Bhimashankar

Distance   128 km

District   Pune

Category   Sanctuary

Overview

Bhimashankar is 128 kms. away from Pune. The route to Bhimashankar is via Manchar. One can go to this place, full of natural beauty and lovely scenery, and be back to Pune in one day. Bhimashankar is a good paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, jungle lovers and bird watchers. It is recommended to visit the place for at least 2/3 days. The best seasons to go to Bhimashankar are monsoon and winter. There is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Lord Shankara after getting angry, killed Rakshas Tripurasura. The heat generated from their war caused the origin of river Bhima. That is why it is called Bhimashankar.
The picture perfect beauty of this hillstation makes bhimashankar tailor made for weekend travellers in search of a spiritual odyssey amidst mountain splendour. This is the place to come to to rejuvenate your soul in communion with nature set against the backdrop of a rich sahyadri wildlife sanctuary. With little or no infrastructure apart from a cosy retreat with jungle ambience the sanctuary is an ideal destination for a weekend away from the city. There is an exquisitely carved Nagra style 18th century Jyotirlinga temple erected over a self emanated Shivaling said to have been built by Nana Phadnavis; a diplomat of the Peshwas. A small well trodden trail begins right behind the temple that leads deep into the forest to Gupt bheema, The origin of the river Bhima. A waterfall gushes over a stone lingam to mark the exact spot. Guptbhima is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhimashankar . If you are ready to walk the less trodden path, Bhimashankar is an ideal weekend destination - A back to nature cum holy weekend !
There are Buddha style carvings of Amba-Ambika, Bhootling and Bhimashankar in the hills of Manmod near Bhimashankar. This is at the height of 1034 mtrs. A big size bell in Hemadpanthi structure built by Nana Phadanavis is also a feature of Bhimashankar. Various places that could be visited in Bhimashankar are Hanuman Lake, Gupt Bhimashankar, Origin of River Bhima, Nag Phani, Bombay Point, Sakshi Vinayak and lot more. Bhimashankar is conserve red forest area and wildlife sanctuary where a variety of birds, animals, flowers, plants can be seen. A rare animal "Shekru" can be found in deep woods. Bhimashankar is worth visited for jungle lovers and trekkers as well as for pilgrims.

Places of Interest

Bhimashankar Temple : The temple at Bhimashankar dates back to the 18th century. It is built in the Nagara style of architecture and you can find influence of the Indo Aryan style in it. The lingam is said to be Swayambhu or Self Emanated and the shrine was erected later. The lingam is exactly in the center of the floor of the holy Garbha (Sanctum). The relic of the temple is of the Portuguese time and there is a huge and beautiful Roman style bell in the temple. This bell is hanging between two huge pillars in the temple.
Treks in the forest : The short Machan trail originates right behind the MTDC resort that leads through a narrow pasage broadening into huge tree laden hills, a rocky path leads to a stream with a tiny machan erected by the forest Dept and a small temple dedicated to forest goddess Bhagadevi. Directly facing the MTDC resort , Bhima trail leads into the forest so lush and thick that getting off the trail is not even an option. Eventually it opens into a wide open area with enchanting views of the valley. The dense forests of Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary plays host not ust to Shekru - the giant squirrel but also to a variety of plants and animal speceies. There are wild boars, barking deer, porcupines and even leopards. In monsoons one can spot bioluminous fungus on the trees which gives a faint shimmering glow to the tree trunks in the darkness of night.
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary : There is Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary, which is a home to a variety of rare species of birds and animals. The Giant Squirrel is one of the major attractions of this forest. You can find other species like the Panther, Sambar, Mouse Deer, wild boar and the Hyena. Many birds like the Malbar grey hornbill, Quaker babble, Malabar whistling thrust, black eagle and many other species of birds are found here.

Accommodation

Options to stay in Bhimashankar is limited to MTDC Mansarovar Motel and some locals who rent out rooms at nominal rates.

How to Reach

Bhimashankar is seventy-four miles or 127 km from Pune by road. State buses go there from Pune daily, with more than five hours of bus journey. During the Mahashivaratri festival, when there is a great fair at the temple, buses ply to and fro daily. It is also accessible from Karjat on the Pune - Mumbai section of the Central railway.
From Pune ST Buses are available from shivaji nagar pune to bhimashankar at 5:30 in the morning to 2:00 pm and ticket is approximately 91/- for a person.
Route : From Pune -> Rajguru Nagar -> Manchar -> Ghodegoan -> Bhimashakar