through fields and thick forests across the Pravara river is an adventurous and rewarding experience.

Another favourite trekking spot is the Harishchandragad fort. This fort goes back to the 6th century, under the Kalchuri dynasty. The three peaks of Harishchandragad are Rohidas, Taramati, and Harishchandra. These peaks offer a panoramic and scenic view of the surroundings. The trekking path from the nearby Paachnai village is a 5-kilometre trek via green forests and rocky patches. It is a relatively tough trek however the experience is enriching. You can even camp on the peak.

2. Boating

You can also go boating at the famous Bhandardara Lake which is situated at a distance of 500 meters from Bhandardara bus stop, Also known as Arthur Lake, the lake is a result of the construction of Wilson Dam, fed by the Pravara River. This 34-kilometre lake acts as a reservoir for the Wilson Dam. It is one of the oldest dams in India. The most striking feature of the lake is the Randha Falls.

Surrounded by the dense green forests of the Sahyadri Hills, a boat ride on Arthur Lake will surely offer you a serene experience with the spectacular surroundings and placid waters. Ghatghar, Mount Kalsubai, Umbrella Falls and Sandhan Valley are other popular attractions nearby.

What To Carry when Camping in Bhandardara?

If you take a camping package, you are provided with sleeping mats, camps and meals. However, it would be advisable to carry the following:

Clothes
Extra food
Flashlight and batteries
Drinking water
First-aid kit and personal medication
Bedsheet
Rucksack
Mosquito repellent
Raincoat
Woollen garments and thick blankets

Some Dos and Don'ts

Check beforehand as most camping packages have a minimum age required of at least 18 years.
Don't forget to carry your ID proof.
Swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited.
Some camping packages do not offer you utensils. Carry your spoons and plates.
Wear good quality trekking shoes.

How To Reach the Campsites in Bhandardara

The nearest railway station to Bhandardara is Igatpuri which is 45 kilometres from the destination. Igatpuri station lies on the Mumbai-Nasik rail route. From the station, you can either take a cab or a bus. It is also easily accessible from other roadways.

So, this weekend, drive to Bhandardara and return with unforgettable memories of sleeping in the heart of nature under the starry blanket of the sky.