Bhandara: The District Of Ponds

Bhandara

"THE DISTRICT OF PONDS", BHANDARA DISTRICT IS SITUATED IN THE BASIN OF WAINGANGA RIVER, AND IS KNOWN FOR ITS THICK FORESTS AND ABUNDANT WATER RESOURCES. THE SATPUDA MOUNTAIN RANGES, WHICH PROVIDE A NORTHERN BOUNDARY ALSO PROVIDE MANY HILL STATIONS TO THE DISTRICT. BHANDARA DISTRICT IS ALSO FAMOUS FOR ITS BRASS VESSELS AND DANDAR, A FOLK ART. BHANDARA TOWN IS THE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS.

Excursions:

AMBAGAD FORT:

It is the fort of the medieval period, situated near Tumsar, constructed by Raja Khan Parham, the subhedar (governor) of Devgadh ruler, Bakht Buland Shah, in 1700 AD. Later, it comes under the possession of Raja Raghuji Bhosala of Nagpur who used it as a prison.

BAPERA:

A small village situated on the banks of the Wainganga River, it is located near the district’s border with Gondiya District, and Balaghat District in Madhya Pradesh. Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhandara Falls, and Navegaon National Park are some interesting tourist spots for a nature lover.

BONDGAON:

A small village located near the Chulband River, a large fair is observed on Chaitra-Pournima (March-April) in honour of Gangajumna Devi, who is believed to dwell in a holy tank here.

CHAUNDESHWARI DEVI TEMPLE:

Situated at Mohadi, Chaundeshwari Devi is the presiding deity here. During Navratri the temple attracts a huge crowd.

CHANDPUR:

A scenic village near Tumsar, it is surrounded by hills and dense forest and houses a big reservoir.

GAIMUKH (32 KM):

A small village, it is one of the important religious places in the district. A spring and a cave temple

Ascribed to the Kuramvars are the main attractions here.

KOKA (30 KM): 

It is a picturesque spot covered with dense forest and trees, which are over 100 years old. There is a large lake, famous for the visit of Siberian Inigrant birds.

NAGZIRA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

Situated at the Tirora Range of Bhandara forest Division, the sanctuary serves as the perfect place for all those who love to explore nature and its various facets. Bird and animal lovers will find a visit to the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best ways to spend their weekends. Here, one can witness some of the rarest as well as most exotic species of wild animals and birds, roaming freely in their natural habitat. The scenic locales and mesmerising setting of the sanctuary further adds to its attraction. The hills surrounding it seems to be carpeted with greenery, while the valley and gorges are beautiful. The landscape of Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary comprises hills and small lakes. The wildlife sanctuary includes 34 species of mammals, 36 species of reptiles and 4 species of amphibians are available there. The other wildlife attractions of Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary comprise animals like Chital-, Barking-Deer, Mouse Deer, Cats, and much more. The birds that are seen nesting here include Peafowl, jungle Fowl, Red-Spur-Fowl and much more. One can also see invertebrate creatures like ants, insects and beautiful butterflies in the sanctuary.

PAVNT (50 KM SOUTH):

The memorial to the first Marathi poet Mukundrai is the major tourist attraction here.

RAWANWADI:

An old temple dedicated to Lord Ram and a beautiful lake, covered by dense forest on both sides, are the main attractions. The lake and its surroundings are home to avian population and this makes it a bird watcher’s paradise.