1. Quick Distance & Time Overview
Bhandardara is located in Akole Taluka, Ahilyanagar district. It sits roughly halfway between Mumbai and Pune, tucked behind the Sahyadri crest:
• From Mumbai: 165 km (approx. 4 to 4.5 hours by car)
• From Pune: 170 km (approx. 4.5 to 5 hours by car)
• From Nashik: 70 km (approx. 2 hours by car)
2. Driving from Mumbai via NH160 (Igatpuri / Ghoti)
This is the fastest and most scenic route for Mumbai travelers:
1. Head north out of Mumbai along the Eastern Express Highway onto NH160 (Mumbai–Agra Highway).
2. Cross Thane, Bhiwandi bypass, Asangaon, and ascend Kasara Ghat into Igatpuri.
3. About 6 km past Igatpuri, take the right exit onto the Ghoti Bypass.
4. From Ghoti, take the Ghoti-Bhandardara Road through Bari and Varanghushi directly into Shendi village.
Do not miss the Ghoti exit. If you continue straight on NH160, you will end up driving towards Nashik. Set your Google Maps destination to 'Shendi, Bhandardara' before entering Kasara ghat.
3. Driving from Pune via NH60 (Sangamner / Akole)
For Pune travelers, the route follows the Pune–Nashik Highway:
1. Drive from Pune via Bhosari, Chakan, Narayangaon, and Alephata towards Sangamner.
2. At Sangamner, turn left towards Akole.
3. From Akole, drive past Rajur and skirt the Nilwande and Arthur Lake backwaters into Shendi.
4. Reaching by Train via Kasara & Igatpuri
If you do not have private transport, the train is both inexpensive and scenic:
• Board a Central Railway local train from Mumbai CST or Dadar to Kasara (approx. 2 hours 15 mins).
• Outside Kasara station, board a shared jeep to Ghoti (₹40–₹50 per seat).
• From Ghoti taxi stand, shared jeeps and private Omni vans run regularly to Shendi (₹40–₹60).
5. Maharashtra State Transport (ST) Buses
Direct ST buses operate from Mumbai Central, Thane, and Kalyan to Akole or Igatpuri. From Igatpuri and Ghoti bus depots, local red ST buses run directly to Bhandardara (Shendi) throughout the day.
6. Mountain Road Conditions & Driving Tips
The road from Ghoti to Bhandardara is fully tarred and well-maintained. It is easily navigable for hatchbacks and family sedans. Expect gentle curves and speed breakers near village schools.
Fuel tip: Fill your fuel tank at Ghoti or Rajur. There is no major petrol pump inside Shendi village itself.
