One of the best places to stargaze in Maharashtra would be at Bhandardara. You can see dark skies without too much pollution blocking it. With an unaided eye, you can view the Milky Way and many constellations that you may never see from busy cities. If you’re interested in astronomy, you can capture some amazing images of the Milky Way and more. If you’re not, you can just relax and enjoy gazing at the star-studded skies.
Bhandardara is a holiday resort village located near Igatpuri, amid the western ghats of India. The village is in Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra, about 185 km from Mumbai, 155 km from Ahmednagar and 73 km from Nashik.
For those who love camping under the starry skies, a celestial show begins at sunset. The night sky is an inky canvas painted by millions of stars, producing a magnificent work of art just for you. Relax on your camping mat, take in the breathtaking Milky Way, and sense the cosmos whispering its secrets to you via dazzling stars dancing in the night.
Camping at Bhandardara Lake goes beyond just stargazing; it’s a feast of natural adventures designed to awaken your senses and strengthen your soul. In other words, you will have a rhapsody of experiences.
Put on your trekking boots and climb the hills of the Sahyadri Range. Experience the breathtaking splendour of Randha Falls, a hidden treasure nestled inside the lush embrace of greens. Get on an adventurous journey to Ratangad Fort, an old watchtower overlooking spectacular valleys. You can also stroll along easy walking paths around Wilson Dam while savouring fresh alpine air and admiring expansive viewpoints.
It’s a pleasure to go kayaking in the serene waters of Wilson Dam amid mountains and their reflections with the sun playing hide-and-seek behind the clouds. You will sometimes hear the sounds of fish interrupting the stillness with light splashes. You can also try paddleboarding or just relaxing on fine sands while the sound of waves gently lulls you into a state of calmness.
The crackling warmth of a bonfire under a starry sky tends to bring people closer. You will find fireflies that light up the night and elevate vibes around the flickering flame. Under glittering stars, some campers roast marshmallows, sing songs, and tell stories. The hills resound with laughter, creating memories that remain long after the flames go out.
Bhandardara encourages cultural immersion. You can explore the historic Kaleshwar Temple, where elaborate sculptures depict historical events. You can discover colourful marketplaces of Bhandardara town while indulging in mouth-watering Marathi food and acquiring one-of-a-kind souvenirs. You can also make friends with friendly inhabitants and learn about their lifestyle, which is interwoven with the peaceful mountains.
With exciting whispers by the lakeside ready to embrace you, Bhandardara Camping welcomes you with open arms. Join us for a fantastic two-day camp by the lake at Store Rate, complete with unique amenities and unparalleled fun. Here’s a quick look at what you get on this amazing adventure:
Start your day with good-quality activities, and fun.
From 4 to 6 pm, enjoy refreshing welcome drinks and snacks and slowly return to a relaxed state.
Then, take a cruise and appreciate the spectacular sunset.
From 6 to 11 pm, after some indoor activities, relish a delicious barbeque and groove to some good music by the fireplace.
At 11 pm, head back to the pavilion, lie down, have a nice chat, snooze or stay up all night gazing at the twinkling stars.
Wake up to amazing views.
From 6:30 am to 1 pm, you can start your morning with a walk, some swimming, and a healthy meal. Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of tea and some nice poha before indulging in leisure activities like boating and swimming.
Toward the end of this wonderful experience, lunch will be served.
After lunch, take in the views and relax for a minute. You can leave with fond memories of your camping trip.
The experience includes one dinner (unlimited), one breakfast, one evening tea and snacks, a sleeping bag and accommodations on a sharing basis, music, boating, and a memorable bonfire night.
Exclusions: Lunch (though available at an extra charge), any mode of conveyance, travel to Kasara and return, mineral or lime water that is purchased for individual use, any additional meals or soft drinks that were ordered, as well as any personal costs, any type of expense not included in ticket price, including the ones listed above; any costs incurred as a result of unavoidable, unanticipated events like blockages and inclement weather; any necessary medical or emergency evacuations.
In Bhandardara, time slows down, worries cool off with the fresh morning mist, and souls rejuvenate with the beauty of nature. So, pack your bags, say goodbye to concrete jungles, and come stay amid abundant mountains at Bhandardara.
Priyanshu loves adventurous sports. He has explored many places and many adventurous sports such as paragliding, parasailing, and river rafting. Priyanshu has a special connection with paragliding. He writes to share his experience with others, give helpful tips, and narrate stories about his encounters. He aims at making adventure sports participation a piece of cake for nature and adventure lovers.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Zariya Healings.
35 Comments
I wasn’t aware of this resort but it sounds lovely. Thanks for the recommendation!
This sounds like a lovely trek, and one i wish i really could experience too… a night under the stars and serenity – sounds divine!
Starry skies and enjoying in the lap of nature is a rare combination hard to get. I had not heard about it much. Thanks for sharing this lovely spot for camping and treking.
OMG! Can’t imagine a place like Bhandardara is so near to Mumbai that is congested by ruthless traffic. Here in Delhi, watching the night sky has become a dream now. This place is on my bucket list now! Yes!
