Bhimashankarभीमाशंकर
A jyotirlinga at the top of a sanctuary forest, home of the Shekru, Maharashtra's state squirrel.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWherePune, Maharashtra
Pune Ghats
Pune Ghats
Kind of placeJungle Trails, Pilgrimage Routes, Peak Treks, Birding Spots, Eco Tourism, Wildlife & Tiger Reserves
Best time to visit15 August to 28 February
Good seasonsMonsoon (June to September), Post-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February)
DifficultyDifficult
Height1034 m above sea level
Time needed6 hrs
Base and nearbyKhandas, Karjat
EntryForest entry ₹50 · Shidi Ghat needs a guide
ClosuresUsually closed 1 July to 15 August. Shidi Ghat ladder route closed by Forest Dept in peak rain; Ganesh Ghat stays open.
About Bhimashankar
A jyotirlinga at the top of a wildlife sanctuary, which makes this both pilgrimage and forest trek. Two routes climb from Khandas: Ganesh Ghat is the longer, gentler one; Shidi Ghat uses iron ladders and closes in heavy rain. The sanctuary is the stronghold of the Shekru, Maharashtra's state animal.
What to see and do
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple
- Shekru, the Indian giant squirrel
- Shidi Ghat's iron ladder sections
- Gupt Bhimashankar, the river's hidden source
- Nagphani viewpoint over the Konkan
- Dense sanctuary forest and birdlife
Part of Sahyadri (Western Ghats).
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
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All places in Pune · All places in Maharashtra
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.