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With rolling hills, gurgling rivers, and holy sites, the quiet town of Bhimashankar is a delight for the mind, body, and soul. And this pilgrim center is best explored by taking a road trip from Pune to Bhimashankar. You can visit the famous Bhimashankar Temple, Hanuman Lake, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, and much more. Choose Savaari Car Rentals to book a Pune car rental for the best experience on your effortless journey to Bhimashankar from Pune by road and other means of travel.
Table of Contents
- Why travel from Pune to Bhimashankar?
- Traveling from Pune to Bhimashankar?
- One-Day Trip from Pune to Bhimashankar
- Two-Day Trip from Pune to Bhimashankar
- Best time to take a road trip by car
- How to Reach Bhimashankar By Train
- How to Reach Bhimashankar By Flight
- Attractions in Bhimashankar for Sightseeing
- Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Bhimashankar
- Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Bhimashankar
- Nearby Road Trips from Bhimashankar
- Useful Links
Why travel from Pune to Bhimashankar?
Bhimashankar houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva (Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga), attracting hundreds of pilgrims daily. And for the naturalists, the landscape of Bhimashanker is a treasure. You can make your Bhimashankar experience more interesting when you drive from Pune in a Savaari cab. With our customizable trip plans and itineraries, you can do more than just a regular road trip and enjoy a comfortable ride while making your journey interesting at the same time.
Moreover, Bhimashankar can be one of the best options for a long weekend getaway for those planning a spiritual or religious trip near Pune.
Traveling from Pune to Bhimashankar by car
The road from Pune to Bhimashankar passes through the rustic countryside of Maharashtra and into the verdant Bhimashankar Hills. With our completely customizable Pune to Bhimashankar trip packages, you can stop at any of these places and do some quick sightseeing. Let us help you discover the best routes to travel from Pune to Bhimashankar by car. Book a comfortable taxi service in Pune with Savaari and travel to Bhimashankar Temple or any other location of your choice.
Important Highway Information – Pune to Bhimashankar
| Highway name | National Highway & State Highway |
| Highway Number | NH60+ MH SH 54 |
| Distance | 110 KM |
| Starting Point | Pune |
| Endpoint | Bhimashankar |
| Highway Quality | Average |
Best Time to Visit
August to February is the best time to travel to this temple town since the summer months are harsh in this region. However, for trekkers or nature explorers, the rainy season may be more alluring, as the landscape turns lush and verdant during these months.
Popular Routes from Pune to Bhimashankar
Route 1: Pune to Bhimashankar via NH60 and MH SH 54
This is the shortest and fastest route to cover the Pune to Bhimashankar distance which is approximately 110 KM. It will take around four hours to reach your destination in Bhimashankar. You can most probably expect regular Pune to Bhimashankar traffic but no severe congestion or road closures. Please check for live traffic updates and follow real-time maps to get a better idea of road conditions.
Here’s a basic Pune to Bhimashankar road map for this route:
| Pune – Chimbali – Rajgurunagar – Bursewadi – Mandoshi – Tale Ghar – Rajpur – Bhimashankar |
|---|
Popular places along the way:
- Bird Valley Udyan, Pimpri-Chinchwad: While travelling on the Pune-Bhimashankar route, take a break at this quiet lakeside park that’s perfect for families.
- Shingeshwar mountain, Rajgurunagar: The second-highest peak in Pune district.
- Chas Kaman Dam, Wada: A famous dam and reservoir, great spot for sightseeing.
- Kondhawal Waterfall, Kondhaval: Popular tourist attraction, best visited in the monsoon.
Places to eat on this route:
- Krishnalila Pure Veg Family Restaurant, Chakan: Local family restaurant serving vegetarian food.
- Vithal Kamats VITS Sagar Plaza, Rajgurunagar, Chandoli: A vegetarian restaurant by the road that’s popular with travelers.
- Dhamale Restaurant (Special Missal), Chas: Affordable roadside restaurant that’s popular for its Missal pav.
- Hotel Sagar Shubham Bar & Restaurant, Tifanwadi: Popular local bar and restaurant.
Pune to Bhimashankar Road Condition via route 1:
The Pune to Bhimashankar road condition via NH60 and MH SH 54 is good. It is the fastest route and has tolls but no road closure.
Route 2: Pune to Bhimashankar via NH60 and MH SH 112
This is a longer route to cover the Pune to Bhimashankar distance, and it takes more time. The distance from Pune to Bhimashankar along this route is approximately 123 KM, and there is a toll on this road. You can expect regular Pune to Bhimashankar traffic on this route. Please check for live traffic updates and follow real-time maps to get a better idea of road conditions.