I have heard of this place a lot and love to do something like this so bookmarking it to use it later.
To be able to see the stars in the city is such a rarity now. Something we took for granted as kids. Bhandardara sounds like a fabulous place. That itinerary looks inviting.
I love camping under the stars: Being in super polluted Delhi NCR, stars are not a given privilege. Cheers to camping in summers!
This is the first time I have heard about Bhandardara. Sounds like a good place to go camping. I will share this with my family in Mumbai. They will surely enjoy it.
I’ve heard a lot about Bhandardara but haven’t been there yet. I wish to visit soon especially for the serene camping experience under the stars.
This beautifully captures the serene experience of camping under the starry skies. The detailed descriptions of the resort’s amenities and the breathtaking natural surroundings make it a must-visit destination. The personal anecdotes add a warm touch, making you feel like you’re right there enjoying the peaceful ambiance. A perfect getaway for nature lovers and camping enthusiasts!
I’ve heard a lot about Bhandardara but haven’t been there yet. It’s absolutely stunning during monsoons though camping and star gazing wouldn’t probably happen then. Must plan a trek there.
Bhandardara for me is like Taj Mahal must be for the residents of Agra. I keep pushing it thinking it’s so close to Mumbai, can be done anytime. Unfortunately, despite the place being in my list, that time hasn’t come for me yet. I do intend to visit it sometime soon and this post might prove to be just the motivation I needed.
I hope, Manali!
Bhandardara – A new destination for people who love adventure, trekking and camping. I will surely love to explore this destination and enjoy the vibe it offers. It will help to get me closer to nature.
Camping under stars sounds divine. Added Bhandaradara to my places to visit list! Wish I had known about this when I went to Nashik
Bhandardara is one of thenmost beautiful place. In monsoon waterfall is the main attraction of this point. We had been there when I was a working girl. Now again I want to explore this site soon.
I have always wanted to star-gaze but could never find an apt place to do it. This is so helpful.
Camping under the stars is on my bucket list, still. After stargazing in Andamans in January, I want to camp. Bonfires, music, we used to have great fun as girl guides when we went on camps. Thank you for the suggestion. Will search for places close t Hyderabad, though.
Great guide Cindy, these list of things to bring for camping at Bhandardara is really helpful. I went there some three ..four year back and completely agree about the need for good hiking shoes and a torch. The place is truly beautiful, and your tips will definitely make the trip smoother for anyone. Thanks to Prayanshu for sharing his advice and experiences.
Just my kind of a place. Bookmarked this for a trip, I love the outdoor life, treks and Nature. I have heard about this place earlier also, but now the details are clearer.
I have never heard of this place Bhandardara but looks like an interesting one with so many outdoor activities. It would be nice to star gaze cuz I haven’t done it in years. I am an outdoor person and I really like to be in nature but my Blr life is mostly indoors.
Thanks to Priyanshu for a great recommendation. I shall share this post with my friends who are regularly into such adventures.
Bhandardara sounds divine! And not far away too. Starry skies, not very difficult treks, both sound practical and lovely. Thanks for this. I think I’ll do such a trip when I’m in Mumbai next.
I had only heard about the Bhandardara trek and camping but this detailed post about the whole camping experience and the things you need to carry for a good experience is really enlightening.
Starry Skies sounds like a good experience, wanna definitely try it. Thanks for sharing
My pleasure, Mani. And thanks for stopping by!
Wow I have never heard of this place . Camping under the sky would be great fun . Thanks for sharing the itinerary with us, I will plan surely soon.
Starry nights are surely the best experience we can crave for in our city lives. The place seems to have all one can look for while exploring nature.
Camping beneath the starry sky is an exhilarating experience. The joy of camping is enhanced by the presence of the stars and the night sky, making the entire experience truly remarkable. I’ve just looked up Bhandardara, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
Camping would be so cool under clear skies and bright stars. I have not been to a camp site but it could be a good weekend getaway. I wish I could see the actual camping site or the camps.
I love the compiled list of things we need to carry, also undoubtedly the place looks like a must-visit.
Wow! I never went to this place and camping under the sky would be great fun and a memory for life. Thanks for sharing the itinerary with us, I will plan surely soon.
Havent heard about it before this post of yours, but Bhandardara seems like a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From camping under starlit skies to trekking through lush hills and exploring gems like Randha Falls and Ratangad Fort, a trip here will certainly be a rhapsody of experiences. Seems like a great place to explore, rejuvenate and connect with the nature!!
I love destinations like Bhandardara – there is an adventure, you are in the lap of nature and can get to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city life while enjoying family time and not to forget the barbeques.
I stayed in Maharashtra for long 7-8 years when I was in India but never heard about Bhandardara. it looks like a great place to visit with family. will try to visit it for sure, when come India next time. thanks to guest author for sharing this great info.
Camping under the starry skies sounds exciting. Camping itself is so much fun and when we get the company of stars and night sky, I am sure the overall experience must be amazing. I just googled Bhandarndara and it is so pretty.