From Pune to Lavhalwadi, This Bhandardara Road Looks Like You’re Driving Right On Water
Image Credit: Screengrab from Instagram reel by @windowseat4ever__
A quiet road near Lavhalwadi village in Maharashtra is catching the attention of travellers and social media users because it offers a surreal experience. As vehicles pass along the narrow stretch beside the Bhandardara backwaters, the blue water appears on both sides of the road, creating the visual illusion of “driving on water.”
The Road That Looks Like It Cuts Through Water
The scenic route lies near Lavhalwadi, close to Bhandardara in Ahmednagar district. The stretch runs along the edge of the Arthur Lake backwaters, where the causeway-like road stays at almost the same level as the water surface.
During certain seasons, especially after the monsoon and in early winter, the reservoir remains full and calm. This makes the stretch look as if the road is floating between sheets of water, turning it into one of the most picturesque Maharashtra scenic drives.
Travellers describe the experience as peaceful, slow-paced, and visually striking, with reflections of the sky and hills visible in the still lake waters.
A Rising Offbeat Travel Spot Near Pune
Although Bhandardara has long been known for its natural beauty, Lavhalwadi road has only recently started trending online. Travel vloggers and photographers are calling it a hidden gem near Pune, especially for people looking for short road trips away from crowded hill stations.
Many visitors prefer this route for:
• Photography and videography
• Calm lakeside views
• Family outings and relaxed drives
• Offbeat nature experiences
The stretch is also becoming popular in Lavhalwadi travel vlogs and Instagram reels, where creators highlight the unique “road between water” landscape.
Seasonal Views and Changing Water Levels
The appearance of the road changes with the seasons. In the monsoon and post-monsoon period, the area turns lush green and the water remains close to the road edges.
During summer, the water level drops, revealing more of the embankment and altering the visual effect. Locals say the best time to witness the “driving on water” feel is between September and January, when the reservoir remains fuller and the surroundings are scenic.
Visitor Experience and Local Guidance
While the stretch looks dramatic in photos and videos, locals and frequent travellers say it is mainly scenic rather than risky. Two-wheelers sometimes pass through shallow edges in certain sections, while most four-wheelers remain on the slightly elevated part of the route.
Regular visitors advise travellers to:
• Avoid the stretch during heavy rainfall
• Check water levels before entering shallow zones
• Drive slowly and cautiously
• Respect village surroundings and avoid littering
There are no recent reports of official restrictions or road closures in the area, and the location continues to be visited by road-trip enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Nearby Attractions Around Lavhalwadi
The Lavhalwadi road also serves as an approach toward some of Bhandardara’s popular and offbeat attractions, including:
• Sandhan Valley
• Ratangad Fort
• Umbrella Falls (seasonal)
• Arthur Lake viewpoints
• Samrad village landscapes
This makes the route appealing for travellers planning multi-stop road trips across the Bhandardara backwaters region.
A Road Trip Experience Rather Than a Tourist Hotspot
Unlike crowded tourist centres, Lavhalwadi remains quiet and rural. Small homestays and local food joints serve visitors, and most people treat the destination as a nature escape near Pune rather than a commercial sightseeing point.
Travel creators say this balance between remoteness, beauty, and accessibility is what makes the Pune to Lavhalwadi road stand out among offbeat routes in Maharashtra.
Vineet Gupta is the Founder and Managing Editor of PuneNow, where he oversees local news delivery and explores mindful living, parenting, and personal growth. An alumnus of the University of Wales, Vineet has travelled extensively and worked across hospitality, finance, and academia. Now based in Pune, his diverse global background informs his hyper-local perspective, helping the community find meaning, balance, and connection in everyday life.