Here’s a basic Pune to Bhimashankar road map for this route:
| Pune – Chakan – Rajgurunagar – Tambademala – Chinchodi – Shinoli – Tale Ghar – Bhimashankar |
|---|
Popular places along the way:
- Sangramdurg Fort, Chakan: A historic land fort, also known as the Fort of Chakan.
- Harbu Waterfall, Gangapur Budruk: Popular tourist site with great views, good for photography enthusiasts.
- GaurVeen Waterfalls, Karkudi: Beautiful nature spot and a great place to take a quiet break.
Places to eat on this route:
- Shantanu Garden Restaurant, Chakan: Local fast-food restaurant serving affordable meals and snacks.
- Vithal Kamats VITS Sagar Plaza, Rajgurunagar, Chandoli: A vegetarian restaurant by the road that’s popular with travelers.
- Akash Misal House & Pure Veg Restaurant, Rajgurunagar: A vegetarian restaurant that serves different varieties of missal along with other popular dishes.
Pune to Bhimashankar Road Condition via route 2:
The Pune to Bhimashankar road condition via NH60 and MH SH 112 is average. It is a longer route, and it has tolls but no road closures.
Pune to Bhimashankar Best Route
The above routes are both good options for traveling from Pune to Bhimashankar. They both offer ample food stops and interesting sights along the way. However, Route 1 is faster and more direct, so if you want a quick and comfortable drive, NH60 and MH SH 54 are the best options.
Itinerary for a One-Day Trip from Pune to Bhimashankar
A one-day trip from Pune to Bhimashankar suits travelers focused on temple darshan with limited time for extended exploration. An early start allows you to complete darshan, visit a nearby forest spot, and return to Pune the same evening without rushing.
| Destination / Activity | Details |
| Pune to Bhimashankar Drive | Depart Pune by 5:00 am in a Savaari rental car in Pune via NH-60 towards Manchar. Early departure helps avoid city traffic and allows smoother driving through the ghats. Stop for breakfast at Hotel Shivsagar near Manchar, where common options include poha, misal pav, and omelettes. Breakfast for two generally costs ₹200–300. |
| Stop at Chakan Fort | If you start early and want a short break on the way, you can make a brief stop at Chakan Fort, located close to the highway near Rajgurunagar. The fort is historically significant from the Maratha period and can be explored on a short walk around the outer remains. This stop works well as a quick stretch without affecting the overall timeline of a same-day return trip. |
| Arrival at Bhimashankar Temple | Reach Bhimashankar Temple around 8:30 am. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and follows Nagara-style architecture with detailed stone carvings. Darshan timings are typically from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm. Entry is free, though queues can be longer during weekends and the Shravan month. |
| Temple Complex Exploration | After darshan, walk through the temple courtyard to see smaller shrines dedicated to Parvati, Ganesh, and Shani. The temple area is also associated with the origin of the Bhima River, adding geographical significance to the visit. |
| Lunch at Bhimashankar Village | Lunch options in the village are simple and vegetarian. Hotel O Vishwanath Lodge is a commonly used stop, serving Maharashtrian thalis with rice, bhakri, dal, vegetables, and seasonal preparations. Meals are priced around ₹150–200 per person and are suitable for pilgrims. |
| Hanuman Lake and Short Forest Walk | Visit Hanuman Lake, located a short walk from the temple road. Surrounded by forest, this area remains quieter than the main temple zone and is suitable for a brief walk and rest. Bird activity is more noticeable in the late afternoon. |
| Return to Pune | Start the return journey around 4:30 pm so the ghat section is completed in daylight. A brief tea halt near Ghodegaon offers a convenient break before continuing towards Pune, where you arrive by late evening. |
Itinerary for a Two-Day Trip from Pune to Bhimashankar
A two-day trip allows you to slow the pace and explore Bhimashankar beyond temple darshan. Staying overnight gives you access to forest areas and viewpoints during early morning and evening hours, when crowds are less.
