Searching for a weekend road trip destination? Then this is the one for you. Located 54.7 km from Pune, Bhatghar dam is a popular monsoon destination. Hundreds of Punekars flock here during monsoons with their friends and family. The dam is 90 minutes from my house, but I never visited. But finally, on my quest to re-explore Pune, I visited Bhatghar dam.

After visiting Veer dam the previous week, I was itching to explore more of Pune. So, the next destination on the list was the Bhatghar dam. After a light breakfast, we set off to the dam. We took the Saswad road to the dam. We reached Saswad around 10 am. After buying Vada pavs, we were on our way. We stopped for snapshots of the breathtaking emerald green mountains.

We reached Bhor around 12:30 pm.

NECKLACE POINT

Necklace point is a pitstop on the way to the dam. It offers stunning views of the two rivers Nira and Gunjawani meeting. The bend where the two rivers meet resembles a necklace, hence the tag. It is the perfect place for snapshots for Instagram.

We parked our car on the roadside and spent plenty of time enjoying the scene. I highly recommend stopping here even, if only for a few minutes. It is a view that you don’t want to miss.

BHATGHAR DAM

When we reached the dam, the gate was closed. A little further, there was a small path that leads down to the water. We parked the car on the roadside and followed the trodden path.

As soon as we reached the water, it started raining. But even that wasn’t enough to stop us from enjoying ourselves. Even in the heavy rains, it is essential to get a good snapshot for the gram. 😂😂😅

With clothes soaking wet, we retraced our footsteps to the car. Shivering, we walked to a restaurant a few feet away. After a hot cup of tea and some snacks, we were on our way to Rohida fort.

ROHIDA FORT

The Rohida fort or the Vichitragad is 10.4 km from Bhatghar dam and is popular among trekkers. It is a 1½ hour trek. On the way tp the top, you can enjoy stunning and scenic views of the fields and dams.

On our way to the fort’s base, we got lost. We took the wrong turn and ended up on a narrow road. The road was narrow that it was impossible to turn the car around. So we kept driving to find enough space to turn the car around. After driving for 15 minutes, we reached the top of the small hill where the road ended.

The views from here were so breathtaking that we had to stop. After the rains, shamrock green hues blanketed the mountains. Sometimes it’s better to get lost. If we hadn’t taken the wrong turn, we might have missed such a serene place. The best part was that we were the only ones in the vicinity.

After spending time admiring the view and dozens of instagrammable pictures, we headed back. Thankfully, there was enough space at the end of the road and, we turned the car around.

It was past 3 pm when we headed back. It had started raining again, so we decided to skip the fort. We then headed to Bhor Rajwada.

BHOR RAJWADA

The Bhor Rajwada is 3.2 km from Bhatghar dam and 7.6 km from Rohida fort. Once upon a time, it was the official seat and residence of the Rajas of Bhor. The hit Bollywood movie “Bajirao Mastani” was filmed at this Rajwada. But the Rajwada is closed due to the pandemic.

We stopped for lunch at 4 pm. All the running around and posing for pictures was making us hungry. We headed home after lunch. We reached home at 6:30 pm.

In search of a picnic spot outside Pune? Or a short 1-day road trip? Then, the Bhatghar dam is the ideal destination for you. It is perfect for a short road trip outside the city. Visit the dam during monsoon months. In search of an easy-moderate trek in Pune? Then, visit Rohida fort, few kilometres from Bhatghar dam.

Another 1-day trip destination is Veer dam and is 60 km from Pune. It is the ideal place for spending the day with family and friends.

I hope this ignited your wanderlust because

Travel doesn’t become an adventure until you leave yourself behind.

marty rubin