Friday, April 20, 2012

Weekend Gateways from Kasara Igatpuri



 
 
 Arthur Lake

The pride of Bhandardara id the huge, placid and breathtakingly beautiful Arthur Lake, set like a huge jewel amidst the dense greenery. The lake is formed by the waters of the Pravara River.
   
 Bhandardara Dam

The Bhandardara Dam also known as Bhandardara Dam is India’s is the largest earthen dam in the country and one of the oldest dams in Asia. It was built in 1910 on the Pravara River and boasts a height of 150m.

At the base of the dam is a circular garden and a swimming pool. The cool placid waters of the river run by for miles.
   
 Mount Kalsubai

Towering over Bhandardara like a watchful sentinel is Mt. Kalsubai, at 1,646 meters the highest peak in the Sahyadri range. During Maratha rule, this peak also served as a lookout point.
   
 Amriteshwar Temple

An 8-km boat ride on the Arthur Lake takes visitors to the historical Amriteshwar Temple, which houses the idol of Lord Shiva. It is famous for its intricate carvings, in the Hemadpanti style, which can be traced 1,200 years back in history.
   
 Ratangadh

A top favourite with trekkers, this historical fort gets its name from the resident deity, Ratneshwaridevi. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shiivaji Maharaj and was one of his favourites. It has a breathtaking view from its ramparts.
   
 Umbrella Falls

This artificial waterfall is formed when one of the sluice gates from the Bhandardara Dam is opened (when water levels rise above acceptable limits during the monsoons or whenever water is needed for irrigation) It is vaguely umbrella-shaped as it fans out over the rocks. A pathway takes you from the park at the foot of the dam to within drenching distance of the falls.
   
 Agasti Rishi Ashram

According to the Ramayan, the Agasti Rishsi Ashram, situated on the bank of the Parvara River, was visited by Ram, Laxman and Sita. It was the magical arrow given by Shri Agasti Rishi to Ram that was used to kill Ravana. Legend has it that the rishi meditated here for a year, living on water and air.
   
  For the Religiously Inclined
   
 Shirdi

The holy town of Shirdi is located just 130 km. away from Bhandardara. The abode of Sai Baba, one of India’s most revered saints, this pilgrimage center attracts people of every faith, throughout the year.
   
 Trimbakeshwar

Approximately 30 kms west of Nasik is the temple of Trimbakeshwar. An ancient Hindu temple , it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.. The source of the Godavari river, the longest river in peninsular India lies in the hills surrounding the temple.