Day 1
| Destination / Activity | Details |
| Drive from Pune to Bhimashankar | Leave Pune around 6:00 am. Stop for breakfast at Hotel Nisarg near Rajgurunagar, a highway-side restaurant serving vada pav, egg dishes, and tea. Clean restrooms and quick service make it a dependable stop. |
| Chaskaman Dam | On the way, you may choose to stop briefly at Chaskaman Dam, located slightly off the main route. Surrounded by open fields and low hills, the dam area offers a calm setting for a short pause before the ghat section begins. This stop is optional and best suited for those who prefer a slower first day. |
| Bhimashankar Temple Darshan | Reach Bhimashankar by mid-morning. Complete darshan and observe temple rituals, which follow traditional Shaivite practices. The period between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm is usually the busiest. |
| Lunch at MTDC Restaurant | Have lunch at the MTDC Bhimashankar Restaurant, which serves straightforward vegetarian meals. The menu typically covers rice, dal, chapati, vegetables, and curd, making it a practical stop for travelers. |
| Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary | Visit Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Western Ghats ecosystem. Entry costs around ₹50 per person. The area is home to Indian giant squirrels and includes short, well-marked paths suitable for casual walks rather than full treks. |
| Sunset Viewpoints | Walk to nearby forest clearings or viewpoints inside the sanctuary during the evening. These areas are quieter after day visitors leave and offer wide views of the surrounding hills. |
| Dinner and Stay | Have dinner and stay overnight at MTDC Bhimashankar Resort or a nearby lodge. Accommodation is basic, with vegetarian meals suited to pilgrims and travellers. |
Day 2
| Destination / Activity | Details |
| Early Morning Gupt Bhimashankar Temple Visit | Start the day early with a visit to Gupt Bhimashankar, a forest shrine located a short distance from the main temple. The path is shaded and quiet in the morning, making it ideal for a peaceful visit. Many travelers prefer this stop on Day 2 because it feels calmer than the main temple during peak hours. |
| Nagphani Point Visit | After visiting Gupt Bhimashankar, head to Nagphani Point, a lesser-known viewpoint within the Bhimashankar forest area. The point offers open views across the Western Ghats and remains relatively quiet in the early morning. |
| Morning Walk near Hanuman Lake | Spend some time near Hanuman Lake, located close to the Bhimashankar village road. The area is known for its still surroundings and bird activity in the early hours. This short walk helps set a relaxed pace for the return journey. |
| Breakfast and Checkout | Return to your lodge or resort for breakfast, which typically includes poha, upma, bread, eggs, and tea. Complete checkout by 9:30–10:00 am, allowing enough time for a comfortable drive back without rushing the itinerary. |
| Scenic Drive via Ahupe Ghat | Begin the return drive via Ahupe Ghat, a quieter mountain road with open views of valleys and forested slopes. The route is less trafficked than the main approach road and adds a scenic element to the journey back toward Pune. |
| Kondhwal Waterfall Stop | On the way down, stop at Kondhwal Waterfall, a seasonal waterfall best visited after the monsoon. The viewpoint and surrounding area are suitable for a short break, photographs, and a quick stretch before lunch. Plan to spend around 30–40 minutes here. |
| Lunch at Manchar | Stop for lunch at Hotel Shivsagar, a well-known highway restaurant. The restaurant serves Maharashtrian and North Indian meals such as thalis, poha, misal pav, and chapati-based dishes. Clean restrooms and quick service make it a practical mid-route stop. |
| Return Drive to Pune | After lunch, continue the drive toward Pune. You can plan a brief tea stop near Ghodegaon if needed. Expect to reach Pune by late afternoon, depending on traffic conditions. |
Other means of traveling from Pune to Bhimashankar
There are fewer options for travel from Pune to Bhimashankar by train or flight.
How to Reach Bhimashankar by Bus
To travel from Pune to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga by bus, you can take direct MSRTC buses from Swargate or Shivajinagar bus stands, with a journey time of around 5-6 hours. If direct buses are unavailable, take a bus to Manchar (2 hours) and then switch to a local bus or shared jeep to reach Bhimashankar (2-3 hours). Early morning buses are recommended for a smoother and more scenic journey. For a more comfortable travel (and if you are planning group travel with more than 8 members), you can book a tempo traveller in Pune to travel the Bhimashankar-Pune route and reach your destination conveniently.
How to Reach Bhimashankar By Train
There is no rail service that covers the Pune to Bhimashankar distance by train. The nearest railway station to Bhimashankar is in Pune itself. So, travelers from other cities can visit the Indian Railways website for your Pune train bookings or choose your options from the multiple online portals. You can then complete the rest of the journey to Bhimashankar by booking a reliable cab. For the updated Pune train timings, check with IRCTC for their latest timetables. You can also directly book an Innova cab in Pune with Savaari to reach your destination.
