Main Info
Bhimashankar Tourism
Bhimashankar is a hilly region situated 223 km from Mumbai and 100 km from Pune and is known across the nation for its beautiful temples. It houses one of the 12 Joytilingam shrines which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nestled amidst the green valley of Sahyadri Hills, Bhimashankar will mesmerize you with its natural beauty and dense tropical rainforests. From the elevation of 3,250 feet, the view of the surrounding hills is simply breathtaking.
As per one of the mythological legends, the region derives its name from Bhima River which dried due to the heat that was produced during the war that took place between Lord Shiva and devil Tripurasura. In addition to being one of the holiest places in India, Bhimashankar is quite famous for trekking. Moreover, wildlife enthusiast should explore the nearby Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Exciting Trekking Options
Situated at an elevation of about 3,250 feet, Bhimashankar is a popular spot for trekking among the adventure enthusiasts. There are two trek trails to reach Bhimashankar Temple which is positioned on the top of the hill. The trek starts from the village named Khandas, however, this village does not have direct transport connectivity with neighbouring cities. At the outset, you will have to travel to Katjat Railway Station which is approximately 40 km away from the village. From here, you can take a bus or hire a private taxi to reach Khandas.
The two trekking trails are known as the Shidi route and the Ganesh Ghat. The latter is long but is easy and can be easily accessed by amateurs. You will also come across a beautiful temple of Lord Ganesha while trekking through Ganesh Ghat and it usually takes 6 hours to complete the trek.
The trek through Shidi route is short but is not easy. There are few parts in the trek trail where you will have to use the ladder to climb and hence, it is not advisable for beginners to opt for this route. The sharp crooks and steep slopes make it challenging for the trekkers to climb. It takes around three to four hours to reach the top. For those looking for a thrilling and adventure-filled experience, a trek in the hills of Bhimashankar is a must!
Restaurants and Local Food in Bhimashankar
The majority of restaurants and local eateries here offer scrumptious Maharashtrian cuisines. However, you can also spot a few restaurants that offer North and South Indian delicacies. Do not forget to try the most popular Misal Pav, which is a spicy curry made from potatoes and other vegetables.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1- Once you reach Bhimashankar in the morning, you can relax at your hotel and later, head to Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is rich in diverse species of flora and fauna and you will be mesmerized by the soothing ambience that prevails in the region. After lunch, you can visit Hanuman Lake and spend your evening alongside the lakeshore with your loved ones.
Day 2- Embark your second day to visit Bhimashankar Temple. You should start early in order to escape the traffic. It will take around 1-2 hours to explore the place. Once you are back to your hotel, you can relax for some time and then head for a trek in the dense forest of Bhimashankar. You will definitely be overwhelmed by the scenic beauty that you will witness while trekking through the tropical rainforest of Sahyadri Hills.
