Bhimashankar is one of those trips our drivers genuinely enjoy. It is a Jyotirlinga — one of the twelve holiest Shiva shrines in India — and it sits just 110 km from Pune, tucked into thick forest in the Sahyadri hills. You get darshan and a proper hill drive in a single day. Here is everything we tell passengers before they go.
Why Bhimashankar Is Special
Bhimashankar is the sixth of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and the source of the Bhima river. The temple is old — Nagara-style stone architecture, blackened with centuries of oil lamps and devotion. Around it is the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the rare Indian giant squirrel (the Shekru, Maharashtra's state animal). So it is a temple visit and a nature escape at once.
Best Time to Go for Darshan
The temple opens early. For a peaceful darshan without long queues, aim to reach by 7–8 AM, especially on weekends. Mondays (Shiva's day), Mahashivratri, and the monsoon months are the busiest.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): the forest is stunning and green, waterfalls everywhere — but the ghat road is slippery and misty. Beautiful, but go slow.
- Winter (Oct–Feb): the most comfortable time — clear roads, cool air, easy trekking.
- Summer: manageable, and cooler than the plains because of the altitude.
The Route from Pune
The drive is about 110 km and takes 3–3.5 hours. The usual route runs through Chakan, Rajgurunagar and Manchar, then a final climb up a narrow, winding ghat to the temple. The highway section is smooth; the last stretch is where you want an experienced driver who knows the hairpins.
We run this route daily — see fares and details on our Pune to Bhimashankar cab page. Sedans manage the ghat fine, but families often prefer an SUV for the climb.
What to Carry
- A light jacket — the hilltop stays cool even in summer
- Comfortable shoes if you plan to walk to Gupt Bhimashankar or Hanuman Lake
- Cash for the temple area and small local stalls
- Water and light snacks, especially if you have kids
Around the Temple
Once you have had darshan, there is more to see if you have time:
- Gupt Bhimashankar: a short forest walk to the "hidden" origin of the Bhima river
- Hanuman Lake: a quiet spot in the sanctuary
- Nagphani viewpoint: for the fit — a longer trek with huge valley views
Planning It as a Day Trip
Bhimashankar works beautifully as a one-day trip from Pune. Leave by 5–6 AM, reach for early darshan, explore a little, have a simple lunch, and head back down before dusk (the ghat is safest in daylight). A round trip with the cab waiting for you is the easiest way to do it — no worrying about return transport in a remote area.
Some pilgrims combine Bhimashankar with other Jyotirlingas or the Trimbakeshwar shrine near Nashik over a longer trip — just ask us and we'll plan the route.
Book Your Bhimashankar Trip
Reserve a Pune to Bhimashankar cab with an experienced ghat driver, book on our booking page, call +91 73854 75784, or WhatsApp us. Tell us your darshan plans and we'll time the pickup so you reach fresh and early.
