A road trip or pilgrimage from Pune to Bhimashankar is not just about reaching the temple; the journey itself is full of amazing places to explore. Along the way, you will find ancient caves, grand forts, beautiful waterfalls, peaceful forests and quiet spiritual spots. If you travel slowly and take time to explore, you will discover many hidden gems that make the trip even more special.
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Here is a simple guide to help you enjoy your Pune to Bhimashankar journey to the fullest.
Tourist Places to Visit Between Bhimashankar to Pune
Even if some places are not exactly on the main route, they are worth taking a small detour to visit, especially if you love history, nature or old heritage sites.
Ancient Sites / Rock-Cut Caves
1. Karla Caves
Located near Lonavala, Karla Caves are some of the oldest and most beautiful Buddhist rock-cut caves in Maharashtra. They are a bit off the main Pune–Bhimashankar route, but if you start early and don’t mind a short detour, this stop is totally worth it.
2. Lenyadri (Girijatmaj)
Lenyadri is a famous cave temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located near Junnar. It’s one of the Ashtavinayak temples and can easily be visited while traveling from Pune to Bhimashankar.
Forts & Hill-Top Ruins
1. Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort, about 90 km from Pune and just 2–3 km from Junnar, is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort offers a moderate 2–3 hour hike with wide views of the surrounding hills and nearby forts, a must-visit for history lovers and trekkers.
2. Paddar Killa
Paddar Killa is a small, lesser-known fort near the rural hill tracks around Junnar. It is not very famous, so you may need help from locals to find it. If you enjoy exploring offbeat places, this can be an interesting short stop.
3. Tikona Fort
Located near Pawna Dam, Tikona Fort is a favourite among trekking enthusiasts. It offers a short and enjoyable climb with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills, perfect for a weekend adventure or as a future side trip.
Nature, Waterfalls & Wildlife
1. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
The area around Bhimashankar is full of wildlife. You can spot giant squirrels, leopards, many types of birds and enjoy walking through the dense forest trails.
2. Ahupe Waterfalls
Ahupe Waterfall is a popular optional stop for those doing a day trip to Bhimashankar. It is a nice place to relax and enjoy nature.
3. Malshej Falls
Malshej Falls is very scenic, especially during the monsoon season. It is a little off the main Bhimashankar route, but many travelers include it in their road trips.
Know more about How to Reach Bhimashankar.
Religious & Scenic Spots
1. Gupt Bhimashankar
A quiet, lesser-known shrine hidden in the forest. You might pass it if you take the route via Bhorgiri.
2. Hanuman Lake
A peaceful lake near Bhimashankar, perfect for a short stop and often visited by devotees.
3. Lenyadri Temple
A cave temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha near Junnar — an important spiritual spot along the way.
Best Route to Bhimashankar from Pune
The easiest and most popular route is:
Pune → Chimbali → Rajgurunagar (Khed) → Bursewadi → Mandoshi → Taleghar → Rajpur → Bhimashankar
This route goes via NH60 and MH SH 54, covering about 110 km, which usually takes 3 to 4 hours in normal traffic. It is smooth, safe and the fastest way to reach Bhimashankar.
- Alternate Route
Another option is via NH60 and MH SH 112, which is slightly longer, around 123 km and may include tolls.
Some travelers like to take a route through Manchar, but the road from Manchar to Bhimashankar can be rough, full of potholes and tricky during the monsoon. The ghat stretches are narrow and visibility can be poor.
Tip: Unless you are confident with mountain roads, it is better to stick to the NH60 / SH54 route for a safer and smoother journey.
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Best Time to Visit Bhimashankar & Seasonal Tips
The best time to visit Bhimashankar is when the weather is pleasant and the roads are safe. Different seasons offer different experiences, so plan according to what you like.
- Winter (October to February): Ideal month, as the weather is pleasant with clean air and visibility.
- Monsoon (June to September): Can be magical with lush greenery and full waterfalls, but also risky with slippery roads, landslides on ghats and road blockages.
- Festivals: Visiting during the Shravan month is auspicious. Temple attracts thousands of devotees during Sharavan and Mahashivaratri.
Note: Avoid visiting during heavy rains or immediately after, as some routes may remain wet and slippery.
Safety & Comfortable Travel Tips
Traveling to Bhimashankar can be fun, but safety is important. A few simple tips can help make your journey easy and comfortable.
- Start early: Leave in the morning to avoid traffic and darkness on the hills.
- Check the weather: Rain or fog can make roads slippery, especially during monsoon.
- Check your vehicle: Make sure brakes, tyres and suspension are in good condition.
- Carry essentials: Keep a first aid kit, torch, raincoat and other things you might need.
- Fuel up: Fill your tank in Pune or Chakan, as there are a few petrol stations on the way.
- Avoid night travel: Roads through forests and hills are dark and animals may come on the road.
- Ask locals for help: In unknown areas, locals can guide you safely.
- Carry water and snacks: Food and water may not be available on some stretches.
- Take breaks if tired: Don’t drive when you feel tired; winding roads can be dangerous.
- Respect nature: Don’t litter, don’t disturb animals and stay on marked paths.
Also read, Top 50+ Places to Visit in Pune.
Stay Options Near Bhimashankar Temple
There are many hotels, dharamshalas, budget stays and guesthouses near Bhimashankar Temple for all budgets. You can choose a simple stay or a more comfortable one. For easy booking and trusted options, visit YatraDham.Org and book your stay in advance.
The trip from Pune to Bhimashankar is more than just visiting the temple. Along the way, you pass through historic forts and ancient caves, dense green forests, hill roads and hidden waterfalls. Places like Shivneri, Junnar Caves, Bhorgiri and Ahupe make the journey special, combining history, nature, spirituality and a bit of adventure.
