Bhimashankar is a very quiet and holy place located in the Sahyadri region of Maharashtra. Popular for housing the Bhimashankar jyotirlinga shrine, this place is a hub of religious as well as nature lover tourists. In this article, you will find out the best travel destinations if you are visiting Bhimashankar, so read on so that you know what to look forward to on your trip.
However it’s not just a religious spot, instead you get to see natural beauty and a good amount of serenity too once you reach various visiting places in Bhimashankar. Starting right from the ancient personalities temples to the magnificent forest green belts, they have something for all those desiring to get away from the noise and hustle-bustle of the commercial world. Now, let’s explore the best places to visit in Bhimashankar and other sights worth checking in around.
Bhimashankar Tourist Places
1. Religious Joy at Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Popularly known as the home to the Bhimashankar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, comprises the main geographical highlights of Bhimashankar. The interior and exterior decors of the temple are marvelous and divine, that is why fans and lovers of architecture should not miss visiting the place, making it one of the best Bhimashankar tourist places. Being in the temple ensures that there is less noise, added to the religious energy makes it very invigorating.
Key Features:
- Ancient stone architecture
- Intricate carvings and sculptures
- Spiritual ambiance
2. Exploring Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
To the north of the temple is the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary which provides a splendid ground for tourists and wildlife photographers which is one of the most visiting places in Bhimashankar. Some of the wild life and birds found in the area include the Indian Giant Squirrel that is listed as endangered species and the vegetation in the sanctuary. The scene mainly focuses on trekking through the thickets of forests and discovering different types of wildlife is of course thrilling and is considered as one of the best Bhimashankar tourist places.
Key Activities:
- Wildlife spotting
- Trekking trails
- Bird watching
3. Hanuman Lake
Bhimashankar Temple nearby you can find Hanuman Lake which is an excellent place to relax and have a picnic. The calmness of the water and the cover of green trees, makes this place perfect for a good time away from city hustles thus, making it one of the top Bhimashankar tourist places. It is also a paradise for bird lovers because a large number of birds which migrate are often located here.
Key Features:
- Scenic views
- Peaceful environment
- Ideal for picnics
4. The Sacred Gupt Bhimashankar
Another important site of the devotees is Gupt Bhimashankar. This site is considered to be original to the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, which is one of twelve holy Hindu temples thus making it the best religious Bhimashankar tourist places. The mode of reaching Gupt Bhimashankar is slightly adventurous because it has to pass through lush green forests and steep valleys. It also has an added advantage of being serene and somehow occult which tends to create an appeal.
Key Activities:
- Trekking
- Exploring ancient ruins
- Spiritual exploration
5. Bhimashankar Trek: For The Adventure Seekers
Apart from the temple, trekking is one of the most favored activities among the young and the daring. The trek is comparatively more pronounced and presents an upright combination of paths and views of Sahyadri hills. Regardless of whether this is your first time going trekking or if you have gone before, the experience is thrilling and can give the trekkers a chance to commune with nature and is considered as one of the most famous Bhimashankar tourist places.
Key Highlights:
- Stunning landscapes
- Challenging trails
- Connecting with nature
Places To Visit Near Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga: Nearby Attractions
Bhimashankar still houses a lot of attractions and there are several sites around it. Some of them are:
1. Ahupe Waterfalls
Within a drive distance of Bhimashankar, Ahupe Waterfalls is relatively unknown and is one of the most famous places to visit near bhimashankar jyotirlinga. Due to the force of water falling from one level to another and the greenish environment, it has a cool and relaxing feel. The area is ideal for making a one day trip and a nice place for taking fantastic photos and is considered as one of the most famous Bhimashankar tourist places.
Key Features:
- Scenic beauty
- Ideal for photography
- Refreshing environment
2. Shivneri Fort
Also, worth visiting near Bhimashankar is the Shivneri Fort, which is the birthplace of the historical Maratha king – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which is among other famous Bhimashankar tourist places. Historical importance of the fort with the geographical advantage of the place make this a place of immense interest archaeologically as well as culturally.
Key Highlights:
- Historical significance
- Panoramic views
- Ancient architecture
Conclusion
Bhimashankar is a place that has God, nature, and tourism interlinked with each other. For some spirituality, the Bhimashankar Temple is divine, for relaxation the Hanuman Lake is beautiful and for the adventurous people there is the Bhimashankar Trek. Visiting the nearby places such as the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby waterfalls at Ahupe and visiting forts such as Shivneri Fort further enhance the experience. Therefore, start packing your bags with Capture a Trip, an experienced travel company with people working hard towards providing you with a perfect trip with no chaos. And head to the mesmerizing Bhimashankar and explore Bhimashankar tourist places, which is a masterpiece of nature and spirituality.
FAQs:
1. When is the best time to visit Bhimashankar?
The preferable season to visit Bhimashankar is during the winter which is from October to February, although trekking can be done throughout the year.
2. Which mode of transport can one use to get to Bhimashankar?
From the transport aspect, Bhimashankar is very much accessible by the help of roads. The nearest railway station is at Pune, 110 Kilometers away. From there, one can get a taxi or a bus for Bhimashankar.
3. Is there any hotel / lodge / resort for travelers in and around Bhimashankar?
Yes, there are several places where you can find accommodation based on the kind of people, there are several lodges that are cheaply priced, mid-ranged hotels, and even luxury hotels.
4. Is it advisable to go trekking in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary?
Trekking in the sanctuary is relatively safe most of the time for trekking in the parks, it is always encouraged to do it in groups and stick to the recommended paths.
5. What are the best items to carry on a trip to Bhimashankar?
Bring Trekking shoes, woolen clothes if visiting in winter, a water bottle and anything else that may be required for the trek. Make sure to take your camera so that you will have pictures of the beautiful sceneries.
