BHIMASHANKAR TOURISM AND

WILD LIFE SENCTURY

SINHGAD COLLAGE OF ARCHITECTURE

NAME – SHWETA SANTOSH BELAPURKAR
STD – 3RD YR ROLL NO – 08 SUBJECT - RIA
INTRODUCTION OF BHIMASHANKAR TOURISUM -

Bhimashankar, located about 100 km from Pune and 223 km from Mumbai, is a
popular temple town. It is among one of the twelve traditional 'Jyotilingam' shrines of Lord
Shiva in India.

Bhimashankar is located in the village Bhorgiri in the ghat region of the Sahyadri
range. Situated at an height of around 3,250 feet, Bhimashankar is surrounded by hills and is
covered by thick green rainforests. Legend has it that the name Bhimashankar was originated
from the river Bhima which evaporated due to the generated between the war of Lord Shiva
and the demon Tripurasura. It is considered to be one of the holiest places in India because
of the jyotirlinga. Bhimashankar is also a popular destination for trekkers. Bhimashankar
Wildlife Sanctuary is another important reason why people come here.
FAMOUS PLACES AT BHIMASHANKAR -

BHIMASHANKAR TEMPLE BHORGIRI AHUPE WATERFALL

 Bhimashankar Temple -

Architecture
The Bhimashankar temple is a composite of old and new structures in the Nagara style of architecture. It shows the excellency
of the skills achieved by ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. It is a modest yet graceful temple and it dates back to the 13th
century while the sabhamandap was built in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis. The shikhara was built by Nana Phadnavis.
The great Maratha ruler Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj is said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate worship
services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level.[8]

Although the structure here is fairly new, the shrine Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in
literature dating back to the 13th century CE. Saint Jnaneshwar is said to have visited Tryambakeshwar and Bhimashankar. A
unique bell (Roman style) can be seen in front of the temple. This bell has an idol of Mother Mary with Jesus. This large bell
was presented by Chimaji Appa (Brother of Bajirao Peshwa I and uncle of Nanasaheb Peshwa). On 16 May 1739, Chimaji Appa
collected five large bells after he won a war against the Portuguese from the Vasai Fort. He offered one here at Bhimashankar
and the others at Menavali near Wai in front of a Shiva Temple on the banks of the Krishna river, Banshanker temple (Pune),
Omkareshwar Temple (Pune) and Ramlinga temple (Shirur).[8]
STONE BULL BELL AT THE TEMPLE
Area: 131 km sq (51 sq mi)
Elevation: 2,100 feet to 3,800 feet above sea level
Location: Ambegaon and Khed Talukas, Sahyadri
Ranges of Western Ghats, Pune District, Maharashtra
Latitude: 19.1739137°N | Longitude: 73.5824217°E
Geography: Formed entirely of basaltic rocks,
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is dominated by
Deciduous, Semi-evergreen and Evergreen types of
forests. The sources of water in this reserve are the
tributaries of river Krishna, namely Ghod and Bhima,
as well as those of river Ulhas. The area receives
high rainfall in monsoons and faces severe water
scarcity in summers. The reserve area is spread over
the districts of Pune, Raigad and Thane in northwest
Maharashtra.
 Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary famous for -

1. Bhimashankar Sanctuary is home to a subspecies of the Indian Giant

Squirrel (or Malabar Giant Squirrel), the state animal of Maharashtra
(Scientific name: Ratufa Indica Elphinstone). It is one of the three threatened
Indo-Malayan squirrel species and the sanctuary authorities take major steps
time and again to ensure its conservation and survival.

