Bhimashankar Trek

Discover the Wilderness of the Sahyadri Range

1/4

Overview

The Bhimashankar Trek is a popular trekking route located in the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra, India. It offers a thrilling and scenic adventure through dense forests, picturesque landscapes, and stunning mountain vistas. The trek is named after the Bhimashankar Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (sacred abodes of Lord Shiva) in India. It is not only a spiritual destination but also a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Suggested Duration - 2-3 hours

What To Expect?

The Bhimashankar region is known for its dense forests, primarily composed of tropical evergreen and deciduous trees. As you trek through the trails, you will witness cascading waterfalls, gurgling streams, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. The trek involves moderate to difficult levels of hiking, especially while ascending the Bhimashankar Temple. A significant highlight of the trek is the Bhimashankar Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcases magnificent architecture. Bhimashankar is part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse wildlife species so keep an eye out for animals spotting.

Tips

It is crucial to stay hydrated during the trek. Carry an adequate amount of water and keep refilling at available water sources on the trail.
Wear comfortable trekking shoes with a good grip to navigate the challenging terrain.
Carry a backpack with essential items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a first aid kit, snacks, and energy bars. It is also advisable to carry a sturdy walking stick for better support.
Hiring a local guide is recommended to navigate the trails safely and to gain insights into the local flora, fauna, and cultural significance of the region.

Bhimashankar Overview: Karjat�s Tranquil Retreat Amidst Nature

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Bhimashankar near Karjat is a serene getaway known for its lush greenery, rich biodiversity, and spiritual significance. Home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, this destination seamlessly blends nature, adventure, and devotion. Surrounded by dense forests and mist-covered hills, Bhimashankar offers an enchanting retreat away from the urban rush. So, whether you seek divine blessings, a thrilling trek, or a peaceful nature escape, Bhimashankar is a must-visit destination.

Bhimashankar is famous for	Sacred Jyotirlinga Temple, wildlife sanctuary, trekking trails and scenic landscapes.
Bhimashankar Timings	Remains open 24 hours a day
Bhimashankar Best Time to Visit	October to March
Bhimashankar Entry Fee	There is no Bhimashankar ticket price applicable.
Required Time	One to two full days
Popular Nearby Places	Zenith Falls, Chanderi Fort, Ulhas River, Sondai Fort, Lavasa, Vapi, Ratnagiri and Alibaug.

Learn More About Bhimashankar

Bhimashankar is revered for its ancient temple, a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. The region is also a haven for nature lovers and trekkers, with its rolling hills, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. Moreover, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary protects rare species like the Indian giant squirrel and offers stunning trails through the Sahyadri hills.

Bhimashankar History and Significance

The Bhimashankar Temple holds deep mythological and historical importance, believed to be where Lord Shiva vanquished the demon Tripurasura. Dating back to the 13th century, the temple showcases classic Nagara-style architecture and intricate carvings. It continues to be a sacred site for millions of devotees every year.

How to Reach Bhimashankar, Karjat

Bhimashankar is located about 120 km from Pune and 220 km from Mumbai, making it an accessible weekend getaway.

By Road:Drive or hire a taxi from Mumbai or Pune via NH60 and SH54. Buses also run from Pune and Mumbai to Bhimashankar.
By Rail:The nearest railway station is Karjat, approximately 168 km away. From there, taxis and buses are available.
By Air:Lastly, the Pune International Airport (125 km) is the nearest airport.

Exploring Bhimashankar and Other Activities to Explore:

Bhimashankar offers a mix of spirituality, adventure, and nature exploration:

Trekking:Popular trekking trails lead through the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, offering breathtaking views and encounters with unique flora and fauna.
Temple Visit:Seek divine blessings at the sacred Bhimashankar Temple, a revered pilgrimage site.
Wildlife Exploration:Spot rare species like the Malabar Giant Squirrel and vibrant birdlife in the sanctuary.
Photography:Capture scenic landscapes, misty hills, and historical architecture.
Camping:Experience a night under the stars in the serene forests surrounding Bhimashankar.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Bhimashankar Trek

How to explore a place by yourself?

