Things to Do Around Bhimashankar: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Pilgrims, Nature Lovers & Weekend Explorers

A visit to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is much more than a temple darshan. Nestled in the lush Sahyadri ranges, the region is rich in ancient temples, scenic viewpoints, wildlife, forts and peaceful countryside that deserve to be explored.

Whether you're travelling for a spiritual getaway, attending the Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, or planning a weekend road trip from Pune or Mumbai, Hotel Jeevan, Manchar is an ideal base to explore Bhimashankar and the surrounding attractions. Located on the Pune–Nashik Highway, the hotel offers easy access to major pilgrimage sites while providing comfortable accommodation, a pure vegetarian restaurant and a peaceful hilltop setting.

Here are eight experiences you shouldn't miss during your stay.

1. Seek Blessings at Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Distance from Hotel Jeevan: Approximately 45–50 km (around 1.5 hours by road)

The highlight of the region is the sacred Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by dense forests and mist-covered hills, the temple attracts devotees throughout the year.

Arriving early in the morning offers a calmer darshan experience and allows you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings before the crowds increase.

What to do

• Attend the morning darshan

• Explore the temple architecture

• Experience the spiritual atmosphere

• Shop for local prasad and souvenirs

Hotel Jeevan Tip: Stay overnight at Hotel Jeevan and leave before sunrise for a comfortable early-morning darshan.

2. Explore the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

Distance from Hotel Jeevan: Approximately 50 km

Beyond the temple lies the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the Western Ghats' biodiversity hotspots.

Nature lovers can enjoy forest trails, birdwatching and the chance to spot the famous Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru), Maharashtra's state animal.

What to do

• Short nature walks

• Wildlife photography

• Birdwatching

• Forest exploration

• Enjoy monsoon greenery and waterfalls

This is an excellent addition if you're spending a full day around Bhimashankar.

3. Trek to Nagphani (Cobra's Hood) Viewpoint

Distance from Hotel Jeevan: Approximately 52 km

Known as the highest viewpoint around Bhimashankar, Nagphani Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges.

The short trek is suitable for beginners and rewards visitors with spectacular sunrise or sunset vistas.

What to do

• Easy hill trek

• Sunrise photography

• Panoramic mountain views

• Experience the cool mountain breeze

Adventure seekers often consider this one of the best viewpoints in the region.

4. Visit Lenyadri Ganpati

Distance from Hotel Jeevan: Approximately 35 km

One of Maharashtra's revered Ashtavinayak temples, Lenyadri is carved into ancient rock-cut caves overlooking beautiful valleys.

Climbing the stone staircase is part of the pilgrimage, and the cave temple offers a unique blend of spirituality, history and architecture.

What to do

• Darshan at the Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple

• Explore the ancient caves

• Enjoy panoramic valley views

• Learn about Buddhist rock-cut architecture

Since Lenyadri is closer to Hotel Jeevan than Bhimashankar, many travellers combine both in a two-day itinerary.

5. Offer Prayers at Ozar Ganpati Temple

Distance from Hotel Jeevan: Approximately 33 km

Just a short drive from Lenyadri lies Ozar, home to the famous Vighnahar Ganpati Temple.

Dedicated to the remover of obstacles, this beautifully maintained temple is known for its peaceful ambience and elegant architecture.

What to do

• Attend Ganpati darshan

• Admire the temple's architecture

• Enjoy the serene surroundings

• Taste traditional modak prasad

Many pilgrims visiting the Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela include Ozar in their spiritual itinerary before proceeding towards Trimbakeshwar.

6. Explore Shivneri Fort

Distance from Hotel Jeevan: Approximately 28–30 km

The birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shivneri Fort is one of Maharashtra's most significant historical landmarks.

Inside the fort complex is the revered Shivai Devi Temple, where devotees often offer prayers before exploring the historic fortifications.

What to do

• Visit Shivai Devi Temple

• Explore ancient gateways

• Walk through historic fort walls

• Enjoy panoramic views of the Junnar valley

• Learn about Maratha history

This destination is perfect for families looking to combine history with spirituality.

7. Enjoy the Scenic Drive to Chas Kaman Dam

Distance from Hotel Jeevan: Approximately 20–25 km

If you're looking for a peaceful break after visiting temples, head towards Chas Kaman Dam.

The drive itself passes through picturesque countryside, farms and rolling hills, making it a favourite among photographers and road-trip enthusiasts.

What to do

• Scenic drive

• Photography

• Relax by the backwaters

• Watch sunsets

• Enjoy the peaceful surroundings

Many local travellers recommend including Chas Kaman while travelling to or from Bhimashankar because of its beautiful landscapes.

8. Relax at Hotel Jeevan and Experience Hilltop Hospitality

After a day of temple visits and mountain drives, every traveller deserves a comfortable place to unwind.

Perched on a hill overlooking lush green valleys, Hotel Jeevan, Manchar offers more than just accommodation—it provides a peaceful pause during your spiritual journey.

What you can enjoy at Hotel Jeevan

• Comfortable, well-maintained rooms

• Scenic valley views

• Pure vegetarian restaurant

• Freshly prepared meals

• Open spaces to relax

• Family-friendly atmosphere

• Spacious parking for cars and buses

• Convenient location on the Pune–Nashik Highway

Whether you're travelling with family, senior citizens or a pilgrimage group, Hotel Jeevan makes it easy to recharge before continuing your journey to Nashik, Trimbakeshwar or other sacred destinations.

Suggested 2-Day Itinerary from Hotel Jeevan

Day 1

• Check in at Hotel Jeevan

• Visit Shivneri Fort

• Explore Lenyadri Ganpati

• Evening darshan at Ozar

• Overnight stay at Hotel Jeevan

Day 2

• Early departure for Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

• Visit Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Trek to Nagphani Viewpoint

• Stop at Chas Kaman Dam while returning

• Lunch or evening meal at Hotel Jeevan before continuing your onward journey

Why Hotel Jeevan Is the Ideal Base for Exploring Bhimashankar

Unlike staying deep inside crowded pilgrimage areas, Hotel Jeevan offers a central location with easy access to Bhimashankar, Lenyadri, Ozar, Shivneri and the onward route to Nashik.

Its strategic location allows travellers to:

• Cover multiple attractions without changing hotels

• Enjoy comfortable overnight stays

• Start early for temple darshan

• Avoid unnecessary travel fatigue

• Continue conveniently towards the Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela or Trimbakeshwar

For pilgrims, families and weekend travellers alike, Hotel Jeevan transforms a simple temple visit into a memorable journey through Maharashtra's spiritual and natural heritage.

Plan a Journey, Not Just a Destination

Bhimashankar is only the beginning. Surrounding it are ancient temples, scenic viewpoints, wildlife, historic forts and peaceful countryside waiting to be explored.

By choosing Hotel Jeevan, Manchar as your stay, you place yourself at the heart of this spiritual circuit—close enough to experience the region's most iconic destinations while enjoying the comfort of a restful hilltop retreat before the next chapter of your journey.