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Complete Itinerary for a Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage

  • Writer: jeevan marketing
    jeevan marketing
  • Jun 7
  • 4 min read

About Bhimashankar

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the dense forests of the Western Ghats, Maharashtra, at an elevation of 1,090 m, the temple exemplifies ancient Hemadpanthi architecture and rich biodiversity. The surrounding Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary hosts rare flora and fauna, including the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica).

Importance of Bhimashankar

Spiritual Significance• One of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines where Shiva is believed to have manifested as an infinite pillar of light.• Site of the legend of Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura.

Cultural Heritage• Architecture dating to the 13th century, built in black stone with intricate carvings.• Annual Maha Shivaratri fair draws thousands of pilgrims.

Ecological Value• Sanctuary covering 131 km², part of UNESCO World Heritage Site “Western Ghats”.• Habitat for endangered species: tigers, leopards, Indian pangolin.


Bhimashankar Temple Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Temple Jyotirlinga

Different Itinerary Options

Itinerary Option 1: Pune → Manchar → Bhimashankar

Distance: 61 km (Pune – Manchar), 65 km (Manchar – Bhimashankar)Duration: 1.5 h (Pune – Manchar), 2 h (Manchar – Bhimashankar)

  1. Depart Pune early via NH60 toward Manchar.

  2. Arrive Manchar; check in at Hotel Jeevan, Manchar.

    • Amenities: well-appointed rooms, hot water, on-site dining, free parking.

    • Advantage: acclimatization before ascent.

  3. Day 1 afternoon: local exploration in Manchar; rest.

  4. Day 2 at dawn: depart Hotel Jeevan by SUV/taxi, proceed via Loni-Khandala; reach Bhimashankar temple by 08:00.

  5. Darshan and prasad, return to Manchar by noon.

  6. Optional: wildlife trek in Bhimashankar Sanctuary; return to Hotel Jeevan by evening.

Keywords: Pune to Bhimashankar, Manchar accommodation, Hotel Jeevan Manchar, Bhimashankar pilgrimage.

Itinerary Option 2: Nashik → Manchar → Bhimashankar

Distance: 149 km (Nashik – Manchar), 65 km (Manchar – Bhimashankar)Duration: 3 h (Nashik – Manchar), 2 h (Manchar – Bhimashankar)

  1. Board morning train or bus from Nashik Road station to Manchar (via Pune).

  2. Arrive Manchar; transfer to Hotel Jeevan.

    • Tip: book room a day in advance to secure early check-in.

  3. Late afternoon: prepare pilgrimage essentials; rest at Hotel Jeevan.

  4. Next dawn: hire tempo traveler or private taxi; exit Manchar via NH60 toward Khed Shivapur.

  5. Reach Bhimashankar by 07:30; perform abhishekam and aarti.

  6. Return via same route; evening stay at Hotel Jeevan or proceed to Pune/Nashik.

Keywords: Nashik to Bhimashankar, Bhimashankar temple stay, Hotel Jeevan Manchar, Ashtavinayak pilgrimage.

Itinerary Option 3: Mumbai → Pune → Manchar → Bhimashankar

Distance: 148 km (Mumbai – Pune), 61 km (Pune – Manchar), 65 km (Manchar – Bhimashankar)Duration: 3.5 h (Mumbai – Pune), 1.5 h (Pune – Manchar), 2 h (Manchar – Bhimashankar)

  1. Depart Mumbai via Mumbai–Pune Expressway; exit at Dehu Road toll.

  2. Continue to Manchar; check in at Hotel Jeevan midday.

  3. Evening briefing on route, distribution of literature on Bhimashankar wildlife.

  4. Day 2 pre-dawn departure by hotel-arranged taxi; follow NH60 through Khed; reach Bhimashankar by 08:00.

  5. Return to Hotel Jeevan by afternoon; optional visit to Lenyadri Caves (35 km).

Keywords: Mumbai to Bhimashankar, Pune transit stay, Hotel Jeevan Manchar, Western Ghats pilgrimage.

Itinerary Option 4: Aurangabad → Manchar → Bhimashankar

Distance: 230 km (Aurangabad – Manchar), 65 km (Manchar – Bhimashankar)Duration: 5 h (Aurangabad – Manchar), 2 h (Manchar – Bhimashankar)

  1. Early morning departure from Aurangabad by state transport bus or private cab.

  2. Arrive Manchar; secure accommodation at Hotel Jeevan.

    • Recommendation: request ground-floor room if carrying heavy luggage.

  3. Afternoon rest; evening puja preparation with temple priests available on request.

  4. Pre-dawn start next day; proceed on ghat road requiring sturdy vehicle.

  5. Bhimashankar darshan by 08:00; trek option available for nature enthusiasts.

  6. Return to Manchar; depart for Aurangabad post-lunch or stay another night at Hotel Jeevan.

Keywords: Aurangabad to Bhimashankar, ghat road pilgrimage, Hotel Jeevan Manchar, trek to Bhimashankar.

Logistics and Tips

Transport Modes

  • Private Vehicle: Recommended for flexibility; ensure 4×4 for monsoon season.

  • Public Bus: Maharashtra State Transport (MSRTC) connects Pune–Manchar and Manchar–Khed Shivapur; limited frequency.

  • Train: Nearest station Manchar (station code MAN); only local passenger trains stop.

Accommodation

  • Advance Booking: Hotel Jeevan, Manchar rooms book out during Maha Shivaratri and weekends.

  • Room Rates: Competitive; include breakfast and parking.

  • Group Packages: Available for pilgrimage groups of 10+; negotiate early.

Best Season

  • Post-Monsoon (September–December): Clear skies, lush foliage; road conditions optimal.

  • Avoid: Peak monsoon (July–August) due to landslide risk on ghat.

Essential Checklist

  • Documents: ID proof for hotel check-in.

  • Clothing: Light woolens for early morning; trekking shoes if planning sanctuary trek.

  • Medicines: Altitude sickness tablets, first-aid kit.

  • Provisions: Bottled water, energy bars for ghat ascent.

Health and Safety

  • Mobile Network: Patchy beyond Khed Shivapur; inform hotel of ETA changes.

  • Wildlife Caution: Avoid solo trekking; hire local guide through hotel desk.

Keywords - Bhimashankar pilgrimage itinerary, hotel in Manchar near Bhimashankar, Pune to Bhimashankar road trip, Nashik to Bhimashankar temple, Western Ghats Jyotirlinga travel guide, accommodation near Bhimashankar, Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary stay.

 
 
 

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