Maharashtra · Bhandara
Bhandara
Vidarbha, also known as Berar, is the easternmost region of Maharashtra, India. Although Maharashtra as a whole is considered a western state, geographically Vidarbha is very much at the centre of the country, on the Deccan Plateau.
Bhandara at a Glance
Best TimeOctober to March
Ideal Duration1-2 Days
Destination TypeNature & Relaxation
RegionSouth India
LocationBhandara, Maharashtra
LanguagesTamil · English
Why Bhandara?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Religious Significance
- River Confluence
- Buddhist Heritage
- Cultural Festivals
- Agricultural Landscape
- Connectivity
Bhandara at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Bhandara before planning your visit.
Location: Bhandara, Maharashtra
Destination Type: Nature & Relaxation
Best Time: October to March
How to Reach: Part of Bhandara
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Days
Nearby Places: 5 places nearby
Can be combined with
Explore Bhandara
Places to Visit
- Gosikhurd Dam: Gosikhurd Dam is a large irrigation project on the Wainganga River, located about 33 km from Bhandara town in eastern Maharashtra. While not a conventional tourist destination, its vast reservoir and proximity to the Wainganga riverfront make it a quiet spot for picnics and nature observation. The dam is primarily an engineering feat serving local agriculture, offering visitors a glimpse of rural Maharashtra's water management.
- Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary: Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling 189.25 sq km protected area in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, best known as a vital corridor for tigers dispersing from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The Pauni Gate, about 41.1 km from Bhandara, offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path safari experience through dry deciduous forests and rolling hills. It is an emerging destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness without the crowds.
- Nagardhan Fort: Nagardhan Fort is a historic fort located about 39.5 km from Bhandara in Maharashtra, India. While its exact origins are not well-documented, the fort stands as a local landmark with ancient roots. Its weathered ramparts and quiet surroundings offer a glimpse into the region's past.
- Chorkhamara Reservoir: Chorkhamara Reservoir is a serene waterbody located about 34.3 km from Bhandara town in Maharashtra. It serves as a peaceful getaway for nature lovers and picnickers, offering calm waters and open skies. The reservoir is a minor attraction, best suited for a quiet half-day trip rather than a major destination.
- Bodhisatva Nagarjun Mahavihar: Bodhisatva Nagarjun Mahavihar is a Buddhist temple located near Bhandara in Maharashtra, India. Situated approximately 38.4 kilometres from Bhandara town, it serves as a spiritual retreat for followers of Buddhism and a point of interest for travellers exploring the region's religious heritage. The temple's serene setting and architectural elements offer a glimpse into Buddhist traditions in a predominantly Hindu area.
- St. Peter Church, Bhandara: St. Peter Church is a local parish church located just 0.2 km from Bhandara town in Maharashtra, India. It serves as a quiet place of worship for the Christian community in and around Bhandara. Its proximity to the town centre makes it an easily accessible spiritual stop for visitors.
Sightseeing Places
- Gosikhurd Dam: Gosikhurd Dam is a large irrigation project on the Wainganga River, located about 33 km from Bhandara town in eastern Maharashtra. While not a conventional tourist destination, its vast reservoir and proximity to the Wainganga riverfront make it a quiet spot for picnics and nature observation. The dam is primarily an engineering feat serving local agriculture, offering visitors a glimpse of rural Maharashtra's water management.
- Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary: Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling 189.25 sq km protected area in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, best known as a vital corridor for tigers dispersing from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The Pauni Gate, about 41.1 km from Bhandara, offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path safari experience through dry deciduous forests and rolling hills. It is an emerging destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness without the crowds.
- Nagardhan Fort: Nagardhan Fort is a historic fort located about 39.5 km from Bhandara in Maharashtra, India. While its exact origins are not well-documented, the fort stands as a local landmark with ancient roots. Its weathered ramparts and quiet surroundings offer a glimpse into the region's past.
- Chorkhamara Reservoir: Chorkhamara Reservoir is a serene waterbody located about 34.3 km from Bhandara town in Maharashtra. It serves as a peaceful getaway for nature lovers and picnickers, offering calm waters and open skies. The reservoir is a minor attraction, best suited for a quiet half-day trip rather than a major destination.
