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Randha Falls is the waterfall where the Pravara River drops into a deep rocky gorge near Bhandardara in Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) district, Maharashtra. This guide to Randha Falls Bhandardara covers where it is, how to reach it from Mumbai, Pune and Nashik, the best time to see it, and what is (and is not) officially confirmed about entry and parking charges.
Last checked: 14 October 2026. Main official source: the Maharashtra Tourism (Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra) Bhandardara Dam page, which lists Randha Falls as a nearby attraction. This page is not based on a personal visit. Road distances are rounded figures from official or attributed sources. Check your own map route before you drive.
Randha Falls at a glance
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| River | Pravara | Maharashtra Tourism |
| Height | About 170 feet (about 52 m) | Maharashtra Tourism |
| Distance from Bhandardara Dam | About 10 km | Maharashtra Tourism |
| Nearest railway station | Igatpuri (about 44–45 km from Bhandardara) | Maharashtra Tourism |
| Best season | Monsoon and post-monsoon (strongest flow) | Maharashtra Tourism (June–February for the Bhandardara area) |
| Entry fee | No official fee published; see the fee section below | Not confirmed |
| Timings | No official timings published; visit in daylight | Not confirmed |
Where is Randha Falls?
Randha Falls is on the Pravara River, the same river that Bhandardara Dam (Wilson Dam, built in 1910) holds back. Maharashtra Tourism places the falls about 10 km from the dam and describes the river plunging “from a height of about 170 feet into a deep gorge”. Searchers often add “Igatpuri” because Igatpuri is the nearest railway junction. The falls are in Ahilyanagar district, not Nashik district, although Nashik is the closest big city.
How to reach Randha Falls
Most visitors first reach Bhandardara and then drive the roughly 10 km to the falls. Maharashtra Tourism publishes two sets of distances to Bhandardara on the same page. Both are shown below because they differ:
| From | To Bhandardara (text of the page) | To Bhandardara (“Travel Essentials” box) |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | About 185 km | 177 km |
| Pune | About 191 km | 156 km |
| Igatpuri railway station | Around 45 km | 44 km |
| Nashik Airport | About 90 km | Not listed |
Add about 10 km from Bhandardara Dam to the falls (Maharashtra Tourism). The real figure depends on your start point and route.
From Mumbai
Drive the Mumbai–Nashik highway towards Igatpuri and Ghoti, then turn off for Bhandardara. Rail travellers can take a train to Igatpuri and hire a taxi. Maharashtra Tourism says taxis and state transport buses run from Igatpuri.
From Pune
Maharashtra Tourism gives 156–191 km to Bhandardara. This page does not give a measured route. Check a live map for current road conditions, especially in the monsoon.
From Nashik
Nashik is the closest large city. Maharashtra Tourism lists Nashik Airport about 90 km from Bhandardara. Go via Ghoti and follow the Bhandardara road.
Best time to visit Randha Falls
- Monsoon and just after (about July to October): the strongest flow and the most mist. Maharashtra Tourism lists June to February as the best period for the Bhandardara area, when “the waterfalls are at their peak”.
- October–November: flow is usually still good and the roads are easier than in peak monsoon. Flow depends on the year’s rain and on releases from the dam, so it is not guaranteed.
- Summer (March–May): the falls can shrink to a thin flow. Visit for the gorge, not the waterfall.
Entry fee, parking and timings: what is confirmed
No official entry fee or timings for Randha Falls appear on the Maharashtra Tourism page. Here is what other sources report, with attribution:
- Several travel sites and listings checked on 14 October 2026 (for example A Soul Window and Airial) say there is no entry ticket, but there is a parking charge of around ₹50.
- One guide site (Hidden Routes) reports ₹30 per adult plus ₹50 parking, with 7:00 AM–6:30 PM visiting hours. We could not confirm these figures from any official notice.
- TripAdvisor reviewers mention a small parking fee and snack stalls near the viewpoint.
Carry some cash for parking and any local charge, and go in daylight. The viewing areas are on rock above a gorge, and there is no reason to be there after dark.
Safety at Randha Falls
Maharashtra Tourism warns that many viewpoints and waterfalls around Bhandardara “have steep drops and slippery rocks”. It asks visitors to avoid risky selfies, stay away from the edge and drive carefully in heavy rain because of slippery roads and landslide risk.
- Stay behind the railings at the viewpoint, especially when the flow is heavy.
- Do not climb down towards the pool or the riverbed in the monsoon.
- Wear footwear with a good grip and keep children close.
- Obey any local closure or police instructions during heavy rain.
Combine Randha Falls with nearby places
Maharashtra Tourism lists these around Bhandardara:
- Arthur Lake and Bhandardara (Wilson) Dam: the reservoir behind the 1910 dam.
- Umbrella Falls: seen in the monsoon when the dam overflows, best viewed from the bridge near the dam.
- Mount Kalsubai: Maharashtra’s highest peak at 1,646 m, a full-day trek.
- Amruteshwar Temple: a Shiva temple in the Hemadpanti style.
If you are building a Sahyadri trip, also see our guides to Harishchandreshwar Temple (Harishchandragad), the Bhimashankar trek and picnic spots near Pune.
FAQ
How far is Randha Falls from Bhandardara?
About 10 km from Bhandardara Dam, according to Maharashtra Tourism.
How high is Randha Falls?
Maharashtra Tourism gives about 170 feet (roughly 52 m).
Is there an entry fee at Randha Falls?
No official fee is published. Travel sites mostly report free entry with about ₹50 parking, and one reports ₹30 per adult. Treat both as unconfirmed and carry cash.
What is the nearest railway station to Randha Falls?
Igatpuri, about 44–45 km from Bhandardara (Maharashtra Tourism), plus about 10 km more to the falls.
When is the best time to visit Randha Falls?
During and just after the monsoon, roughly July to October, when the Pravara has the most water.
