Bhor Ghat
How often are travel enthusiasts in search of newer places to visit? By the way, how often are they not doing it? Travelers are always in search of locations that they can explore. Especially for nature lovers, it becomes even more of a hassle to find new picturesque locations every single time. So here it goes. Today, I will tell you about one such beautiful spot in Maharashtra: an offbeat location. The Bhor Ghat in Maharashtra is that spot for you. This is a mountainous pass with motorable roads as well as railway routes. How exciting that sounds, right? What makes it even more interesting is that the train journey here is one of the most scenic rides in the country.
So whenever you are in Maharashtra searching for an offbeat location to explore, this is the location that you need to explore. The Thal Ghat Palghat Bhor Ghat are all beauties of the Western Ghat. And the Bhor Ghat definitely needs more attention because of its historical relevance, too. So keep reading this article, as here I will mention all the Bhor Ghat information you might need. If you are planning a trip to this spot, this article will be helpful for you.
Overview of Bhor Ghat
A picturesque mountain Pass, Bhor Ghat is located at the crest of Western Ghats. Bhor ghat connects Mumbai to Pune. For railway tracks, the Bhor Ghat pass connects Palsdari and Khandala, and for the roadway, it connects Khopoli and Khandala. Thal Ghat Bhor Ghat Palghat are the passes in the Western Ghats and are essential. While Bhor Ghat links Mumbai and Pune, the Thal Ghat links Nasik with Mumbai and Pal Ghat connects Kochi to Chennai, Kerala to Tamil Nadu.
What makes this spot a popular tourist destination is its beautiful view. Therefore, this scenic location is also a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals. A ride across this route will be picturesque as well as thrilling, especially the train journey that passes through green meadows, spectacular valleys, and as many as 28 tunnels. Undoubtedly, the train ride here would be one of the best rides that you can enjoy in India. This is one thing that you need to experience for sure.
How to reach Bhor Ghat
Bhor Ghat is located on the Western Ghats and connects Pune to Mumbai. It is a beautiful scenic route. To reach here, you can take a train from Mumbai to reach Pune. You can take a bus or a taxi from Pune to Bhor Ghat. Bhor Ghat distance by train takes around 3 hours, and by road, it would take around 2 hours. Driving through this route can be tiresome since it is a long, winding road. Ideally, it would be best to take a bus or train to get here.
History of Bhor Ghat
At first, a local tribesman, Shigroba, discovered the Bhor Ghat. He was the one who felt that a motorable road could run through this pass. Therefore, based on that, the Great Indian Peninsula Railway proposed a plan to lay a railway route between Mumbai and Pune. According to the original plan, this route included 25 tunnels. Along with that, it also included eight arched viaducts. The plan was all about removing the rugged rocks and also building embankments. Mostly, this plan was a part of the conquest of a colony by the British, who wanted to achieve this.
In 1856, construction work on this route first started. More than 10000 workers were involved in the construction here. The whole construction was taking place under the contract of William Frederick Faviell. But the peace did not last for long. Soon, Frederick misbehaved with the workers. The workers alleged that Frederick had mistreated them, so a riot broke out. A European official who tried to appease the workers and intervened in the scenario died. However, the contract was passed on to Solomon Tradewell in 1859. But he soon died of dysentery and cholera just after the works of the railway track resumed after the break. Later, his wife Alice got the contract for this work, and in 1863, finally, the work was completed.
Almost 42000 workers were working on the t42,000 project at its completion. Also, the number of tunnels increased to 28. In 1863, this railway track was opened to the general public.
Bhor Ghat Railway
The Bhor Ghat railway route spreads 28 km along 28 tunnels between Palasdari and Khandala. According to beliefs, almost 25000 workers had lost their lives during the construction of this particular route. The reason behind this was the sharpness of the bridge here. Initially, the trains here used to function through steam engines. Later, during 1929- 1930, railways became electrified. From then on, the trains functioned as locomotives. Also, during the earlier days, there was a reversing station. This reversing station used to run parallel to the ghat located between Khandala and Monkey Hill. It was located after tunnel number 26, but later, this was shut down. With the creation of new tunnels, this was no longer open.
