Bhimashankar is swathed in the Sahyadri Hills, making it one of the most gorgeous mountain tops. Not only does its beauty catch the eye, but it is also a popular pilgrimage region that aids the causality of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, a part of the 12 Jyotirlingas across India. However, it would dilute the region’s essence by viewing it as a religious site. It is recommended to view this breathtaking region with our guide at all times. This region can be used for outings with friends, family, and even kids as the area has an abundance of waterfalls, fort, forests, and hills.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga: The Spiritual Heart
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is an integral part of the region as It is well known that the Bhimashankar brings devotion within site seekers. The Bhimashankar Temple of Lord Shiva is a prominent destination out of the many temples present. An additional factor to bring in tourists is the temple architecture, as it was built in Nagara-style architecture.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
The best time to visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the temple and nearby attractions. During this period, the monsoon greenery lingers, enhancing the scenic beauty of the surrounding Sahyadri Hills. The winter months are particularly suitable for trekking and enjoying the serene ambiance of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Avoid visiting during the peak monsoon season, as heavy rainfall can make travel challenging. Plan your trip during the winter to experience the spiritual and natural charm of Bhimashankar at its best.
How to Reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, located in the serene Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra, is well-connected by road and rail. The bhimashankar jyotirlinga nearest railway station is Pune Junction, approximately 110 kilometers away. From Pune, you can hire a cab or take state transport buses to reach Bhimashankar. Another option is Karjat Railway Station, around 120 kilometers away, though Pune offers more connectivity.
For air travelers, Pune Airport is the closest, with domestic and international flights. From the airport, private taxis or buses are available for a comfortable journey.
Road travelers can enjoy scenic drives from Pune, Mumbai, or Nashik by car. The route from Pune via Rajgurunagar is particularly popular for its picturesque landscapes. Bhimashankar’s location amidst lush greenery and winding roads adds to the charm of the journey. Whether you prefer rail, road, or air travel, reaching Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is convenient and rewarding.
The pilgrimage of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is only the first step of your journey as the surrounding areas are also a wonder to behold, making Bhimashankar a fully functional travel destination.
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhimashankar temple is accompanied by the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary which is in proximity. Giant Squirrel (Shekeru) an endangered species resides in this sanctuary along with many other wonderful things to see. Destructive trees and thick shades combined with colorful vegetation and breathtaking scenery sites provide ample opportunity for trekking and birdwatching Easy.
- Activities: Trekking, birdwatching, wildlife photography.
- Best for: Friends, families, wildlife lovers.
Hanuman Lake
Located amidst serene surroundings, Hanuman Lake is a perfect site for individuals who want to enjoy nature. For people traveling to Bhimashankar with friends, this calm lake is a great place to visit. This is indeed a paradise for bird watchers and an ideal spot for an easygoing picnic.
- Activities: Bird watching, walking around nature, picnics.
- Best for: Families, friends, and couples.
Gupt Bhimashankar
Gupt Bhimashankar is an absolute need-to-visit place for people who are interested in adventure. Being located within the thick vegetation, this not-so-famous region is claimed to be the other form of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. The trek to Gupt Bhimashankar is exhilarating, making it a popular choice for friends and adventure seekers.
- Best for: Adventure enthusiasts and trekkers
- Activities: Trekking, photography
Lonavala and Khandala – Hill Stations close to Bhimashankar.
Wondering where to go on a holiday and are looking for a picturesque hilltop around Bhimashankar? Lonavala and Khandala which are approximately about 100 kilometers away can be an ideal getaway. These twin hill stations boast fine scenery with galore waterfalls and viewpoints such as the tiger’s leap and duke’s nose.
- Things to do: Trekking, mostly sightseeing, and making the most of the cool climate
- Best for: Couples, families, and friends
Malshej Ghat- A Waterfall Paradise.
Bhimashankar has many beautiful places and markings and Malshej Ghat is one of them. During the monsoon season, it is best known for its beautiful showers, mystical hills, and peace-filled places. Additionally, it is well known for its stunning waterfalls and misting hills.
- Things to do: Enjoy the beauty of nature, explore waterfalls and photography
- Best for: Friends, Families, and Nature admirable
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort is one of the most crucial sights while traveling to Bhimashankar as this is what marries the legend about the where Shivaji Maharaj was born. Embracing India and Maharashtra’s cultural history and history itself this fort is a scenic plus break in the long-distance travel across Pune and Bhimashankar. The conquest of the fort is best in every way including the view from the top.
- Things to do: Trekking, traveling to forts exploring historical sites especially the fort of Shivaji Maharaj.
- Best for: The places are best for history lovers in general together with their family in scenes.
Waterfalls close to Bhimashankar
Monsoon rains can be the saving grace for Bhimashankar where hills mushroomed with a never-ending number of waterfalls. Such includes the breathtaking waterfalls of Kondeshwar and Bhorgiri. These waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery, are perfect for trekking and photography.
- Best for: Adventure seekers and couples
- Activities: Trekking, nature photography
Morachi Chincholi
Morachi Chincholi is rather a nice village nestled at about 80 Km from Bhimashankar. It is also known for its peacocks so it is a nice place to go to if you want to enjoy the experience of living in a village and see these birds roaming around freely.
- Activities: Watching various species of birds and going on village walks
- Best for: Families along with people who love nature
Ozar and Lenyadri: Spiritual Stops
As part of the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage, members and supporters travel to the Ozar and Lenyadri locations which are quite spiritual and are nestled near Bhimashankar. Ozar’s Vighnahar Ganpati Temple and Lenyadri’s Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple which are both carved into rock caves are stunning and great places to check out.
- Activities: Visiting temples and ancient architectural sites.
- Best for: People who want to travel to spiritual sites and temples along with families.
Tamhini Ghat: A Scenic Drive
Tamhini Ghat, which is located on the way from Pune to Bhimashankar, is one of the beautiful places to visit in between Pune and Bhimashankar. This mountain pass is very well known for its waterfalls and its misty hills. Thus, it is a place worth visiting.
- Activities: Going on hikes, taking photographs, and strolling around nature.
- Best for: Nature lovers along with their friends.
Matheran: A Quaint Hill Station
An enjoyable and tranquil hill station is Matheran which is located near Bhimashankar. It is a car-free area filled with colonial buildings that offer stunning views, and hiking opportunities and has a unique toy train along with it.
- Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, and enjoying the toy train ride
- Best for: Couples, families, and solo travelers
Junnar Caves
Located close to Bhimashankar are the Junnar Caves. These ancient caves carved by a people whose race is now forgotten and are known for their intricate designs. One can also find carvings which are a testimony of their historical importance.
- Activities: The caves can be interesting to people willing to learn more about history.
- Best for: History lovers or explorers.
Tips for Visiting Places Around Bhimashankar
- Visit the acclaimed attractions en route: Locate the attractions you want to visit between the city of Pune and Bhimashankar.
- Don’t get caught in the rain: Weather-friendly clothes, trekking gear and rain protection can come in handy as you explore the area and its monsoons.
- Save the environment: Try not to pollute the waterfalls near Bhimashankar and other natural environments you might find around.
Plan Your Tour to Visit Bhimashankar
There are many places to visit around Bhimashankar from the scenic hill stations and the marshy lands around, the stunning waterfalls and the holy Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. If you go here accompanied by your family, friends, and even if you choose to go alone, it has spirituality, nature, and adventure all in one region. Make sure you plan your journey to Bhimashankar and what lies around it for an experience that will stay with you for a long time!