"Adventure is out there!" - You just need to know the 'whats' and the 'hows' of it. You need to realize the things that will make exploring a place completely worthwhile and satisfy all of your travel cravings. This can be achieved by -

Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant

Learn The Public Transportation Routes

Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory

Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park

Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour

Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden

Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market

How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?

To plan the perfect trip, the following will help cover any caveats for your to arrive at the best plan for your vacations :

Where do you want to go? - Your first step in how to plan a vacation is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and travel budget.

Once you have chosen your destination, the next step in planning a trip is to book flights. And learning how to find and book cheap flights will help you reduce one of your biggest expenses when it comes to travelling

Where you stay is your other major travel expense, so choosing the best stay for your needs at a price that suits you will free up more money for activities

Another major thing to consider while planning a trip is to find out the transportation options in your chosen destination, be it public or private and the costs involved

When you plan a trip you should also research about the must-visit attractions and the best free things to do in your destination of choice

Know the visa requirements for visiting the destination

Depending on where you are planning your trip in a particular country, it's important to get the correct advice for any necessary vaccinations that needs to be taken care of before your travel dates

Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy

How to choose a destination to travel to?

Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :

Figure out how to travel to a destination, where to stay and what are the things to do amongst other things. Trip Ideas by MakeMyTrip brings you a plethora of knowledge about a destination ranging from images and videos to lists of all the activities

Read posts by travel bloggers who have been there and if needed email them

Watch documentaries and reach out to people who have been there

Destinations close to Bhimashankar Trek

Thane Bhandardara Palghar Bhavnagar Bharuch Lavasa Lonavala & Khandala Dapoli Surat Navi Mumbai Nashik Pandharpur Somnath Malshej Ghat Kolad Pune Satara Shirdi Silvassa Mumbai

Visual Stories

6 Offbeat Places in Sikkim to Explore in 2025 10 Temple Towns to Add to Your Travel List 6 Local Experiences to Enjoy in Villages of Gujarat 6 Best Places to Visit in Nagaland for Cultural Travel 5 Scenic Trails in Cambodia 6 Ferry Towns and River Crossings in India Worth the Detour 6 Best Base Villages for Nature Trails in North India 6 Travel Spots That Feel Fresh After the Rain Top Cities in Europe for Architecture Lovers 7 Monastery Towns in India to Experience Mindfulness Top 8 Offbeat Nature Breaks for the Season 8 Travel Destinations in Northeast India That Deserve More Eyes Top Places to Feel the Silence in Indonesia Easy Treks in Himachal with Great Views Scenic Escapes in Northeast India’s Hills Top Hill Stations in South India Top Night Markets in Bangkok 6 Places to Embrace Slow Travel Outside India 5 Cultural Towns of Odisha Top 6 Birding Hotspots for Slow Nature Days 7 Quiet Destinations in Meghalaya 6 Buddhist Destinations Outside India 10 Hidden Beaches in Thailand for Your Next Trip 6 Peaceful Pilgrimage Routes Across India Small Cities in Europe With Rich Architecture

Top Countries to Explore

India South Africa Australia Seychelles Russia Switzerland Poland Azerbaijan Bangladesh Ireland New Zealand Spain Cambodia Vietnam Uzbekistan Qatar Canada Mexico Tanzania France

Best Places To Visit In Months

Places to Visit in July In India Places to Visit in February In India Places to Visit in January In India Places to Visit in April In India Places to Visit in May In India Places to Visit in October In India Places to Visit in December In India Places to Visit in March In India Places to Visit in August In India Places to Visit in November In India Places to Visit in June In India Places to Visit in September In India

Best International Places to Visit in 2025

Lagos Canberra Brussels Rome Naples New York Maldives Pokhara Chicago Sydney Bohol Stockholm Antwerp Leicester Christchurch Antalya Mykonos Milan Honolulu Dubai Munich Ottawa Cape Town Wellington Cologne Hiroshima Phu Quoc Jerusalem Queenstown Cork

Top banner images

Country India US UAE