2. The sanctuary houses the famed Bhimashankar temple to which it owes its
name. This Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple is apparently one of the twelve
Jyotirlingas (self emerged Shiva temples) in India, explaining why it is one of
the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus from all over the country.
INDIAN GIANT SQUIRREL
3. Bhimashankar Sanctuary has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA)
by BirdLife International. The reserve is home to globally threatened species,
many restricted-range species, two critical species, various vulnerable
species, and near-threatened species of aviaries. The Sanctuary constantly
works towards protecting the valuable habitats of these bird species.
 Best time to visit Bhimashankar Wildlife
Sanctuary -
Winters in Bhimashankar forest: The season begins from October and lasts
till February. The mercury dips and the temperature ranges between 13 to 28
degrees Celsius during this time, offering the most pleasant weather conditions
to explore the sanctuary and spot most of the animals and birds out in the open.

Monsoons in Bhimashankar forest: It starts from June and lasts till September.
The season is marked by heavy rainfall on most days which turns the place marshy
and difficult to tread or drive on. Travellers prefer not to visit during this time
because of the same.

Summers in Bhimashankar forest: From March till May is the summer

season in Pune which is generally marked by a hot and dry climate. The
temperature during this time ranges between 23 to 37 degrees Celsius which
makes this season unfavourable for visiting the reserve.
 To Reach Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary -
It is relatively easy to get to Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve since it is well connected to different cities like Pune and Mumbai by
a well-maintained National Highway and other road systems. Here’s how one can reach Bhimashankar Sanctuary by different
means of transport:

By Air: The nearest airport to Bhimashankar Reserve is Pune Airport which is located a mere 102 km away. Apart from this, the
Mumbai Airport is located 220 km away. Both the airports are well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,
Bangalore, Kolkata, Indore, and Kochi. There are many airlines serving passengers on this route from Pune as well as Mumbai
airports like Air India Express, Kingfisher, Indigo, Jet Airways, Air India, and more. The rest of the way can be covered by road.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Pune Railway Station located at a distance of 106
km from the reserve. Apart from this, the reserve area is located 226 km from the Mumbai Central Railway Station. These two
railway stations are, in turn, connected to almost all the major cities in India like New Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad,
Kolkata, Mysore, and Puri. The rest of the way to the sanctuary can be covered via a scenic road trip.

By Road: Taking one through the varied topography of the country, a road journey to Bhimashankar Sanctuary is definitely a
delightful one. One can take a scenic road trip to Bhimashankar from Pune, Mumbai and other nearby cities, as well as small
cities like Salgaon, Peth, Rajur, Utchil, Junnar, and other areas. If you don’t wish to drive down to Bhimashankar, you can opt for
one of the many frequent bus services available to tourists from different cities, both big and small, that ply to and fro the
sanctuary
 Timings and Fee TO Visit -

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Timings -

The forest reserve is open at all times of the day for both tourists and locals
alike. However, one must not enter the Bhimashankar forest after dark, say 7 PM,
unless accompanied by a certified guide in a covered vehicle.

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Fee -

There is no entry fee for Bhimashankar Reserve other than the one
you need to pay for the vehicle that you’re taking inside the sanctuary
for your safari tour. Following are the admission prices of different
kinds of vehicles one can take inside the forest reserve:

Two-wheelers: INR 10/- per person

Four-wheelers: INR 50/- per person
Heavy vehicles: INR 100/- per person
 Flora and Fauna of Bhimashankar Wildlife
Reserve

Bhimashankar Reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, out of which many are rare or
endangered species. Though the most popular Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary animals are Malabar Giant
Squirrels, one can spot plenty of other animals and birds as well. The forest plays host to a great influx of wildlife
photographers and bird watchers every year who come to capture or witness its range of animals, birds, insects,
and plant species.
Flora

Flora: The reserve’s natural vegetation is dominated mostly by Southern tropical Semi-Evergreen
forests, followed by Deciduous and Evergreen forest types. There are various types of trees, plants,
herbs, and shrubs found in this region. One can easily spot plants and trees like Mango, Hirda, Bamboo,
Jamun, Behda, and more, which dominate the plant species of the area. If one venture into the park
during monsoons, they may also be able to spot various species of mosses and epiphytes, including trees
bearing bioluminescent fungi if they are lucky!
 Fauna