- Bodhisatva Nagarjun Mahavihar: Bodhisatva Nagarjun Mahavihar is a Buddhist temple located near Bhandara in Maharashtra, India. Situated approximately 38.4 kilometres from Bhandara town, it serves as a spiritual retreat for followers of Buddhism and a point of interest for travellers exploring the region's religious heritage. The temple's serene setting and architectural elements offer a glimpse into Buddhist traditions in a predominantly Hindu area.
- St. Peter Church, Bhandara: St. Peter Church is a local parish church located just 0.2 km from Bhandara town in Maharashtra, India. It serves as a quiet place of worship for the Christian community in and around Bhandara. Its proximity to the town centre makes it an easily accessible spiritual stop for visitors.
Places That Define Bhandara
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Gosikhurd Dam
30 minutes
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Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
30 minutes
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Nagardhan Fort
30-45 minutes
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Chorkhamara Reservoir
30 minutes
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Bodhisatva Nagarjun Mahavihar
30 minutes
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St. Peter Church, Bhandara
20-30 minutes
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Mansar Excavation Site
30-45 minutes
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Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Bhandara on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Bhandara Your Way
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Choose the best season for your trip based on Bhandara's tropical climate.
- Getting Around: Navigate Bhandara and its surroundings using local transport options.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Plan your expenses and stay prepared with essential advice for Bhandara.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, about 60 km from Bhandara. It offers domestic flights to major Indian cities and some international connections. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Bhandara.
- By Train: Bhandara has its own railway station (Bhandara Road, station code: BRD) on the Howrah-Nagpur-Mumbai line of the South East Central Railway. It is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata, and Pune. The station is about 5 km from the city center.
- By Road: Bhandara is well-connected by road, with NH-53 (formerly NH-6) and NH-247 passing through or near the city. State transport buses and private buses operate from Nagpur, Mumbai, and other cities. The road network is good, making it accessible by car or bus.
Best Time to Visit
- Winter (November - February): Winter is the most pleasant season in Bhandara, with cool, dry weather and clear skies. It is the ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Summer (March - May): Summer is extremely hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Travel is uncomfortable and potentially risky due to heatwaves.
- Monsoon (June - September): The monsoon brings heavy rainfall, especially in July and August, leading to lush greenery but also travel disruptions. Humidity is high.
- Post-Monsoon (October): October marks the transition from monsoon to winter, with receding rains and gradually improving conditions. It's a pleasant month to visit.
Weather
- Summer: Summers are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. The heat can be intense, especially in May.
- Monsoon: The monsoon brings heavy rainfall, accounting for the majority of the annual precipitation. July is the wettest month, with over 400 mm of rain.
- Post-Monsoon: Rainfall decreases significantly, and temperatures gradually cool down. October may still see some rain, but November is drier.
- Winter: Winters are mild and pleasant, with cool days and chilly nights. January is the coolest month, with average lows around 14°C.
Local Transport
- Auto-Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of local transport in Bhandara, available for short trips within the city and to nearby areas. They operate on a shared or reserved basis, with fares typically negotiated or metered. They are convenient for reaching the bus stand, railway station, and market areas.
- City Bus: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates city buses connecting various parts of Bhandara. These buses are economical and cover major routes including the bus stand, hospital, and residential colonies. They are a reliable option for daily commuters.
- Shared Jeep: Shared jeeps are a popular means of transport for connecting Bhandara with nearby villages and towns. They operate on fixed routes and depart when full, offering an inexpensive way to travel short distances. They are especially useful for reaching rural areas not well-served by buses.
- Taxi: Taxis are available for hire in Bhandara, offering a more comfortable and private option. They can be booked for local trips, outstation travel, or airport transfers. Taxis are typically arranged through local operators or hotels.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Bhandara trip.
Spiritual & Religious
Adventure Activities
- Summary: Bhandara, a city in eastern Maharashtra near the confluence of the Wainganga and Sur rivers, offers a unique blend of riverine, forest, and cultural adventures for trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts. While not a traditional Himalayan trekking hub, it provides accessible nature trails, water-based activities, and explorations of historical sites set amidst the district's rich biodiversity.
