Bhma Shankar (In and Around)

Bhimashankar is an old and ancient temple located in the Sahyadri hills, in Maharashtra,
India. It is situated in a village named as Bhorgiri, 50 km North West direction of Khed, near
Pune and located at 125 km away from Pune. Since it was declared as Wild Life
Sanctuary in the recent times, the place has gained a great significance. Bhimashnkar is
the source of river Bhima as well.

Bhimashankar is an ancient pilgrimage centre located in the state of Maharashtra, near

Karjat. The destination is popular for housing one of the 12 holy Jyotirlinga shrines in India,
and five in Maharashtra. A legend has it that Lord Shiva had taken abode in the Bhima form
on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, upon the request of the Gods. Thus, this site housing the
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, came to be known as Bhimashankar. After the battle with the
demon, the sweat poured forth from the body of Lord Shiva took the form of Bhima river,
banks of which now mark the site.

This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands 125 km north of Pune and 200 km away from
Mumbai, in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri hills. Dating back to the 18th century,
Bhimashankar Temple is characteristic of Nagara architectural style, along with influences
from Indo-Aryan architecture.

Intricate carvings adorn the pillars and door frames of this temple, raised over a
Swayambhu Linga. The temple grounds encompass another smaller shrine dedicated to
Lord Shani. Wooden entrance of this temple, built by Nana Fadnavis, is marked by a Nandi
statue. Though a place of religious importance, Bhimashankar is often frequented by nature
lovers for its wildlife sanctuary, housing a variety of endangered species of flora and fauna.
A reserve forest area, this wildlife sanctuary is mainly famous for the highly endangered
Giant Indian Squirrel.

An abode to rich wildlife and vegetation, these dense forests lining the Western Ghats also
offer a clear view of the beautiful surroundings. Other than the natural scenery,
Bhimashankar is exclusively popular among tourists for trekking, bird-watching and other
adventure activities.

Besides the temple and the sanctuary, Bhimashankar is popular for attractions like Gupt
Bhimashankar, Sakshi Vinayak, Hanuman Lake, Nagphani, Bombay Point and more. Once
in the base village of Khandas, tourists can reach the location via two main routes, the
Ganesh route and the Ladder route.

The nearest air gateway as well as railhead to Bhimashankar is situated at a distance of

130 km, in Pune. Those travelling by road can reach Bhimashankar either from Mumbai or
from Pune. The best time to visit the destination is from August through February.
There are many good places to see at and around Bhimashankar. A few of them are as
below:

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple:

Bhimashankar is considered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the India. It is one of the
well-known religious places in Maharashtra. This is a great temple of Lord Shiva. The
temple has architecture of Nagra Style. The Holy Jyotirlinga temple is visited on the
Mahashivratri in a large number. In the premises, there is a small temple of Shani Dev.

Hanuman Lake, Bhimashankar:

Hanuman Lake is a famous place at Bhimashankar, in the Pune district. There are different
species of many birds at the Hanuman Lake. One gets to see rare birds and squirrel
species at the place. In the rainy season, a beautiful waterfall is one of the attractions to the
visitors.

Gupt Bhimashankar:
It is situated near the Bhimashankar temple. Devotees come and visit the Gupt
Bhimashankar from all over India, since it is believed that the original Shivlinga was
discovered at this place.

Bhimashankar Wild Life Sanctuary

In the recent times, the place of Bhimashankar has been declared and known as Wild Life
Sanctuary. The place has a peculiar feature since then. Situated at the height of around
2000 to 3000 ft, the Sanctuary covers area of around 120 sq. km. Visitors get to see
different kinds of animals as well birds in the Santuary. There are wonderful mountains and
hills around and thus it is a great and perfect place for activities like trekking.
Bhimashankar has beautiful climatic conditions in the Monsoon as well as winters. Since it
is located at around the height of 3500 fts above the sea level, the place always has low
temperature as well as heavy rains in the rainy season. It feels awesome when we visit the
place during this time period.

If you want to know the best period to know to go and visit the Bhimashankar, then it is
definitely September to February since it is the time of Monsoon and winter when you get
and feel an amazing environment. One can see here, the natures beauty at its best and the
wonderful scenery too.

