Bhimashankar

Whether you are a spiritual traveler or an adventure enthusiast, better still both – Bhimashankar is the place for you. The destination is a sheer delight for spiritual travelers, photographers, nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure enthusiasts.

Located about 100 km from Pune, Bhimashankar Temple is a popular Lord Shiva Temple and is a pilgrim’s paradise. It is also among one of the 12 traditional ‘Jyotirlingas’ shrines of Lord Shiva in India. Dating back to the 13th CE, the temple is constructed in Nagara style architecture. It shows the excellent skills achieved by ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. The temple is located in the village Bhorgiri in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri ranges, and is surrounded by hills and covered by thick green rainforests.

History buffs will love the legend behind the origination of the name, Bhimashankar. So, the name came from the river Bhima which evaporated due to the war between Lord Shiva and the demon Tripurasura.

Nature lovers, you will love the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is rich in flora and fauna. The diverse birds, animals, and plants are a must-see. You’d be also lucky to catch the Malabar Giant squirrel (aka Shekaru) that can be found in the deep woods.

If you are an adventure enthusiast, then you should look out for the trekking opportunities. Bhimashankar treks are some of the best treks in Sahyadri ranges. You can ascend the Shirdi Ghat, and descend Ganesh ghat. You will find plenty of photo opportunities on the way.

The best time to visit the temple is from September to January. However, you can also enjoy visiting during the monsoon.