Bhimashankar village is situated at a distance of 125 km from Pune in the hills of Sahyadri. It is 3,500 feet above sea level and receives low temperatures and heavy rainfall during monsoons.

Bhimashankar is an ancient temple situated in the hills of Sahyadri in Maharashtra. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. it is a composite of old and new structures and is built in the Nagara style of architecture. It is a modest yet graceful temple dating back to the mid-18th century.

Nana Phadnavis built the Shikhar of the temple. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj is also said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level.

Bhimashankar is the source of the river Bhima, also known as “Chandrabhaga” in Pandharpur.

FLORA
In the forest of Bhimashankar, you can see many kinds of big trees. Some of these are also herbs. The natural vegetation of the place is mostly Southern tropical semi-evergreen. There are various types of trees, plants, herbs, shrubs etc. found here. Some of the chief trees seen here are Mango, Hirda, Bamboo, Jamun, Behda etc.

FAUNA
In recent times it has gained tremendous significance since it was declared a “WILDLIFE SANCTUARY”. The sanctuary is home to various species of animals like Leopards, Sambar, Hyena, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, and many more.

Bhimashankar’s forest is a paradise for nature lovers as it is home to many exotic species of wildlife and the most famous of these is the enchanting rust-coloured giant squirrel (Ratufa indica Elphinstone – ‘Shekaru (शेकरू)‘ in Marathi) – the state animal of Maharashtra.

AVIFAUNA
There are various species of birds like the Black Eagle, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Grey Jungle Fowl, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Green Pigeon, Quaker Babbler etc.

Depart from Pune by 05:00 hrs.

Meet our representative at your pick-up point. We will then proceed by private vehicle to the starting point of our trek. We’ll stop at a local restaurant near Bhorgiri village for breakfast.

The trek starts from the Bhimashankar temple and ends at the Bhorgiri village. The trek begins with a gradual descent through the Bhimashankar forest. The trail passes through dense forests, over streams and waterfalls, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

After trekking for 4 to 5 hours, you’ll finally reach Bhorgiri village. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Pune; filled with memories of our monsoon special adventure trek from Bhorgiri to Bhimashankar.

Arrive back in Pune by 21:00 hrs. (approx.)

Day 1: Highlights
• Drive (approx.): 130 km, 3-4 hrs.
• Altitude: ⇑ 0 ft. / ⇓ 1,060 ft.
• Trek (approx.): 8 km, 3-4 hrs.
• Accommodation: N/A
• Meals: Breakfast, Meal after the Trek
• Drive (approx.): 100 km, 3-4 hrs.