Fauna: The reserve area is home to a diverse species of animals ranging from Leopards, Sambar, Striped
Hyena, Golden Jackal, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Common Langur, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Indian Pangolin,
Macaque, and of course, the Malabar Giant Squirrels, among many others. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is
also home to many specialised and endemic amphibians, reptiles, butterflies and insect species.
 Avifauna (Birds):

Bhimashankar reserve is home to myriad species of birds like Black Eagle, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Grey
Junglefowl, Green Pigeon, and Quaker Babbler etc. Other than these, the reserve harbours many endangered
species of birds since it has now been declared as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. Under the
Act, it provides protection to globally threatened species (Greater Spotted Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Jerdon’s Baza,
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon), restricted-range species (Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Small Sunbird, Southern
Tree Pie), critical species (Long-billed Vultures, White-backed Vultures), vulnerable species (Austen’s Babbler, Lesser
Kestrel, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon), near threatened species (Pallid Harrier, Malabar Pied Hornbill), and their habitats.
 Average per person budget for a trip to
Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve -
Here’s a breakdown of how much it can cost per person for a trip to Bhimashankar Reserve including aspects like
transfers, accommodation, food, and safari.

Avg Flight Rate (round trip): INR 7,000/- per person

Avg Accommodation: INR 1,600/- per person
Transfers: INR 1,000/- per person
Meals: INR 600/- per person
Safari: INR 55/- per person
Miscellaneous: INR 50/- per person
 Things to do at the Bhimashankar Wildlife
Sanctuary -
From going on a safari, trekking amid the lush forests, getting familiarised with the tribal population, to
visiting the temples and sacred groves, there are plenty of activities in the Bhimashankar forest for travellers to
indulge in. Most of these have been listed below so that one can plan their trip to Bhimashankar Reserve at ease.

1. Visit the Chas Kaman Dam

Built over the Bhima river amid picture-perfect settings, the Chas
Kaman Dam is among the most important Hydel power projects in
the country. Apart from being a crucial dam for Maharashtra, Chas
Kaman provides a pretty tourist attraction in Bhimashankar because
of its beautiful location and its backwaters.
 2. Explore the wilderness on an adventurous safari -
With plethora of animals and bird species
greeting visitors in the park, the place is a gold mine
for wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and nature
lovers. While the Giant Indian Squirrels are the main
attraction inside the park, one can also spot various
other common as well as rare animals and bird
species living at peace in their natural habitat.

Visitors can either go on nature walks or indulge in

game safaris in their own or rented vehicles to spot
various animals like leopards, hyenas, macaques,
deer, panthers, and birds like eagles and hornbills
inside the park. For a Bhimashankar Wildlife
Sanctuary safari, one needs to pay a fee for the type
of vehicle they take inside the park, which could be
a two-wheeler (INR 50/-), four wheeler (INR 50/-), or
a heavy vehicle like a bus (INR 100/-).
 3. Seek blessings at the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple -

Home to one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in the

country, the Bhimashankar Temple is located on the
banks of the Bhima river (Chandrabhaga). Located inside
a lush meadow in the forest reserve, the temple
typically plays host to a great number of devotees
dancing outside the gates as if in a trance. And this
number increases monstrously on the day of Maha
Shivratri when the temple itself turns into a riot of
colours and festivities. Built-in the Nagara style of
architecture, Bhimashankar Temple displays ancient
Vishwakarma sculptors built in the mid-18th century, as
well as new structures built later. Though the temple is
open throughout the year for devotees who come to
Pune to visit the popular Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, it’s
not advisable to visit during Summers.
 4. Go on a trekking tour
The mountainous terrains and steep hills of Bhimashankar forest make it
an ideal destination for trekkers and hikers and attract a great influx of
trekking enthusiasts from across the country. With medium to difficult levels
trekking spots amid diverse trails for trekking like dense forests, steep hills,
lofty peaks, rocky terrains, narrow pathways, deep rivers, and more, these
treks present challenges at every turn and won’t let you get bored! The two
major trekking sites in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary are located in
Khandas in the village of Bhavagiri over the Sahyadri Ranges and can be
easily accessed via a bus or car ride. Travellers can either pick the Sidhi Ghat
route or the Ganesh Ghat route for their trekking expedition to
Bhimashankar from Khandas.

