Ending My Lockdown Year on a High End2020

Bhandardara

2020 has been the toughest year for most of us. We have all faced some or the other adversity – either professional or personal. And for all the lovers of travel, it has been frustrating holed up in four walls for most part of the year. And then when it came to relaxations in travel protocols, many of us set out to fulfil that supressed travel urge.

For me it has been no less of a rollercoaster this year. And when I wanted to venture out, couldn’t just take a rash decision, owing to having a kid at home. However, when December came knocking, I knew its now or never. And then a story that I had written for Tripoto, a little while back, came back to me. And its then that I decided that camping it is, that I have to explore before 2020 ended.

Photo of Bhandardara, Maharashtra, India by thewanderjoy

Why camping? Because of several reasons – It’s cheaper; you can go camping without much prior planning; camping solo or with a friend will also address the need for social distancing; camp grounds are in the midst of nature, and hence a great way to reconnect and detox; you’ll get camping options within a few hours drive from your city, and hence does away with the need for extensive travel. See, the several benefits….

A quick internet search, brought me to Bhandardara. Conveniently located at a 3.5 hour drive from Mumbai, this village nestled beside the massive Arthur Lake, which is the reservoir formed by the Wilson Dam built in 1910 on the Pravara River, is a nature seekers’ paradise. Surrounded by some of the most popular trekking peaks of the Western Ghats – Kalsubai, Harishchandragad, Ratangad, Bhandardara is blessed with nature’s bounty.

Obviously then, camping by the lakeside, with the view of the surrounding peaks is bound to lift the spirits and rejuvenate the tired city dwellers heart. The campsites though quite basic, have the best location and views, with the lake water lapping the shore. Most campsites are located on land owned by local villagers, who have found this innovative avenue to make good use of their land, as well as promote travel in the area. These campsites provide the tents to sleep in, have common toilets, provide basic but delicious home cooked meals, and can arrange for campfires, barbeques etc to make the camping experience fun. I found this campsite (Sawali Campsite) run by a local called Bhagwan Asawle.

I reached late in the afternoon, after an eventful drive from Mumbai (One of my car tires burst midway, and all the logistical issues that followed till getting a new tire fixed from a highway mechanic et. al). The last one hour drive, after turning towards Bhandardara from the Ghoti – Shirdi highway is a bit bumpy at several junctures. And the last mile from the Shendi Forest checkpost to the campground was virtually offroading on the mountain. I’m proud of my decade old i10 to have stood by me. But once you’ve parked and stepped out to feel the cool hill breeze, all that is forgotten.

Here is the route to be followed – Take the Mumbai Nashik Highway, past Igatpuri and at Ghoti, turn right to the Ghoti – Shirdi highway. After about 8kms, turn right on State Highway 44 towards Bhandardara, for another 27kms. From the Anandvan Resort (one of the main landmarks), take the route past the forest checkpost, for another 1.5kms and then turn onto the Murshet village road and the offroading track to reach the campsite.

Should you plan a trip, call him at 9822265075 to make the necessary arrangements.

To read more of my travel stories and for a peek into my travel albums, visit my Instagram page @thewanderjoy