VARDAN for akole Dist Pravara River

Pravara River

The Pravara rises on the eastern slopes of the Sahayadris between Kulang and Ratangad. After the sinuous course of twelve miles in an easterly direction, near the village Ranad, it falls into rocky chasm 200 feet deep,and then winds for eight miles through a deep narrow glen which opens wider valley east of and below the central plateau on which the town of Rajur stands. Total Length of Pravara is 120 miles. The Dam Bhandardara is constructed across the river at Bhandardara, near by are the Randha falls.

Pravara River is an important river in the western parts of Maharashtra. It is one of the major tributaries of the Godavari River.

Legends have it that, once Sage Agastya meditated by consuming only water and air for a long time. Due to his tremendous devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and blessed him and left a stream of Ganga - now known as Pravara River.

Wilson Dam, also known as Bhandardara Dam, is the major irrigation project on the river. Bhandardara and Agastya Rishi Ashram are some of the attraction on its banks.

Pravara is tributary of the river Godavari. Waters of the river Pravara fall from a great height, creating the Randha Falls.

The dam was strengthened after the earthquake that took place at Koyna, District- Satara in 1967. The water is released in river from outlets of the dam & supplied for irrigation & non-irrigation (Drinking & Industrial purpose) purpose through Pravara Left Bank & Pravara Right bank Canal offtaking from Ozar weir situated 85 kms. downstream from Bhandardara dam. The length of the Pravara Left Bank Canal is 77 km. irrigating 14577 ha. area & the length of Pravara Right Bank Canal is 45 km. irrigating 8500 ha. area totaling to 23077 ha.

Wilson Dam (Bhandardara)

Wilson Dam (Bhandardara)




A big dam is constructed across the river Pravara at Bhandardara . Near by are Randha falls. Bhandardara is hill station.It is in Taluka Akole Nearabout 170 km from Ahmednagar

Looking for a small and quiet getaway spot? Nestling amongst the hills, Bhandardara is easily among the most beautiful holiday resorts. A perfect stopover on the way to or from Shirdi, it is a charming little picnic spot. Amidst the densegreen forest, lies the most splendid lake of the country - Arthur lake. It is formed by the dammed waters of the Pravara river. Legend has it that Shri Agasti Rishi meditated continuously for a year, living only on water and air. Pleased with his tremendous devotion the Lord came down to earth. He blessed Shri Agasti Rishi and left leaving behind a stream of Ganga - now known as Pravara River.

Bhandardara Dam was constructed in 1926 and the dam is noted for its tourism value. One of the best past time for the tourists visiting Bhandardara Dam is nature watching, owing to its panoramic landscape. Bhandardara Dam is known to be one of the oldest dams in Asia, constructed at an elevation of 750 m from mean sea level. The dam is famous for its Umbrella Falls, which provides a breathtaking sight to visitors. Another waterfall known as the Randha Falls lies about 11 km from the dam.

Bhandardara Dam is easily reachable from Nasik, which lies at a distance of about 70 km from the dam. The nearest airport of Bhandardara Dam is at Mumbai and the nearest railhead is at Igatpuri on Central Railway at about 45 km away.

From Ahmednagar you have to go to Sangamner which is 110 Km and then from Sangamner to Akole which is near about 40 Km and from Akole towards Rajur which is near about 20 km .

Places to Visit
The famous dam
Wilson Dam is a lovely site for picnicking. Built in 1910 on the Pravara river, the dam is almost 150 meters above the sea level and attracts crowds from all over the country. The cool placid waters of the river run by the miles.

Umbrella Falls
The umbrella falls are also in the vicinity, Unfortunately, these picturesque falls are enjoyed only during the monsoons when the water level in the lake is considerably high.

Randha Falls
Streamlets from the lake cascade down 45 meters as the Randha Falls - an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. Besides being a scenic spot, these falls are also used for hydro power generation.

Mount Kalsubai
Overlooking Bhandardara, you can see Mt. Kalsubai, the highest peak (1,646 meters) in the Sahyadri range. During the Maratha rule, this peak point served as the watchtower. It is an ideal place for those who enjoy trekking, as are the surrounding hills. There is a small temple at the top, with an old well in its backyard. Legend has it that the level of the well water never drops below 3 feet.

Agasti Rishi Ashram
Situated on the bank of the Pravara River, this legendary dwelling finds a place in the scripts of the Ramayan. It is said that Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita visited Agasti Rishi. The Rishi had then given Lord Rama a miraculous arrow which was used to kill the devil, Ravana, in order to rescue Sita.
The ashram, although under renovation, manages to attract crowds from all over.

Ratangadh
The fort lies only a few kilometers away from the MTDC resort. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was only of his favorites. The fort is a breathtaking view and provides ample grounds for trekkers.

Amriteshwar
This temple dates back to 1100 AD. Built in a distinct Hemadpanti style, the intricately carved temple still stands proud. Other places worth visiting are Konkan Kada (another trekker's delight), a small garden and a swimming tank.

Where to stay
The MTDC holiday resort at Bhandardara is in a prime location. Shendi , Rajur The rooms have spectacular views of the Wilson Dam at one end, and of 22 Kms. of backwater (the Arthur Lake) at the other.

How to Get there
By Air
Nearest airport is Mumbai,Nashik

By Rail
Nearest railhead Is Igatpuri, 45 Kms, Kasara 60 Kms on Central Railway.

By Road
Ahmednagar- Bhandardara, 180 Kms.
Mumbai - Bhandardara. 185 Kms.
Pune - Bhandardara, 191 Kms.

Akole Taluka History...........Every One Must Know

GREAT AKOLE..................

Akole is a Taluka Place in Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra State India.
Well Surrounded with the mountains of Sahyadri.
This place holds significant contribution in History & Geography of Maharashtra.
Perfect place for nature lovers.


Akole is a tehsil in Sangamner subdivision of Ahmednagar district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.


Area- 150508 Hectors
Agriculture Land-98712 Hectors
Forest Land-41698 Hectors
No. Of Village- 191
Population Total-2,71,719
Male-1,37,617
Female-1,34,102
Sex Ratio of total-974
Literates Total-1,60,734
Male-95,179
Female-65,555
Average Rainfall-508.9 mm
Farmer-69,771
Farm Labour-16,576
SC-9,446
ST-1,01,966


Key Features are -

1) Pravara River - Well known for its Sweet water
2) Wilson Dam - Completely Built in Lead
3) Umbrella Falls - Water falls with the shape of an umbrella
4) Randha Falls - Falls used for shooting in lot of bollywood flicks including "Maine Pyaar Kiya" and "Raju Chacha"
5) Kalsubai - Highest Peak in Maharashtra 1646 m
6) Ghatghar - Highest Rainfalls in Maharashtra and 1st project of Udanchan hydroproject of 250 MW
7) Konkankada - flattest,Sharpest and deepest edge of mountains
8) Bhandadara Dam - Beautiful dam
9) Agasti Rishi Ashram- place where Bhagwan Shri Ram meet Agasti rishi
10) Nilwande Dam - New Dam built famous lake side view.
11) Amruteshwar temple- best example of construction in the era of Peshve(Maratha)