How to Reach Bhimashankar By Flight
Bhimashankar does not have flight connectivity, so you cannot fly directly from Pune. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport (PNQ), and the Pune Airport to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga distance is about 105 KM. You can book a comfortable airport taxi in Pune with Savaari and travel to Bhimashankar Temple or any other destination of your choice.
For your Pune flight booking, visit any online travel portal or check with the airlines’ direct website. You can hire a reliable Savaari cab for a convenient ride from Pune to complete the journey to Bhimashankar. So why wait? Book your cab from Pune to Bhimashankar today and enjoy a stress-free journey!
Price comparison for choosing different travel means
| Means of transportation | Time taken by each of these modes | Price |
| Pune to Bhimashankar by Cab | 3-4 hours | ₹1430 |
| Pune to Bhimashankar by Train | NA | NA |
| Pune to Bhimashankar by Flight | NA | NA |
| Pune to Bhimashankar by Bus | 5-6 hours | ₹600-₹1000 |
Attractions for Sightseeing in Bhimashankar
The temple town of Bhimashankar is known for its ancient Shiva temple and Buddhist caves, set amidst breathtaking natural surroundings. There are a lot of interesting sights to see and things to do in and around Bhimashankar.
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Mandir – the most sacred and ancient temple of Shiva enshrining one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
- Ambivali Caves – a complex of ancient Buddhist caves outside the town, bordered by a forested area.
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – a natural preserve with waterfalls, forests, and tribal villages, famous for hiking.
- Hanuman Lake – a huge natural lake in a scenic natural setting.
- Nag Phani – the highest point of Bhimashankar and a popular trekking destination.
- Solanpada Dam – a tiered dam flanked by mountains and views of green valleys.
Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Bhimashankar
Bhimashankar has very few food options, but there are some interesting restaurants nearby. Experience the best the region has to offer by visiting these top places:
- Shitij Hotel, Bhimashankar – Manchar Rd, Nighotwadi, Mordewadi, Maharashtra 410503
- Neelkanth Aquaforest Inn – Pure Veg Restaurant, SH 112, Bhimashankar Temple Road, Bhimashanka,r Between Natraj and MTDC Bhakt Niwas, Nigdale, Maharashtra 410509
- Guruprasad Restaurant, Karjat – Murbad Road, Near JIvadani, Mhasa, Murbad, Maharashtra 421402
- Dada’s Grill, Murbad Road, Chauk – Karjat – Murbad Rd, Maharashtra 410201
- Namak Restaurant & Q Lounge Bar, 121, Neral – Matheran Rd, Kotwal Nagar, Deulwadi, Karjat, Maharashtra 410201
Hotels and Resorts in Bhimashankar
| Hotel | Address | Contact Number |
| Rain Forest Villa Bhimashankar | Rain Forest Villa Hotel blue mormon Bhimashankar Near Palkhewadi At. Karkudi po.tokawade, Talkhed, Dist, Pune, Maharashtra 412402 | 09850549736 |
| Chafewadi Rural Tourist Home | Karjat – Kashele – Nandgaon, Chafewadi, Maharashtra 410201 | NA |
| Natraj Holiday Resort | SH 112, Bhimashankar Temple Road, Bhimashankar, Nigdale, Maharashtra 410509 | 070666 55009 |
| Hotel Shivamrut | MH SH 54, Nigdale, Maharashtra 410509 | 075229 35969 |
| Aquaforest Camping | SH 112, Bhimashankar Temple Road Bhimashankar Between Natraj and MTDC Bhakt Niwas, Nigdale, Maharashtra 410509 | NA |
Nearby Road Trips from Bhimashankar
| Destinations | Distance | Time Taken |
| Bhimashankar to Mumbai | 195 km | 5 hours |
| Bhimashankar to Nashik | 208 km | 4.5 hours |
| Bhimashankar to Kolhapur | 342 km | 8 hours |
| Bhimashankar to Navi Mumbai | 174 km | 4 hours |
| Bhimashankar to Matheran | 167 km | 5 hours |
Things to Keep in Mind While Traveling to Bhimashankar
- Some temples and religious sites may have strict dress codes and rules, so make sure to dress accordingly and follow the temple’s policies.
- If you are renting a car, keep the vehicle with you throughout the trip, as local transportation may not be as developed or frequent as in cities.
- Pandemic rules may affect the visiting hours of tourist sites and restaurants. Check online or call before you visit.
Download the Savaari Car rental app today and book cabs to reach your destination hassle-free from the major transportation points. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, this road trip will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Useful Links
