About Bhimashankar
The very famous Bhimashankar temple is located in the ghat region of Sahyadri Hills, which is 125 Kms away from Pune. Recently, the Bhimashankar has been recognised as a Wildlife Sanctuary gaining more popularity amongst people. This forms a part of the western ghats and is very rich in flora and fauna. The place is home to a variety of rare plants, birds, insects and animals. For Example - A very rare Malabar Giant Squirrel named “Shekaru” is found in Bhimashankar.
History of Bhimashankar temple
Now let us talk a little deeper about the history of Bhimashankar temple. The River Bhima is believed to have originated from Bhimashankar, which is a tributary of the Krishna river near Raichur. Bhimashankar temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples of Shiva in India. It is also believed that this temple was endowed to facilitate religious ceremonies by the Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
This place has its own sanity because it is very far from the hustle-bustle of the cities amid the white clouds. It gives a wonderful view of the world around the hill stations and local rivers since it is located at the extreme end of the Sahyadri Ranges. For people who love trekking amidst the best of weather, Bhimashankar is the right place to go to.
How to reach Bhimshankar by bus?
The nearest airport and railway station to Bhimashankar is the Pune one. One needs to come to Pune and thereafter reach Bhimashankar by road. From Pune, it takes approximately 4-5 hours to reach Bhimashankar by bus or car.
Manchar is also a nearby place that falls in the way while you go from Pune to Bhimashankar. People coming from Nashik usually prefer to stop at Manchar and further continue their journey by road. Manchar is well connected with national highways and so it is very frequently used by tourists as a hub spot to reach the Bhimashankar temple.
Famous Places To Visit In Bhimashankar
- Bhimashankar Trek: One of the most famous treks in Maharashtra is the Bhimashankar Trek leading you to the very famous Bhimashankar Temple. It is approximately 114 Kms from Pune and 50 Kms from Khed. Trekkers often start their adventures from either of the two places and end up in Bhimashankar, spending their weekends. The dense forests of the Sahyadri Hills give trekking a very interesting turn where people can explore the places and keep moving on. On their way, they may experience seeing the wide variety of plants and animals that these forests are home to. This is one of the best experiences you can have if you are around Bhimashankar.
- Hanuman Lake: Hanuman Lake is yet another famous spot around Bhimashankar. The place is a little difficult to reach but is surely worth trying. It is again home to a wide variety of animals, including birds and squirrels. The place is a perfect picnic spot for families and a group of friends. Sitting within mother nature and enjoying spending quality time with your loved ones is something that each one of us should do very often. Hanuman lake offers the best place to do so, with you being able to experience the calmness of nature away from the loud noises of the city. If you are in or around Bhimashankar temple, then Hanuman Lake should be a must-visit.
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread over an area of 120 sq Kms on the western ghats, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary has gained popularity among tourists because of the wide variety of flora and fauna that it is home to. The major species that has been kept protected here is the Indian Giant Squirrel. Another interesting fact about the place is that it has kept the thousands of years old 14 sacred groves safe, which are responsible for the origin of many species.
- Ahupa Waterfalls: Ahupa waterfalls is another beautiful location in Bhimashankar. It showcases a beautiful view of the Dimbhe Dam backwaters and the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is also in the vicinity. This spot also attracts many tourists every year.
- Kashmet: For people who love doing adventurous activities, Kashmet is yet another famous spot around Bhimashankar. This place is renowned for its flying schools and paragliding. This place is often visited by people from Pune and neighbouring cities over weekends also plus it attracts many youngsters from across the country. The place is only 45 Kms from the main city of Pune. You can be at the place enjoying the beautiful weather and being a part of any of the fun and adventurous activities offered here.
- Lavasa: Lavasa is a very new project that is still in process based on the Italian Town Portfolio. It is described as India’s newest hill station spread over and area of 25,000 acres and covering 7 hills of the western ghats. Lavasa is a perfect blend of infrastructure and beauty. This place is also going to attract a number of tourists in the coming future and will be added to the must-visit places away from the hustle and bustle of the cities where people can have quality time with their family and friends.
Best Time To Visit Bhimashankar
Monsoon season is believed to be the best time to visit the Bhimashankar temple. This is because one can also visit the wildlife sanctuaries around the place. After all, the weather is apt at that time. The best months to visit are October, November, December, January, February, and March.