The Ganesh Ghat Route (Descending Trek): Though this route isn’t as
challenging as the Sidhi Ghat route, it makes up for its lack of difficulty by
providing trekkers with breathtaking scenic beauty and sights of an exotic
diversity of flora and fauna. The route is longer than that of Sidhi and
requires trekkers to mostly descend down a series of slopes and hills while
passing structures like the Paddar Killa rock tower and snake hood shaped
Nagphani Peak. The route was named after the Ganesh Temple that falls en
route. The starting point of the trek lies 2 kilometres ahead of Khandas
village
 5. Catch fireflies in Bhorgiri

Every year in June, just before the onset of monsoons, the

village of Bhorgiri comes to life with a rare phenomenon. Being
the breeding ground of fireflies, the hamlet witnesses the number
of these pretty little bugs multiply from thousands to millions!
This is the time of the Fireflies Festival of Bhorgiri when many
people flock to these forests at night to witness mesmerising
sights of a sea of fireflies on the ground and up above in the
trees. It’s truly a sight to behold! The phenomenon usually lasts
just a single day, so make sure you keep a tab on when it’s going
to happen in the coming year so that you don’t miss it out!
 6. Learn about the Sacred Groves -

There are about 14 sacred groves, or ‘Devrais’, in Bhimashankar

Wildlife Sanctuary. These are near queer, virgin forest patches
traditionally earmarked by the local forest people because of spiritual
sentiments. Namely Bhimashankar Rai, Bhaka Rai, Ahupe Rai, Vandev,
Yelavali Van, Dhakoha, Koteshwar, Umbaryn Bhairavnath, Vaghoba,
Talhavadidevi, and Kalbhairavnath, these 14 groves are said to be
1000 years old and hold great ecological significance. Experts suggest
these may contain traces of the original species composition and can
even provide gene pools for different rare and endemic species of
plants. They provide a rich subject for ecological research and the
study of cultural heritage.
 7. Go picnicking near Hanuman Lake

An ideal picnic spot for families and couples,

Hanuman Lake in Bhimashankar provides visitors
with gorgeous scenic views and a chance to spot
lots of squirrels and birds in the area. Though it’s a
little tricky to reach, the expansive area around
the lake, the pleasant weather here, and the
stunning views will definitely make up for your
efforts!

8. Explore the mysterious Junnar Caves

Located near Malshej Ghat, the hills of Junnar are home to over 200
Buddhist caves, which is the largest reported collection of caves at a
single place in the entire country. Built somewhere between the 3rd
century BC and the 3rd century AD, these caves belong to the Hinayana
(Theravada) phase of Buddhism. Some of the popular among these 200
caves are Tulja Caves, Shivneri Caves (near the Shivneri Fort), Amba
Ambika Caves, Bhimashankar Caves, Bhutha Linga Caves, and Lenyadri
Cave.
 9. Take a dip at the Ahupe Waterfalls
Located inside the isolated and scenic village of Ahupe in
the Pune District, the Ahupe Waterfall is an undiscovered
paradise surrounded by verdant greenery of hills and jungles.
Other than nature enthusiasts and couples, the waterfall is
among the favourite spots for trekkers and hikers owing to the
scenic nature trails that lead to it. In order to reach this
waterfall in Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve, travelers needs to
take the road leading to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple and
get to Dimbhe Dam, where they are required to climb over to
the back of the dam and walk all the way to falls via a nature
trail running parallel to the beautiful Dimbhe Dam backwaters.

