Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra (2026) — Complete Travel Guide for Devotees & Tourists

 
 

            Bhimashankar Temple Trekk - Maharshtra , India

 

Why Bhimashankar Temple is Special

Located in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a highly revered pilgrimage destination.

It is also surrounded by the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, making it a rare combination of spirituality + trekking + nature tourism.

 

Quick Overview

·         Location: Near Pune, Maharashtra, India

·         Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva

·         Altitude: Hilltop temple in Western Ghats

·         Nearest City: Pune (approx. 110 km)

·         Nearest Airport: Pune Airport / Mumbai Airport

·         Best Time to Visit: Oct–March + Monsoon (for greenery)

 

How to Reach Bhimashankar Temple (From Mumbai & Pune)

From Mumbai (Approx. 220 km)

·         Mumbai → Pune (train/road)

·         Pune → Manchar / Rajgurunagar (bus or taxi)

·         Local jeep/taxi → Bhimashankar Temple

Total time: 6–8 hours

From Pune (Approx. 110 km)

·         Pune → Chakan → Rajgurunagar → Manchar → Bhimashankar

·         Private taxi or MSRTC buses available

Total time: 3.5–5 hours

Budget Guide (2026)

Low Budget Trip

·         Travel: ₹300–₹800 (bus/shared transport)

·         Stay: ₹500–₹1200

·         Food: ₹200–₹500/day
Total: ₹1000–₹2500/day

Mid Range Trip

·         Travel: ₹1000–₹3000 (cab/private)

·         Stay: ₹1500–₹3000

·         Food: ₹500–₹1000
Total: ₹3000–₹7000/day

 

Accommodation Near Bhimashankar

Options include:

·         MTDC Resort (basic government stay)

·         Local lodges near temple

·         Hotels in Manchar or Rajgurunagar

·         Forest guest houses (limited availability)

Tip: Book in advance during Shivratri & weekends.

 

Food Options (What to Eat)

Near Bhimashankar Temple you will mostly find simple Maharashtrian food:

·         Pithla Bhakri

·          Dal Rice

·          Vada Pav & snacks

·         Tea stalls & local breakfast points

No luxury restaurants near temple — food is basic but hygienic.

 

Safety Tips (Important)

·         Wear good trekking shoes (slippery during monsoon)

·         Avoid trekking alone in dense forest areas

·         Carry cash (network issues common)

·         Beware of monkeys near temple premises

·         Start return journey before sunset

 

Scams to Avoid

·         Fake guides charging unnecessary trekking fees

·         Overpriced taxi quotes near temple

·         Donation scams claiming “special darshan”

·         Parking overcharging in peak season

Always use official MSRTC buses or trusted cab services.

 

 Things to Do at Bhimashankar

·          Darshan at Jyotirlinga temple

·          Explore Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

·          Monsoon trekking

·          Spot Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru)

·          Nature photography

 

Best Time to Visit

·          Monsoon (June–Sept): Best greenery & trekking

·          Winter (Oct–Feb): Comfortable weather

·           Summer: Avoid due to heat

Stay Options Near Trek Routes

·         MTDC Bhimashankar Resort

·         Local homestays in Khandas village

·         Lodges in Manchar / Rajgurunagar

·         Forest guest houses (limited availability)

 

Wildlife & Nature Highlights

The Bhimashankar forest is part of a protected sanctuary:

·         Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru)

·         Rich bird diversity

·         Dense evergreen forest

·         Medicinal plant species

Quick Trek Checklist

✔ Trekking shoes
✔ Raincoat (monsoon)
✔ Water bottles
✔ Snacks
✔ First aid kit
✔ Torch
✔ Mobile offline maps
✔ Cash

 

FAQs

1. How far is Bhimashankar Temple from Mumbai?

It is approximately 220 km and takes around 6–8 hours by road.

2. How far is Bhimashankar from Pune?

Around 110 km, taking 3.5–5 hours.

3. Is trekking to Bhimashankar safe?

Yes, but only during daylight and with proper footwear and caution in monsoon.

4. Are hotels available near Bhimashankar Temple?

Yes, but limited. MTDC resorts and small lodges are available.

