The division of Nagpur is where it is located. Bhandara is one of Maharashtra’s most important administrative districts. Because the town is dominated by the brass-working sector, Bhandara’s current name is derived from the term ‘bhana,’ which means ‘brass.’ This ‘Brass City’ is also known as the ‘Region of Lakes’ because of the more than 3500 tiny lakes in and around the district.

Agriculture, industry, and forest resources all contribute to it, making it a diversified economy. The ‘rice bowl of Maharashtra’ in the Bhandara district is known for its high rice output. Bhandara is split into two talukas: Bhandara and Pauni. Tumsar and Mohadi are part of the Tumsar division. Sakoli, Lakhani, and Lakhandur are the three talukas that make up the Sakoli sub-division.

The district’s official language is Marathi, which is also the most widely spoken. Many individuals from other Indian states and people from all of the world’s main faiths live in Bhandara. Tumsar, Bhandara (SC), and Sakoli are the three Vidhan Sabha constituencies throughout this district. The Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha seat includes all of these areas. Agriculture, manufacturing, and forest resources are all part of Bhandara’s economy. Bhandara attracts many tourists due to its numerous old temples and historical sites, as well as lakes, parks, and sanctuaries.

Bhandara, which means “storehouse,” is also home to a massive ordnance plant that produces items for the armed services. Bhandara’s history dates back to the 11th century, and it has been governed by the Haihaya Rajputs, Gond tribals, Peshwas, and Nizams in the past. And virtually all have left permanent cultural and historical imprints on the region. Rustic forts and relics from ancient ages coexist with pristine nature and large water bodies in Bhandara. This unknown treasure in Maharashtra’s heartland is excellent for anyone seeking peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings with friendly natives.

Tourism in Bhandara…

Bhandara is renowned as Maharashtra’s rice bowl. Rice cultivars with a strong aroma, such as Chinnor, Dubhraj, and Kalikammod, are in high demand across the country. The region, which is located on the banks of the Vainganga River, is surrounded on the north by the Satpuda range, which is home to numerous natural lakes and waterfalls, making it a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. The Chandpur Dam is an earth-fill dam on the Chandpur River that provides spectacular views from its crest. Historic buildings, including forts and palaces, abound in the city and its environs.

Sangadi Kila, Ambagadh Fort, Tumsar Fort, Paoni Kila, Pande Mahal, and Bhandara Mahal all provide a fascinating insight into the lives of ancient rulers. They’re all within driving distance of Bhandara and provide panoramic views of the neighboring villages and rice fields. During festivals such as Makar Sankranti (January), Mahashivratri (February-March), and Gaimukh Yatra Mandai Utsav (October-December), the city and neighboring regions are noted for putting on spectacular displays, which include lavani dances, folk dramas (nautanki), and delicious local cuisine.

Given below are few places you can visit in Bhandara-

Ambagar Fort

The medieval fort is located in the taluka of Tumsar, about 13 kilometers from Tumsar in the district. Around 1700 A. D., Raja Khan Pathan, the subheader of Bakht Buland Shah, the monarch of Devgadh, built the fort. Later, it was owned by Nagpur’s Raja Raghoji Bhonsle, who used it as a jail for prisoners. It was afterward taken over by the British.

Brahmi

Brahmi is a tiny hamlet located approximately 25 miles south of Bhandara in the Bhandara tahsil. It houses an old well made up of large stone slabs. The locals attribute its construction to giants or rakshasas. At Brahmi, there is an elementary school.

Adyar

Adyar is a big settlement in Bhandara tahsil, some 14 kilometers away from Bhandara on the Pauni road, with 7,496 in 1971. On a cooperative basis, several Gandlis weave silk-bordered saries, cloth, and dhotis on handlooms. The silk-bordered saries are particularly well-known for their exquisite texture and quality. Bamboo matting and baskets are also available. Household items, food, and livestock are sold in the weekly market held on Sundays. Adyar is, in reality, one of the district’s most significant cattle markets.

Bondgaon

Bondgaon is a tiny hamlet in the Sakoli tahsil, about 13 miles south of Sakoli and near the Chulband river. On Chaitra-Purnima, a fair is conducted in honor of Gangajumna Devi, who lives in a tank in the village. The fair lasts a fortnight and draws a crowd of no more than 5,000 people. Another fair is conducted on Ashvin Shudha 9. The temple’s priest is well regarded and travels across Chaitra on tour. He is said to have the abilities of divination and prophesy. Bondgaon contains:

• A maternity home.
• An ayurvedic dispensary.
• A veterinary assistance center.
• A post office.
• Educational facilities up to high school.

It is dependent on wells for the delivery of drinking water.

Also Read, Enjoy the Unexplored Beauty of Panchgani in Maharashtra

Koka

Koka is roughly 30 kilometers from Bhandara and is surrounded by a thick forest. The trees in this woodland are over a century old. Koka is a great place to visit for birdwatchers and environment enthusiasts. The site’s lake is known for attracting Siberian migratory birds throughout the winter. These birds arrive in December and leave around the middle of January. Tourists may also visit the Indirasagar Dam, Shivani Bandh Dam, and Bawanthadi Dam, which are all renowned dam sites in the area. In addition, the Bawanthadi and Wainganga River basins are located in the district’s southern regions.

Rawanwadi

This location is known for a more than 100-year-old Rama Temple built on a hilltop by Shri Sitaram Prasad Dube, a Gunthara village native. The thick vegetation on both sides of the tank has transformed it into a tourist and picnic destination as well as a bird sanctuary.

 A religious gathering takes place here on the Ekadashi/Amavasya day of the Kartik month.

How to reach Bhandara…

Private taxis, accessible in the main city, are the best method to go about Bhandara. Buses operated by the MSTRC run between Bhandara and other cities in the state. However, they should be avoided. Tourist bus services are also accessible from Bhandara city; however, they are not very regular. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport has around 38 flights per day.

The most prominent airline brands that fly to this airport are IndiGo and Air India. You can also go to Bhandara via rail if you don’t want to fly. Bhandara Road is one of Bhandara’s busiest railway stops. Daily, around 38 trains pass through Bhandara. With 98, 92, and 79 trains weekly, Nagpur to Bhandara, Gondiya to Bhandara, and Tumsar to Bhandara are some of the most popular routes to Bhandara. 

Nagpur, Gondiya, and Balaghat are all within 38.69 km, 40.67 km, and 55.73 km of Bhandara. These locations are perfect for individuals planning a short weekend getaway.

Beware! 

Summers in Maharashtra’s interior may be particularly brutal. Visit between October and March, when the weather is cooler. 

Because Bhandara is a rural region with little tourist traffic, dress modestly and blend in with the local culture for a better experience.