Bhandardara Camping Overview
Due to the beautiful surrounding landscape and a variety of attractions, Bhandardara has become a great destination for camping and trekking. Bhandardara camping offers great opportunities for those who want to escape the noise of the city and rush into the nature. There are many campsites dotting the landscape around Bhandardara, offering a variety of experiences from camping at lakeside to camping in a jungle. There are also many trekking routes around Bhandardara which you can combine with your camping trip
While camping at Bhandardara, you get to explore the gorgeous landscape of the Western Ghats along with magnificent views. You also get to explore the flora and fauna that flourish near the village. But apart from these, there are many other places you can visit to make your Bhandardara camping trip even better.
While camping at Bhandardara, you can visit the Wilson Dam, one of the oldest dams in India. The dam was constructed in 1910 and it sits across River Parvara at an altitude of 493 feet above sea level. Another great place to visit is the Arthur Lake, a clear blue, placid lake that is fed by the River Parvara. It is surrounded by thick canopied forests of the Sahyadris and is a great spot for camping and stargazing. Randha Falls is a must-visit when you're doing Bhandardara camping. It is where River Parvara descends from a height of 170 feet. The waterfall is in its full glory in the monsoon season, so be sure to check it out during your monsoon camping in Bhandardara.
Bhandardara camping: Nearby treks
Bhandardara is not only a great camping destination but also a great place for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The village is surrounded by some of Maharashtra's top treks. You can easily combine your camping trip in Bhandardara with any of these treks and make your visit to Bhandardara even more adventurous.
While camping in Bhandardara, you can trek to Kalsubai peak, Maharashtra's highest point at 5,400 feet above sea level. You can even trek to the historic forts of Ratangad and Harishchandragad, and explore their ancient ruins. Or you can conquer the peaks of Alang-Madan-Kulang, one of the toughest treks in Maharashtra, or trek to the Sandhan Valley, a 200 feet deep river-cut valley.
Bhandardara camping: Fireflies trek in Bhandardara
Every year, just before the monsoon, thousands of fireflies gather in secluded spots of the Western Ghats for their yearly mating ritual, lighting up the forests with their tiny glimmers. Bhandardara is one of the best spots to witness this phenomenon. Bhandardara is a perfect spot for the fireflies trek and camping. Many operators conduct fireflies trek in Bhandardara every year and let you witness their mesmerizing dance in the night.
While fireflies camping in Bhandardara, you check-in at the campsite in the late afternoon. And as dusk falls, you embark on a short trek to the surrounding forests to watch fireflies dashing all around you. You then return to the campsite and retire to your tents. In the morning, you check-out and head home.
Visit our blog on fireflies treks in Maharashtra to know more about the fireflies season.
Note: Fireflies treks and camping trips only take place for a short duration of time just before the start of monsoons. Generally, this period is from mid-May to mid-June.
Visit our page on monsoon treks in Maharashtra to explore more options.
Note: Do note that there no ATM's in the vicinity of Bhandardara for at least 30 km, so carry sufficient cash
Click here to check out more camping options in Maharashtra. And click here to explore the adventure activities in Maharashtra.
Bhandardara Camping Trip Summary
- State: Maharashtra
- Nearest city: Nashik
- Total days: 2 days
- Grade: Easy
- Max altitude: 2430 feet
- Total trekking distance: NA
- Season: Monsoon and winter
- Avg temperature: 8 to 25 degree Celsius