Want to go on a nature trail in misty mountains, dense forests with an ancient temple hidden in its folds? Are you looking for a quick getaway cum a spiritual destination for the family? Then Bhimashankar is surely your place of choice.
Located in the leafy Sahayadri ranges 130 Kms from Pune is the verdant Bhimashankar or the land of the revered 6th Jyotirlinga. The ancient Shiva temple in Bhimashankar has an ardent religious following & is considered one of the 12 most powerful Shiva temples across India. This sacred place is also where river Bhima originates before embarking on its long journey down south, before joining the mighty river, Krishna.

Bhimashankar is blessed with the most scenic locales being in the Sahayadris. The temple itself is surrounded completely by a wildlife sanctuary & thus has thick vegetation all around it.

It is a place of choice not only for the religious souls but also for the avid trekkers & nature lovers.

The Shekaru or the India Giant Squirrel is a rare furry animal which can be seen jumping across the tree tops. Interestingly this is also the state animal of Maharashtra.

Top tourist attractions in Bhimashankar are:

1. Bhimashankar Temple:

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the blessings of Lord Shiva here are surely not to be missed.  The temple has a rich mythological history behind its origins & makes an interesting story. Perched atop a hill, the temple is surrounding by amazing views of the dense forests below.

2. Hanuman Lake:

This pristine lake is a bit difficult to reach however the surroundings are worth the grind. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills & offers a great photogenic location for the selfie enthusiasts. You can carry a picnic basket & lounge on the grass around the lake after taking a quick dip in it. Don’t forget to carry a bat-ball or Frisbee!

3. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Only recently has the place been declared as a protected area by the Forest Department to protect the varied flora & fauna here. You can catch glimpses of giant flying squirrel, the barking deer, wild boar, Sambar deer, langur and also leopards, and hyena, if lucky. Many rare birds such as Quaker Blabber, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Grey Jungle Fowl, Green Pigeon, Black Eagle, have also been spotted.

4. Trekkers Paradise:

Bhimashankar is a favorite destination for the nature lovers & trekking enthusiasts. The climb is an easy to medium difficulty level & many prefer to do day treks here given the closeness to the wildlife sanctuary. You may trek through the dense vegetation on the hills to reach a secluded spot called Gupt (hidden) Bhimashankar. The interesting thing about this place is that there is a waterfall here under which a natural Shiv-linga has been formed.

How to Reach Bhimashankar:

Bhimashankar can be accessed from Rajgurunagar if coming from the Pune-Nashik highway. It is about 130 km from Pune & is well connected by state transport buses as well as private jeeps, buses & taxis. Those coming from Mumbai can come via Manchar route.

Best Places to Stay Near Bhimashankar:

Owing to its pristine surroundings Bhimashankar is blessed with nature’s bounty & has many hotels, lodges, homestay as well as farmstays on offer to suit your requirements. There are good farmstays in Manchar & Rajgurunagar as well as in the countryside of Bhimashankar. Being near the wildlife sanctuary, these are a heaven for nature lovers & adventure aficionados. Staying close enough to the sanctuary you might even be able to catch glimpses of the giant flying squirrel -Shekru.

Best Time to Visit Bhimashankar:

Although summers are not hat harsh, monsoons & winters are the best time to visit Bhimashankar.