Weekend getaway from Pune · #9 of 10
Bhimashankar
One of the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, tucked into dense rainforest at 3,250 ft in the Sahyadris: temple darshan, the surrounding wildlife sanctuary, Hanuman Lake and misty monsoon treks.
Escape to 3,250 feet where one of Shiva's sacred jyotirlinga shrines meets a lush Sahyadri jungle. It's a perfect two-day slow-down filled with ancient temple vibes, misty wildlife trails, and quiet lakeside picnics.
Getting there
Your best bet for a smooth drive - the roads are a breeze until you hit the final winding climb up the hills.
The ultimate trekker's way up. Take the scenic, gentle Ganesh Ghat route (about 6 hours passing a forest temple) or test your limits on the steep, vertical ladder route (3-4 hours).
Day 1 - Rainforest sanctuary and Hanuman Lake
Cruising up the hills, spotting wildlife in the jungle, and unwinding by a peaceful lake at sunset- 17:00 AMDrive
Drive via Manchar
Start early and watch the concrete fade to green as you drive northeast from Pune, passing Manchar before curving up into the misty Sahyadri hills.
📍 Manchar, Pune
- 210:30 AMDrive
Arrive and check in
Arrive at this cool, high-altitude village hidden right inside a dense rainforest at 3,250 feet. Drop your bags, stretch your legs, and prep for the trail.
📍 Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
- 311:30 AMActivity
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary walk
Venture deep into the green canopy. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for the rare Malabar giant squirrel hiding high up in the branches.
📍 Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimashankar
- 41:00 PMFood
Misal thali lunch
Get ready to sweat a little! Dig into a fiery local misal, a delicious, spiced-up sprout and potato curry that is the undisputed pride of the region.
📍 Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
- 52:30 PMSight
Hanuman Lake
A peaceful, forest-framed lake just a short stroll from the sanctuary. It is a lovely spot to sit back, relax, and watch the breeze ripple the water.
📍 Hanuman Lake, Bhimashankar
- 64:30 PMSight
Ahupe Waterfalls
Catch this stunning waterfall in action right on the sanctuary's edge, crashing down with full force during and right after the monsoon rains.
📍 Ahupe Waterfalls, Bhimashankar
Tip · Heads up: this spectacular falls dries up to a tiny trickle outside the monsoon, so ask a local about the flow before you head out.
- 77:00 PMStay
Overnight in Bhimashankar
Settle into a cozy MTDC resort room or a local village guesthouse for the night. Sleep early so you can beat the crowds at the temple tomorrow.
📍 Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
Tip · Rooms fill up fast in this holy town! Make sure you book your stay well in advance, especially if you are visiting over the weekend.
Day 2 - Jyotirlinga temple and the sanctuary trails
Beat the temple crowds at dawn, catch gorgeous views from a forest trail, and cruise back home- 86:00 AMSight
Bhimashankar Temple darshan
Wake up with the sun to visit one of India's twelve sacred jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, nestled beautifully in the heart of the misty forest.
📍 Bhimashankar Temple, Bhimashankar
Tip · Be there before 7 AM sharp! The lines get incredibly long, especially on weekends and auspicious Mondays.
- 98:00 AMFood
Breakfast in the village
Fuel up with a steaming, simple breakfast at a rustic village stall before diving back under the forest canopy.
📍 Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
- 109:00 AMActivity
Sanctuary viewpoint trail
Take a relaxed stroll on this short sanctuary loop trail. It is a quick escape to a stunning forest viewpoint without the sweat of a full trek.
📍 Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimashankar
Tip · Feeling adventurous? Experienced trekkers can choose to hike all the way down to Khandas via Ganesh Ghat or the steep ladder path.
- 1111:00 AMSight
Village market
Wander through the lively stalls near the temple to pick up local sweets, beautiful wooden handicrafts, and fresh forest produce.
📍 Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
- 1212:30 PMFood
Lunch before the drive back
Savor one last authentic Maharashtrian thali or spicy misal before you start the drive down the winding ghat road.
📍 Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
- 131:30 PMDrive
Drive down via Manchar
Wind your way back down the beautiful ghats, passing through Manchar and Rajgurunagar as you head back towards Pune.
📍 Manchar, Pune
- 144:30 PMDrive
Arrive back in Pune
Roll back into Pune by late afternoon, with your camera full of rainforest green and your mind full of peaceful temple blessings.
📍 Pune, Maharashtra
Where to eat
A spicy, comforting sprout and potato curry that even the local tourism guides crown as Bhimashankar's must-eat dish.
Loaded platefuls of comforting, home-style rice, dal, bhakri bread, and seasonal veggies in cozy village joints.
Steaming hot cups of tea brewed right by the roadside, perfect for swapping stories with fellow trekkers and pilgrims.
When to go
The jungle is unbelievably lush and Ahupe is roaring, but the Khandas ladder trail gets dangerously slick - strictly for pro hikers.
The perfect sweet spot. Expect crisp, cool temple mornings and lovely, breezy weather for forest hikes.
Warm and sticky. Plan your outdoor adventures for the cool mornings and evenings, and take it slow.
Good to know
- Set an early alarm and hit the temple at dawn to dodge the massive weekend queues.
- Trekking from Khandas? Stick to the gentler Ganesh Ghat trail unless you are a seasoned hiker ready for vertical ladders.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks before you enter the sanctuary - shops are practically nonexistent inside.
- Accommodation options are super slim here, so book your guesthouse or MTDC room well before you travel.
