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Bhimashankar
The picture perfect beauty of this hillstation makes bhimashankar tailor made for weekend travellers in search of a spiritual odyssey amidst mountain splendour. This is the place to come to to rejuvenate your soul in communion with nature set against the backdrop of a rich sahyadri wildlife sanctuary. With little or no infrastructure apart from a cosy retreat with jungle ambience the sanctuary is an ideal destination for a weekend away from the city. There is an exquisitely carved Nagra style 18th century Jyotirlinga temple erected over a self emanated Shivaling said to have been built by Nana Phadnavis; a diplomat of the Peshwas.
temple erected over a self emanated Shivaling said to have been built by Nana Phadnavis; a diplomat of the Peshwas. A small well trodden trail begins right behind the temple that leads deep into the forest to Gupt bheema, The origin of the river Bhima. A waterfall gushes over a stone lingam to mark the exact spot. Guptbhima is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhimashankar . If you are ready to walk the less trodden path, Bhimashankar is an ideal weekend destination - A back to nature cum holy weekend !
Treks in the forest
The short Machan trail originates right behind the MTDC resort that leads through a narrow pasage broadening into huge tree laden hills, a rocky path leads to a stream with a tiny machan erected by the forest Dept and a small temple dedicated to forest goddess Bhagadevi. Directly facing the MTDC resort , Bhima trail leads into the forest so lush and thick that getting off the trail is not even an option. Eventually it opens into a wide open area with enchanting views of the valley
The dense forests of Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary plays host not ust to Shekru - the giant squirrel but also to a variety of plants and animal speceies. There are wild boars, barking deer, porcupines and even leopards. In monsoons one can spot bioluminous fungus on the trees which gives a faint shimmering glow to the tree trunks in the darkness of night.
Otions to stay in Bhimashankar is limited to MTDC Mansarovar Motel and some locals who rent out rooms at nominal rates.
