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.

Love Camping Under the Starry 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.

Some Highlights of Bhandardara

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.

• Trekking:

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.

• Water Activities:

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.

• Bonfire Nights: 

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.

• Other Highlights: 

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.

Suggestive Itinerary

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:

DAY 1: 

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.

DAY 2: 

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.

List of Things To Carry Along or Wear

• Proof of Identity.
• 2 to 3 litres of water. 
• A few dried fruits, energy bars, and dry snacks.
• Torch, with an additional charged battery.
• Individual First Aid, and medication, if any.
• Hiking shoes for comfort and grip.
• Sunscreen and a sun cap. 
• Full track pants and sleeves to protect yourself from the summer sun, thorns, insects, and blisters.

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.

Author bio

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.