Bhor Ghat Roadways
The Bhor Ghat road condition is delightful; undoubtedly, this is one of the most picturesque roadways. These are beautiful winding roads that offer stunning views. From green meadows to beautiful hills, the roads are something you will enjoy. These roads run between Khopoli and Khandala across the Bhor Ghat. It is an 18 km long stretch with six lanes on the Mumbai- Pune Express Highway. Also, there are 4 lanes on the Old Mumbai- Pune Highway. Driving through this route would mean going through a scenic journey. It is one of the most beautiful routes in the country itself. So make sure that you don’t miss out on this lovely route.
Activities to enjoy in Bhor Ghat
- Enjoy the nature
It is one of the most beautiful and scenic spots not only in Maharashtra but also in India. So no matter what, if there can be one activity that you must enjoy here, it is getting soaked into nature. This location is blessed with abundant natural beauty, and the ambience here is tranquil and serene. This is a favourite spot for many Hindi and Tamil film directors. Because of the unparalleled beauty here, many Hindi and Tamil films have featured this location.
- Picnic
This one is also a popular picnic spot. For people in Mumbai and Pune, this is one of the ideal spots to spend a day with friends and family. For a whole day outing amidst nature, you can surely opt for this location as well.
Adventure activities
Another thing that is quite popular here is Adventure sports. You can find some centres here that offer adventure sports, and you can enjoy them too. Trekking is one of the popular activities here. For adventure enthusiasts, this location is like a paradise. There are multiple trekking trails at this spot as well. And what makes these trails even more remarkable is the beautiful view of the Western Ghats here. For beginners to intermediate-level trekkers to hardcore trekkers, there are trails for everyone. So make sure you check out this activity if you are looking for adventure.
Bird Watching
This location is also famous for attracting various birds, making it a favourite spot for birdwatchers. Some of the popular birds here are Indian Rollers, Malabar Pied Hornbills, and Crested Serpent Eagles. So get ready to spot many birds here. But remember your binoculars and cameras for the best experience.
Sightseeing
The area offers beautiful views of the hills and valleys surrounding it. You can also visit nearby locations like Khandala Point, Lonavala Lake, Duke’s Nose, etc.
Explore Bhor Dam
The Bhor Dam, or the Bhatnagar Dam, is a beautiful location that offers gorgeous views of nature. This dam was constructed in 1927 and is a popular tourist spot. Many tourists visit this spot to enjoy the beauty of the area, so you can also definitely visit here.
Visit the temples
There are many temples in this region, and you must explore them as well. Some of the popular ones are Kalubai Temple Jogwadi, Ketkawale Balaji Temple, Bhureshwar Temple, etc.
Explore the waterfalls
Bhor Ghat also houses some beautiful waterfalls you cannot miss out on. You will find them at Kondana Caves and Rajmachi Fort. So do explore the spots.
Shopping
Some spots in Bhor Ghat sell beautiful souvenirs and traditional handicraft items. You can definitely grab a few things to take home with you.
Nearby Places to visit from Bhor Ghat
Lonavala
Khandala
Rajmachi Fort
Mahabaleshwar
Matheran
Shivthar Ghal
Panchgani
Wrapping Up!
Locations like Bhor Ghat are places that need more love and attention. The beauty of a place like this will quickly leave you spellbound. This one is also a significant historical location. At one point in time, the location was an important trade route. In recent times, this has become an essential location for commuting and has become a popular sightseeing spot here as well. So whenever you are in Maharashtra, this is one location that you need to include in your itinerary. This offbeat location is a perfect spot for a day out or a picnic, and you can enjoy a whole day with your family or friends.
When will you plan a trip to visit this beautiful location in Maharashtra? Also, let me know if this article will help you plan a successful trip to this spot.