Lenyadri Caves
Lenyadri Caves are a group of 30 rock cut Buddhist caves located near Junnar in the Pune
district of Maharashtra in the western part of India. They date back to 1st and 3rd century
AD. They are really old group of rock cut caves in India. Though the group is of Buddhist
caves but the cave 7 is a Hindu temple dedicated to lord Ganesha popularly known as
Girijatmaj. Lenyadri Caves is a prominent Hindu temple and there is evidence of how much
it was popular among the Hindus. The striking part is being a Buddhist site it had so much
harmony with other religions.
 Lenyadr Caves
These Lenyadri Caves speaks volumes about the kind of religious system that was
prevalent during that period. The people of two separate religions lived in absolute harmony.
The caves that were a prominent site of Buddhism were also a prominent site of Hindu
religion. It speaks a lot about our then Indian society.

These caves and monuments are the mirror of our then society which comprises of
everything from religion to architecture. The Lenyadri Caves have twenty six caves and
they are all individually numbered.

The rest of the caves date back to 1st and 3rd century A.D whereas the Ganesha shrine is as
old as 1stcentury Back The large and beautiful rock cut water cisterns is a remarkable
sculpture. The architecture is really very impressive and an outstanding example of
craftsmanship.

Malshej Ghat
Located in the Thane district of Maharashtra, Malshej Ghat, is a pass in the Western Ghats
range of mountains. Nestled amidst rugged and lofty hills it is rich in flora and fauna and
also a place most loved by birds. If you are a nature lover or a bird watcher pay a visit
during the winter months or may be also during early summer and get complete peace of
mind and satisfaction for your soul with its pristine beauty. It is a charming hill station on the
Sahyadris and at an elevation of 700 meters, it is simply as magnificent as you can only
imagine. All you need to spend a single day and you can very well experience all the
different seasons of the year on that very day.
 Pimplegaon Joga Dam

Waterfalls at Malshej Ghat

Serene Mountains studded with placid lakes and waterfalls and springs all around, you will
simply love every single moment you spend.

Best Season to Visit Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat is one day return picnic spot from Mumbai, Pune and Nashik. Tourists prefer
to visit Malshej ghat during rainy season. In monsoon Malshej Ghat is covered with lush
green surrounding and many waterfalls attracts tourists in this season. The best time to visit
Malshej Ghat is from mid monsoon, i.e. August, September, October. Winter is also best
time to visit Malshej for trekking.

Weather in Malshej Ghat

The weather in Malshej ghat is very cold in Monsoon and Winter. The temperature at this
time remains between 15-30 degree Celsius. Summer is hot here. Maximum temperature
goes to around 35 degree Celsius.
 Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located on the crest of Western Ghats, one of the 12-biodiversity hotspots of the world,
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the Indian Giant squirrel which is the state
animal of Maharashtra. Along with harboring a large diversity of endemic and specialized
flora and fauna it also boasts of immense cultural, religious and historical significance and
has also been identified by the Bird Life International as an Important Bird Area.

It provides shelter to a number of globally threatened and endangered bird species like
Greater Spotted Eagle, Jerdons Baza, Lesser Kestrel and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon as well as a
number of restricted range species like the Malabar Parakeet, Small Sunbird, Malabar Grey
Hornbill and Southern Tree Pie. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is also the habitat of two
critically endangered bird species Long billed and White backed Vultures as well as a
number of other vulnerable species like Austens Babbler, Pallied Harrier and Malabar Pied
Hornbill.

As an unique location in the upper catchment area of river Krishna and its two tributaries
Ghod and Bhima it looks amazing being mosaic with different vegetation patterns like
deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. Though Bhimashankar Wildlife
Sanctuary receives heavy rainfall during the three monsoon months, but due to its typical
geology it is not stored and experiences an acute water shortage during the summer
months.

Excursions:

Distance
Name Description
(Kms)
Ozar Shrivighnahar, Ozhar is home to one of the eight Ashtavinayak 85
Ashtavinayak Temples. It is visited alongwith Girijatmaj, Lenyadri
Temple Ashtavinayak Temple.

Lenyadri Lenyadri Ashtavinayak Temple is one of the eight 85

Ashtavinayak Ashtavinayak temples. The temple is set in a cave and and
Temple only one of the eight temples that requires climbing some steps
to reach.

Ranjangaon Mahaganapati Temple at Ranjangaon near Pune is one of the 110

Mahaganapati eight Ashtavinayak Temples that are visited as part of a circuit.
Temple