10. Pay your respects at Gupt Bhimashankar-

As the name suggests, this place stays hidden from the eyes of
many who visit the Bhimashankar reserve. It is essentially the place
of origin of the river Bhima, where the water of the river swirls
with a ferocious force over a Shivalinga placed on a stone ledge a
long time ago. This Shivalinga is, in fact, said to have been
discovered here itself, a fact that draws pilgrims to this site in
large numbers.
 Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
Accommodation Options -
There are a number of budget hotels and resorts near Bhimashankar that offer all basic amenities, comfort,
good food, and an enjoyable stay to travellers. Some of the nearest and best options have been listed below:

1. Blue Mormon Jungle Holiday Resort

Named after the rare Blue Mormon butterfly that can be seen in these
hills, the Blue Mormon Jungle Holiday Resort is a clean and comfortable
accommodation option for travellers wanting to soak in the natural
goodness of the forest reserve and hills around on their trip to
Bhimashankar. Among the best Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary resorts,
this property is located in Sahyadri Hills near the reserve, providing
visitors unlimited access to the natural beauty around. Some of the
services offered here include a dining hall, seminar hall for business
events, and various types of rooms for staying like bungalows, cottages,
suites, and more.
Location: At Post Karaikudi, Bhimashankar, Pune 411001
Prices starting from: INR 1,500/- per night per person
 2. Ratwa Resort
With an ambience that blends with its lush
natural surroundings, the eco-friendly Ratwa Resort
offers complete relaxation and rejuvenation to
travellers and a chance to be one with nature.
Some of the best facilities offered here include
spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms, a large
dining hall, quick room service, and the option of
staying in different types of rooms like cottages
and dormitories (for large groups), all of which
make this property one of the best Bhimashankar
Wildlife Sanctuary resorts.
Location: Mhatarbawadi Nigdale, Bhimashankar
410509
Prices starting from: INR 1,867/- per night per
person
 Restaurants near Bhimashankar Wildlife
Sanctuary -
Most of the restaurants and diners near Bhimashankar are located inside the hotels and resorts around it
and offer sumptuous vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines to travellers. Listed below is one pure vegetarian
and one non-vegetarian restaurant, the best ones around the forest reserve.

1. Ratwa Resort
Apart from being a comfortable resort in Bhimashankar, this place
is also famous for its restaurant serving lip-smacking cuisine to
travellers and passers-by. While Besan and Bhakri happen to be the
best dishes served at the pure-vegetarian restaurant of this resort,
you can enjoy ‘thalis’ of a multitude of dishes customised as per
your requirements.
Location: Mhatarbawadi Nigdale, Bhimashankar 410509
Average Cost: INR 150/- per person
 2. Trikaya Retreat
Serving a range of delicious vegetarian and non-
vegetarian cuisines, Trikaya Retreat is among the
best restaurants near Bhimashankar. The mouth-
watering Indian dishes prepared with a homely
touch along with the special BBQ items served in
the evenings will make you want to return to this
place again and again!
Location: Sr. No. 12, Village Thoran, Taluka Maval,
Jambhivali-Kamshet Rd, Pune 412106
Average Cost: INR 900/- per person
Tips for Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve -
One needs to take a number of precautions before visiting and while going
round in Bhimashankar forest so that they can enjoy the park to the fullest
while also ensuring their safety. Some of the major ones are listed below.

1) Do proper research on the weather conditions before embarking on a trip to

Bhimashankar. Avoid in case of rain (if you’re not into trekking)
2) Smoking and drinking is not allowed inside the Bhimashankar reserve area
3) One must carry essential items like mosquito repellants, a basic first aid kit,
water, and dry snacks while going on a safari in Bhimashankar Reserve
4) Littering or polluting the water sources is strictly prohibited inside the park
5) There are no proper guides, safari jeeps, and safari trails inside the park.
One has to engage in a self-guided safari. So make preparations accordingly and
take required steps for safety at all times
6) Don’t tread into the water sources like marshes and rivers
THANK YOU