5. What is Bhimashankar famous for?

It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and home to rich biodiversity.

6. Can I visit Bhimashankar in one day from Pune?

Yes, a one-day round trip is very common.

Trekk FAQ

1. Which is the easiest Bhimashankar trek route?

Khandas route is the easiest and most popular route.

2. How long is Bhimashankar trek?

It ranges from 10 km to 15 km depending on the route.

3. Is Bhimashankar trek safe for beginners?

Yes, but only Khandas route is recommended for beginners.

4. Can I do Bhimashankar trek in one day?

Yes, it is a popular one-day trek from Pune.

5. Do I need a guide for Bhimashankar trek?

Not mandatory, but helpful during monsoon season.

Nearest Airport : Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport)  or Pune Airport. 

Route 1 :

Trekking to Bhimashankar via Ganesh Ghat :

Trekking to Bhimashankar via Ganesh Ghat is a popular route known for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain. Here's a guide to trekking to Bhimashankar via Ganesh Ghat: 

1. Starting Point : The trek usually begins from a village called Khandas, which is accessible from Mumbai by road. Khandas serves as a common base village for treks to Bhimashankar via Ganesh Ghat. 
2. Route: The trek from Khandas to Bhimashankar via Ganesh Ghat involves ascending through lush forests and rocky terrain. The route passes through picturesque landscapes, streams, and waterfalls, offering breathtaking views along the way. 
3.Difficulty: The trek via Ganesh Ghat is considered moderately challenging due to steep ascents, rocky paths, and sometimes slippery terrain, especially during the monsoon season. Please wear Good GripShoes while trekking 
4. Duration: The trek typically takes around 6-8 hours to reach Bhimashankar Temple from Khandas via Ganesh Ghat, depending on the trekking pace and weather conditions. 
5. Accommodation: While Bhimashankar offers accommodation options, many trekkers prefer to camp overnight in tents along the trekking route. There are designated camping sites with basic facilities, but it's advisable to carry your camping gear if you plan to camp.
Before embarking on the trek, it's crucial to check the weather forecast, carry necessary supplies, and inform someone about your trekking plans for safety purposes. With proper planning and preparation, trekking to Bhimashankar via Ganesh Ghat can be an exhilarating adventure amidst nature's beauty.

Bhimashankar Trek Routes Overview

Main Trek Routes:

1.      Khandas Route (Most Popular)

2.      Ganesh Ghat Route (Moderate Difficulty)

3.      Sidi Ghat Route (Steep & Less Used)

All routes lead to Bhimashankar Temple at the hilltop.

1. Khandas Route (Most Popular Trek Route)

Overview

·         Starting Point: Khandas Village

·         Distance: ~13–15 km

·         Difficulty: Moderate

·         Duration: 4–6 hours

Route Highlights

·         Dense jungle trail

·         Water streams in monsoon

·         Iron ladders & rocky patches

·         Multiple small waterfalls

Why Choose This Route?

·         Best marked trail

·         Safe for beginners (with caution)

·         Most scenic route

Warning: Slippery during monsoon — use trekking shoes.

2. Ganesh Ghat Route (Balanced Route)

Overview

·         Starting Point: Ganesh Ghat base

·         Distance: ~10–12 km

·         Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

·         Duration: 4–5 hours

Route Highlights

·         Steep forest climbs

·         Less crowded than Khandas

·         Beautiful valley views

Why Choose This Route?

·         Shorter distance

·         More peaceful trekking experience

·         Good for experienced trekkers

 

3. Sidi Ghat Route (Adventure Route)

Overview

·         Starting Point: Remote forest base

·         Distance: ~10 km

·         Difficulty: Difficult

·         Duration: 3.5–5 hours

Route Highlights

·         Very steep inclines

·         Rocky vertical sections

·         Requires rope support in some areas

Important

·         Not recommended for beginners

·         Avoid during heavy rains

 

How to Reach Trek Base Points

From Mumbai

·         Mumbai → Pune → Rajgurunagar → Khandas
⏱️ 6–8 hours total

From Pune

·         Pune → Chakan → Manchar → Khandas
⏱️ 3–4.5 hours

 Best option: Private cab or MSRTC bus till Manchar, then local transport.

 

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