Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

About:

The sanctuary is located in the northern part of the Western Ghats. It is spread over three districts Pune, Thane and Raigad. There is a shrine in the forest with the Jyotirlinga, temple of Lord Shiva. Two major tributaries of river Krishna namely Bhima and Ghod originate from this area. The valley is a splendid combination of plant and animal life.Enclosed in the majestic Western Ghats, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the greatest of all wildlife sanctuaries. It is literally the heaven of all national parks. It is one of the greatest places where the flora and fauna reach their best of form. Its rich collection of vegetation and wild life is a real asset for any wildlife sanctuary Populated with a variety of animals and vegetation, the Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary proves itself to be the real tourist spot for the nature lovers.The beauty of the Western Ghats, the majesty of Maharastra, and the blessings of nature make this place a real treat for the nature lovers. The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in India. Covering an area of approximately 104 square kilometers, the Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary is a majestic place to visit for the nature lovers. It is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharastra.

Biodiversity
Bhimashankar is a home to a relic of near virgin forest in the Northern part of the Western Ghats. It is of added significance as two measure tributaries of river Krishna namely river Bhima and Ghod originate from this areas. Bhimashankar forest harbors many threatened and endangered faunal elements like giant Indian squirrel, panther etc.
Flora
The main forest of this sanctuary is the southern tropical semi evergreen forest. Tourists can find wide range of plant life, magical herbs, and shrubs. Dominant species are Mango, Jamun, Hirda, Behda, Bamboo, Shrub, Herbs, Climber, Grass, and Fern.
Fauna
The area is rich in fauna since there is variety of forest types in the sanctuary. The wild life found here includes Leopards, Barking Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar, Langur, and Hyena. Among the birds one will be able to find Malabar Grey Hornbill, Quaker Babbler, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Green Pigeon, Black Eagle, Grey Jungle Fowl and many, many more. One might get to see the great butterfly brigade and Malabar Giant Squirrel, one of the largest of tree squirrels found over here, well over three feet long.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

The climate in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is wet. It receives quite a bit of rainfall during the monsoons, which ranges form mid-June to September.

Interesting things to do:

The wide variety of animal species which are found in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra and worth watching consists of barking deer,leopards, wild boar, sambar, hyena and langur. The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary has a big number of birds like the Quaker Babbler, the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Green Pigeon, the Malabar Whistling Thrush, the Black Eagle, the Grey Jungle fowl and many more species of birds.

Main attraction : The giant Indian Squirell (Shekru) and the Hyneas, one of the largest of tree squirrels found over here, well over three feet long.

Interesting things to Visit:

Temple of Lord Shiva, Bombay point, Nagphani point, Hanuman tank, Vanaspati point, Gupt Bhimashankar are important tourist attraction within the sanctuary. Devotees of Lord Shiva visit the temple in thousands on the day of Mahashivratri and in the Shravan month (Hindu calendar, corresponding roughly to July-August) on every Monday.

Dimbhe dam is a picnic spot 40kms from Sanctuary on Manchar-Bhimashnakar road.

The other attractions of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary are Bombay Point, Nagphani Point, Hanuman Tank, Vanaspati Point, and Gupt Bhimashankar.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station: Karjat Railway Station, sub-district in Raigad district is the nearest railhead.

Telephone Enq: 02148-139

Nearest Airport: Pune Airport(Lohegaon),

Address: Airports Authority of India, Civil Enclave, Pune Airport, Lohogaon,,Pune - 411032, Maharashtra (India)

Road Transport: S T Bus Depot (Gundage) : 220371, 222076, 222085

Also, Two very exciting routes to get there- One a scenic & long route called the "Ganpat vat", named after the Ganesh temple enroute.
The other, a trekers dream called the "Sheedi Vat" due to the ladders on the way. A techincal climb & a must for those seeking some adrenalin rush. Amatuers can alos do this, but I suggect taking a guide from the village at the base.

Contacts & Suggestions
Dy.Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Pune,New PMT Building, 3rd Floor, Shankarseth Road, 
Swarget Pune-411 042
020-4471465(O), 5512303(R)

Nearest Visiting places:

A temple of Lord Shiva. Devotees of Lord Shiva visit this temple in thousands on the day of Maha Shivaratri and on every Monday in the Shravan month (July-August).Bombay Point, Nagphani Point, Hanuman Tank, Vanaspati Point, and Gupt Bhimashankar.Dimbhe dam is a picnic spot 40-kms from sanctuary on Manchar-Bhimashnakar road. Along with the Bhimashanker temple trek one can also trek up to Hanuman Khada for a superb view of the plains below and the surrounding Western Ghats.

Dimbhe dam is a picnic spot 40kms from Sanctuary on Manchar-Bhimashnakar road.

Other places of interests include:

Rajmachi Fort
Kondana Caves Archaeological Buddhist Caves B.C. 250
Khandpe
Bahiri Caves
Peb Fort
Chanderi Hill
Peth Fort
Sagunabaug

All the places above are situated in or around Karjat, Raigad Dictrict.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

There is a 24 hrs open Petrol Pump with tyre and mechanic service available near to the sanctuary.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Apart of farm Houses, Outside the sanctuary, there are plenty of choices available as per the budget of tourists. Some of them are mentioned below.

Raj's Cottage
Shri Radha Krishna
Royal Garden
Hotel Asara
Hotel Mayura
Hotel Shraddha

Rotary Club : 222059,223992,222230,9850767262

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number: