A beautiful and prosperous district of Maharashtra – Bhandara, fondly called the ‘rice bowl’, is a wonderful amalgamation of natural beauty, cultural diversity and historical heritage. If you are looking for a place away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can find peace, greenery, folk culture and delicious traditional food, then Bhandara is the perfect destination for you.
Introduction to Bhandara: A confluence of rice, forest and culture
Bhandara district is located in the Vidarbha region and is about 60 km from Nagpur. It is called the ‘rice bowl’ because the fertile land and climate here is extremely favorable for rice cultivation. There are many rivers and reservoirs for irrigation like Wainganga, Suryanadi, and Gosikhurd reservoir.
But Bhandara is not limited to just fields and rice, its cultural heritage, tribal traditions, folk art, temples and tourist places give it a special identity.
Major tourist places
Ambagad Fort:
This fort, built by the Bhosale rulers of Nagpur in ancient times, is the historical identity of Bhandara. Situated among the hills, this fort is an ideal place for trekking lovers and historians. The view of sunrise and sunset from here is very beautiful.
Navegaon Bandh & National Park:
It is located in the south of Bhandara district and is also a popular wildlife sanctuary. Here you will find deer, leopard, bear and many rare species of birds. Boating and bird watching on the banks of the lake are quite popular among tourists.
Datta Mandir, Salekasa:
Situated on the hill, this temple is important from a religious point of view. The view of the valley from here is worth seeing, as well as this place is a beautiful confluence of faith and nature.
Gosikhurd Dam:
It is one of the largest dams in Maharashtra. Its beauty is worth seeing during monsoon. It is a great place for picnics and photoshoots.
Folk culture and traditions
The folk culture of Bhandara is a beautiful blend of tribal and Marathi traditions. Cultural activities of the Kolam, Gond, and Baiga communities like folk songs, folk dances and traditional instruments make the local life colorful.
Festivals like Dussehra and Diwali are celebrated here in a traditional way and the fairs held in the villages bring people together. Women wear traditional Nath, Lugra and men wear dhoti-kurta and perform folk dances like Karma dance, Gondi dance.
Food: Taste of Bhandara
Bhandara is known for its rice and the dishes made from it. Its ‘Varan-Bhat’ (lentil-rice), ‘Pohe’, ‘Puran Poli’, ‘Basmati Pulao’, and especially ‘Paddy Khichdi’ are common but interesting dishes here.
The sweets made of mahua available in the local market and the honey found in the forests are the real taste identity of this place.
Local tourism experience
Tourism in Bhandara is not just a tour, but it is a sensitive experience – the simplicity of the people here, their connection with nature and traditional lifestyle give you spiritual satisfaction.
You can take part in the customs, festivals and daily life of the villages by taking homestays. You can experience the sowing or harvesting of paddy by visiting the fields. All this is a beautiful break from the city life.
How to reach Bhandara
- By rail: Bhandara Road Railway Station is connected to Nagpur and is easily accessible by major trains.
- By road: Regular bus services are available from cities like Nagpur, Gondia, Chandrapur.
- By air: The nearest airport is Nagpur, which is about 60 km from Bhandara.
When to visit
The best time to visit Bhandara is between October to February. The weather is cool and full of greenery at this time. Monsoons bring the lakes and waterfalls to their full glory but the journey can be a little difficult.
Why visit Bhandara?
Bhandara is not just a tourist destination, but a part of the soul of Maharashtra. Its farms, forests, folk culture and simplicity – all combine to give you an experience that touches you from within.
If you want to feel the locality, intimacy and diversity of India up close, then definitely visit Bhandara once.
Conclusion
Famous as the ‘rice bowl’, Bhandara has within itself natural beauty, historical significance, cultural richness and simplicity of local life. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff or a traveler in search of folk life – Bhandara promises to give something special to everyone. So the next time you plan a vacation, choose a calm, beautiful and soulful place like Bhandara instead of a crowded tourist spot – and bring a new experience within yourself.
