Bhimashankar
Jyotirlinga in the Sahyadri Forests
Overview
Bhimashankar lies in the Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats in Pune district, Maharashtra, and is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is traditionally regarded as the source of the Bhima river. The surrounding Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary protects dense forest and the Indian giant squirrel, or shekru, Maharashtra's state animal. The area is popular for trekking as well as pilgrimage. MyTripMyTravel arranges Bhimashankar as a combined temple-and-nature escape into the Ghats, with respectful darshan and a walk in the forest.
The temple sits amid thick evergreen forest at altitude, giving Bhimashankar a cool, green character quite different from the plains. The shrine is a Jyotirlinga and draws pilgrims year-round, with the Bhima river held to rise nearby.
The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary that surrounds the temple is best known for the Indian giant squirrel, a large arboreal squirrel that is the state animal of Maharashtra. The forest also supports varied birdlife and other wildlife under its protected status.
Several trekking routes climb through the Ghats to Bhimashankar, making it a favourite with walkers from Pune and Mumbai. MyTripMyTravel can combine an unhurried darshan with a guided forest walk, keeping to the sanctuary's rules.
At a glance
Bhimashankar in brief
When to visit
October to February
The post-monsoon and winter months bring clear, cool weather ideal for both darshan and forest walks. The monsoon is dramatically green and full of waterfalls but the roads are winding and the trails slippery. Early starts are worthwhile, both to avoid weekend crowds at the temple and to catch wildlife, including the giant squirrel, when the forest is most active.
Things to do
Experiences in Bhimashankar
Bhimashankar darshan
Darshan at the Jyotirlinga in its forest setting is the spiritual centre of any visit.
Shekru spotting
The sanctuary is the best place to look for the Indian giant squirrel, Maharashtra's striking state animal.
Forest trek
Trails through the Sahyadri climb to the temple and reward walkers with cool, layered woodland.
Nagphani viewpoint
A high point in the sanctuary offering sweeping views across the Ghats on clear days.
Hanuman Lake
A quiet forest lake near the temple, a pleasant pause on a walk through the sanctuary.
Getting there
How to reach Bhimashankar
Pune (PNQ) is the nearest airport, followed by a scenic road climb into the Ghats; Mumbai is a farther alternative.
Pune is the practical railhead, with onward road travel of a few hours to Bhimashankar.
A winding road ascends from the plains near Pune into the Sahyadri to reach the temple.
MyTripMyTravel provides a chauffeured car from Pune or Mumbai, sensible given the mountain roads.
Where to stay
Simple lodges and homestays near the sanctuary suit travellers wanting early access to the forest and temple.
Pune, a few hours away, offers full-service hotels for those preferring city comfort as a base.
Weekend retreats in the wider Ghats give a scenic overnight for combining nature with the pilgrimage.
Where to eat
Simple eateries near the shrine serve hot vegetarian Maharashtrian food, including local snacks.
Roadside stops on the climb offer poha, vada pav and tea, the classic Ghat road meal.
Back in the city, Pune's wide restaurant scene covers everything from Maharashtrian to international.
Good to know
Bhimashankar, your questions
What is Bhimashankar known for?
It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva and the traditional source of the Bhima river, set within a wildlife sanctuary in the Western Ghats.
What is the shekru?
The shekru, or Indian giant squirrel, is a large tree-dwelling squirrel and the state animal of Maharashtra. The Bhimashankar sanctuary is one of the better places to see it.
Can you trek to the temple?
Yes, several forest trails climb through the Sahyadri to Bhimashankar, and it is a well-liked trekking destination alongside its role as a pilgrimage site.
When is the best time to visit?
October to February offers the clearest, coolest weather for both darshan and forest walks. The monsoon is lush but the roads and trails become challenging.
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