The journey from Bhorgiri to Bhimashankar in the forest area of Bhimashankar is a pleasant experience. The trek starts from Bhorgiri village and ends near Bhimashankar temple, making its way through the dense forest of Bhimashankar. It is an easy journey to walk. Anyone of any age can complete this trek. This trek offers an opportunity to show the diversity of the forest.
If you are walking without making any noise, you will be able to see a rare sighting of the state animals of Maharashtra, the “Shekru” (Indian Giant Squirrel).
Bhimashankar village is situated at a distance of 125 km from Pune in the hills of Sahyadri. As it is 3,500 feet above sea level, it receives low temperatures and heavy rainfall during monsoons.
Bhimashankar temple 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 but attractive temple and dates back to the mid-18th century. The Shikhar of the temple was built by Nana Fadnavis.
The great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati 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 has been declared a “Wildlife Sanctuary” and has gained immense importance in recent times. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the northern region of Western Ghats. It covers the area of three districts i.e. of Pune, Raigad, and Thane. The sanctuary spreads over an area of around 131 sq. km.
One can also see the famous Jyotirlingas temple of the god Shiva. Thousands of devotees visit the place on the day of the Maha Shivratri and also on weekdays. It is here that the two tributaries i.e. Ghod and Bhima of the river Krishna originate. Some chief places to see within the sanctuary are Nagphani Point, Vanaspati Point, Bombay Point, and Gupt-Bhimashankar. The time period between August to May is the ideal time for visiting the place.
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
The sanctuary is home to various species of animals like Leopards, Sambar, Hyena, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Malabar (Indian) Giant Squirrels and many more.
Bhimashankar is home to barking deer, wild boar, Leopards and other small herbivores. It is also a host of small carnivores such as foxes. Bhimashankar Jungle is a paradise for nature lovers as it is home to many exotic wildlife species.
The most famous of these is the enchanting rust-coloured giant squirrel (Ratufa Indica Elphinstone – ‘Shekru’ in Marathi) – the state animal of Maharashtra.
AVIFAUNA
There are various species of birds like Black Eagle, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Grey Jungle Fowl, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Green Pigeon, Quaker Babbler etc.
Deccan > Aundh > Nashik Phata > Rajgurunagar > Bhorgiri (Base)
06:00 – Deccan
06:15 – Aundh
06:30 – Nashik Phata
It was very nice Mansoon Trek.We enjoyed rain and waterfall first time in this Mansoon season.We have memorable walk through dense forest.Local food is very delicious 😋. Overall arrangements was very good. Thanks to SG for Memorable Trek.🥰
Thanks to everyone for making it such a wonderful experience & to SG trekkers for organizing such a nice outing & lovely food…overall a great fulfilling day…See you all soon on forthcoming treks…🙏
Thanks all for the lovely memories. It was an excellent experience of 1st monsoon trek for us and full of scenic beauty.
