Picturesque Parikrama of the Bhandardara Dam
For an instance, I felt like i was witnessing the great Himalayan range, except for the fact that these were without the snow caps. I’m not saying that I have great experience of travelling in the Himalayas, but this view somewhat adjusted my mental image of such glorious range. It was pouring heavy and I could spot the beautifully nested dam between the magnificent Kalsubai range of the mighty Sahayadris, which looked like a thin rumpled sheet of aluminium foil. The pillars stood tall all around the dam, seemed like they were protecting its beauty from the urban intruders. This was Bhandardara Dam(Wilson Dam).
Located in the Ahmednagar district, it boarders itself with Nashik district and is bearly 90Kms from Nashik. It was a heavy raining monsoon Saturday when I was riding on my 500cc machine to this paradise to experience the energising beauty of the region. Bhandardara, as the place is commonly referred to as is actually a small relocated village, placed near to the massive wall of dam. I routed my ride on Nashik-Mumbai Express Highway till Ghoti and then moved towards Bhandardara, following the curvy narrow roads finding its path along the base of the highest peak of Maharashtra, Mt. Kalsubai. The sights were amazing all along. The ascend was gradual ceasing the sights of flat lands and putting forth the hilly curves floored with fresh green carpets all over.
My route was planned but not the experience. I reached Shendi village(the start village of my Bhandardara Dam Parikrama) and stopped over for light breakfast and some hot tea at my friends hotel, Hotel Amruteshwar. Sipping the hot tea served by my friend Mr.Rathod, I enjoyed the rains washing out the region.
As I started further, and crossed the forest check port, I made my way along the zig-zag path till Murshet Village to enjoy the panoramic view of the complete region. I was aware of this spot as I had my campsite just below the place where I was standing near the banks of dam backwater. I could barely spot Mt. Kalsubai, and the mighty neighbours Alang, Madan, Kulang, commonly referred as AMK, as they were dressed with dark clouds and were all set to take bath. The mountains around were rolling down 100s of waterfalls whilst the farm lands were filled like infinity pools, some were overflowing resulting a stopover for me to take a quick shower in the icy cold water.
I headed though the mountains into a thick fog when I could hardly see a meter ahead. I slowed down and switched on my bike’s lights. As I crept along, I could occasionally spot the precipices. I decided to ride cautiously or I would have careened over into the valleys juxtaposed the narrow road. Somehow I made my way till Konkankada, my next stop. The visibility of the valley was poor due to the thick fog, but I could feel the freshness of the place.
I decided to drop Ghatandevi temple due to the foggy weather and instead drove towards Samrad village. Parked my ride at my friends’ place, Mr.Kunde, and had a hot tea with him along with long chats. He asked me to visit the reverse waterfall which was situated near Sandhan Valley (Patilji, please do one, after tea just walk your way till Sandhan Valley and turn right to witness a marvel of nature). I immediately made my way towards the waterfall after all the description put forth by Kunde. In the meanwhile I asked him to make garam bhajis and tea for me because I knew I was going to be drenched in the waterfall. The waterfall is approximately a Km walk from Samrad Village. A complete pack of natures’ marvel, when I reached the spot I could see the giant waterfall flowing against the gravity. Nearly ¾ of the water was moving in opposite direction. The water that travelled anti-gravity was falling on the people standing near the railing to enjoy the natures wonder. It seemed like someone was throwing water with the help of bucket on everyone. The sight was enthralling and I was soaked in its beauty. I then made my way through jungle towards the beautiful Sandhan Valley which had already started collecting water, hence making itself not accessible. On getting back to Samrad, I enjoyed the ‘garam bhajis’ and thanked my friend for the recommendation.
Next was the 2000 year old beautifully built temple in back stone at the foothill of the once strategic Ratangad Fort, the Amruteshwar Temple. It is a temple of lord Shiva in the small village of Ratanwadi. The environment of the temple is very serene and once can find solace by sitting in the temple area. I enjoyed the views of Ratangad fort and its neighbours whilst they were wrapped with the dark clouds. It was 03:30PM and I had to continue with my ‘Parikrama’. Next pit stop was on the sight of the huge Necklace waterfall. It is so called, because it falls in the shape of a necklace tied around a lady’s neck. It is massive and engrossing. The drive along the back water of Bhandardara dam which I call the Parikrama of Bhandardara had highlights of hundreds of waterfalls, some accessible and otherwise. Adding to this was yet another waterfall, Nanhi Waterfall (Bridge waterfall – because there is a bridge constructed near the waterfall for tourist to enjoy the same from near). Indeed, standing on the bridge is quite a thrill. Garam Bhajis & Chai were available near the waterfall, but I avoided as I was already stuffed a lot of it.
The narrow road then made me reach the actual massive wall of Bhandardara Dam and then to Shendi Village, where I completed my Parikrama of the Bhandardara Dam.
People, this is a must visit destination especially in the monsoons. It is undeniably flooded with beauty, freshness and energising atmosphere. The sights of the paddy farms are a real treat for eyes, and working in them with the fellow farming friends is worth a try. It’s a place to experience.
Important Places to cover:
1) Konkankada
2) Ghatandevi Temple
3) Sandhan Reverse Waterfall
4) Sandhan Valley (If possible & accessible)
5) Amruteshwar Temple
6) Necklace Waterfall
7) Nanhi Waterfall (Bridge Waterfall)
# Good place for food (particularly Non-veg) – Hotel Amruteshwar near MTDC Bhandardara
# Good place for food/Snacks in Samrad Village (Veg/Non Veg) – Mr Kunde (he owns a grocery shop next to the road)
# Good place for Tea on the way to Bhandardara - Hotel Mauli (its on the junction On Ghoti-Sinnar highway when we take a right for bhandaradara)
www.hillsnvalleys.co.in