- Overview: Bhandara district, with its headquarters in Bhandara city, is located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The city lies near the confluence of the Wainganga and Sur rivers, a significant geographical and cultural landmark. Connected by NH-53 and NH-247, Bhandara serves as a gateway to the district's natural attractions, including forests, rivers, and ancient temples. The terrain is largely flat to gently undulating, with riverbanks, small hills, and dense vegetation. Adventure activities here are more about eco-tourism, riverine exploration, and cultural treks rather than high-altitude mountaineering. The region's climate, with hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters, shapes the best times for outdoor pursuits. Trekkers can expect a mix of wildlife sightings, birdwatching, and serene river views, alongside opportunities to learn about local Gond and other tribal cultures.
- Best Season: The best time for adventure activities in Bhandara is from October to February, when the weather is cool and dry, making trekking and camping comfortable. The post-monsoon months (October-November) are ideal for river-based activities as water levels are manageable and the landscape is lush. Avoid the peak summer months (April-June) due to extreme heat, and exercise caution during the monsoon (July-September) due to slippery trails and unpredictable river conditions.
History
- Summary: Bhandara is a historic city in eastern Maharashtra, India, serving as the administrative headquarters of Bhandara district. Situated near the confluence of the Wainganga and Sur rivers, it has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with influences from various dynasties and later the Bhonsle Marathas and the British. Today, it is a key administrative and economic center, well-connected by national highways.
- Overview: Bhandara city, located in the Bhandara district of Maharashtra, India, lies near the confluence of the Wainganga River and its tributary, the Sur. It is the administrative headquarters of both Bhandara Taluka and Bhandara district. The city is connected by National Highway 53 (NH-53) and National Highway 247 (NH-247), facilitating trade and transport. Bhandara is known for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and as a center for rice milling and other agricultural industries.
- History: The history of Bhandara stretches back to ancient times, with the region forming part of various kingdoms and empires. In antiquity, it was included in the Maurya and Shunga empires, followed by the Satavahanas, Vakatakas, and the Kalachuris. During the medieval period, the area saw the rise of the Gond dynasty, who ruled much of Vidarbha, including Bhandara. In the 18th century, the Bhonsle Marathas of Nagpur gained control, integrating Bhandara into their domain. Following the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818, the Bhonsle territories, including Bhandara, came under British suzerainty as the Nagpur State, which was later annexed by the British in 1853 and became part of the Central Provinces. Bhandara developed as a district headquarters under British rule, with infrastructure such as roads and railways contributing to its growth. After India's independence in 1947, Bhandara became part of Madhya Pradesh, and in 1960, upon the reorganization of states, it was transferred to Maharashtra. Today, Bhandara is a thriving city that balances its historical legacy with modern development.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Bhandara is a city and the administrative headquarters of Bhandara district in Maharashtra, India. It lies near the confluence of the Wainganga River and its tributary, the Sur. The city is well-connected by National Highways NH-53 and NH-247, making it accessible by road. Bhandara serves as a gateway to the scenic Vidarbha region and is known for its religious sites, including the ancient Bhandareshwar Temple.
- Accommodation: Bhandara offers a range of accommodation options, from budget lodges to mid-range hotels, primarily concentrated around the city center and along the highways. For a more comfortable stay, consider hotels near the bus stand or railway station. It is advisable to book in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons.
The Sacred Heart of Bhandara
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Bhandara is a significant religious center with a mix of Hindu and Buddhist heritage, featuring ancient temples and monasteries that draw pilgrims and tourists alike.
Natural Significance
The confluence of the Wainganga and Sur rivers is considered sacred, with many rituals and ceremonies performed on its banks.
Ecological Importance
The rivers and surrounding wetlands support local biodiversity and agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, which is central to the region's economy.
Local Traditions
Local traditions include river worship, temple festivals, and agricultural celebrations that mark the sowing and harvest seasons.
Tour Packages for Bhandara
Your Bhandara Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.