One Day Mumbai to Bhimashankar Trip by Cab
Bhimashankar is a popular weekend getaway near Mumbai. It is situated near the well-known trekking destination of Karjat. The astounding beauty of the Western Ghats can be explored on a one day trip from Mumbai to Bhimashankar by car.
Regarded as the temple town of Maharashtra, Bhimashankar houses one of the most prominent Jyotirlingas out of the 12 Holy Jyotirlinga shrines of India. Along with its religious importance, it encompasses stunning landscapes. Hence, it is the ideal venue for a one-day vacation for pilgrims, photographers, trekkers, nature lovers, and almost every kind of traveler.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva killed the Rakshasa Tripurasura in a deadly battle. During the battle the heat generated caused the Bhima River to evaporate. However, the sweat from Lord Shiva’s body reinstated the water of the river. Since then it is believed that Lord Shiva protects the Sahyadri Hills in the form of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. Another legend assumes that Lord Shiva killed the demon Bhima, the son of Kumbhakarna in a savage war where Bhima was reduced to ashes after the war ended.
Located at a height of 3500 feet in the Bhorgiri village, Bhimashankar acquires captivating charm, especially post-monsoons in the month of October. The rainforests look fresh and lure nature lovers. It is also the originating source of the Bhima River which flows south-east, later merging with the river Krishna. Offering respite from the scorching summer, Bhimashankar is an offbeat destination for spending a day amidst nature.
Escape from the bustle of Mumbai to go sightseeing in Bhimashankar on a one day tour by private car. You can also explore the region on an adventurous trek or simply sit to admire nature at its best. Animal lovers can enjoy a safari at the wildlife sanctuary or visit the hidden gem with powerful visual imagery. You can gobble up spicy food and indulge in authentic Maharashtrian cuisine apart from seeking blessings at the revered temples.
A one day trip from Mumbai to Bhimashankar via a private cab will be both a comfortable and exciting journey. The route itself is abundant with nature’s beauty. Traveling by a private car allows you to explore the best of Bhimashankar at your convenience without worrying about local transport.
What to Expect
Full-day Mumbai to Bhimashankar Local Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 12 to 15 hours
Tour by Private Cab (not shared with others)
Pickup & Drop: Mumbai Hotel / Home
Places Covered: Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, Hanuman Lake, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ahupe Waterfall, and Manmod Hills
The hill town of Bhimashankar is abundant with natural charm. The distance from Mumbai to Bhimashankar is around 196 kilometers with many interesting tourist attractions to explore.
Mumbai to Bhimashankar one day trip is a refreshing break from the monotony of routine life. Moreover, the religious opulence of the location soothes your stressed nerves.
We will begin our journey from your accommodation in Mumbai. The pick-up from your place of stay will be early so that we can reach Bhimashankar on time as the travel time from Mumbai to Bhimashankar is around 5 hours.
The sightseeing tour of Bimashankar will begin with offering prayers at the revered Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple. Next, we will head to the serene Hanuman Lake for a refreshing picnic.
Next, we will visit the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary to witness the rich biodiversity of the region. You can spend time in the lap of nature exploring the wildlife, clicking photographs, and bird watching. The Ahupe Waterfall in the sanctuary is another popular sightseeing destination in Bhimashankar. We will trek to the waterfall where you can feast your senses on the splendid views of the Western Ghats.
Our next stop will be the heritage site in Manmod Hills which is an ideal place for both history lovers and adventure seekers. Nature lovers will appreciate the verdant scenery of the region. At the end of your Mumbai to Bhimashankar same day trip by car, we will drop you at your place of stay in Mumbai.
1 Day Itinerary of Bhimashankar Local Sightseeing Tour from Mumbai
Pickup from your Home / Hotel in Mumbai at 7:00 AM
| S.No | Sightseeing Place | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple | 90 minutes |
| 2 | Hanuman Lake | 50 minutes |
| 3 | Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary | 90 minutes |
| 4 | Ahupe Waterfall | 50 minutes |
| 5 | Manmod Hills | 30 minutes |
Drop back at your Home / Hotel in Mumbai by 9:00 PM
One Day Places to Visit in Bhimashankar with a Private Car from Mumbai
1. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
Nestled high up on the tranquil Western Ghats, the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple is a well-admired Hindu pilgrimage. Devotees, especially of Lord Shiva, flock from all over the world to seek divine blessings. It sees the maximum footfall during the Mahashivaratri celebrations. You can trek to the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple, thus adding adventure to your spiritual visit.
The revered temple is home to one of the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of India. You can come across a Shani Temple inside it. Built in the 12th century, the temple depicts Nagara and Indo-Aryan style of architecture. You will be amazed by the excellent artistry of the Vishwakarma sculptors from the era. You can also notice the display of scenes from the Shiva Purana, Ramayana, Krishna Leela, and Dashavtaras on the walls.
The Sabhamandap was added to the construction in the 18th century, by Nana Phadnavis. He also built the elegant Shikhara of the temple. Even the Maratha Warrior Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja had donated to facilitate worship services. Chimaji Appa had offered one of the five large bells he had collected after winning against the Portuguese in the Vasai Fort.
It is a must visit place on your Bhimashankar tour from Mumbai by taxi. You can seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and also unwind amidst the dense forests. The hilltop offers splendid views of the surroundings and a cool breeze to soothe all your senses.
- Must See / Things to Do: Worship Lord Shiva and marvel at the scenic view from the hills.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 4:30 AM – 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
2. Hanuman Lake
Just a 2-hour drive from the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, Hanuman Lake is an ideal destination for a picnic on your one day trip to Bhimashankar. The beautiful and pristine lake attracts nature lovers. It is home to various unknown species of birds and animals, including squirrels, from the nearby dense forests to quench their thirst.
Being a less crowded spot, it is peaceful with a serene ambiance which makes it all the more special. You can spend quality time with friends, family, and kids. Even couples can enjoy a relaxing time here.
Hanuman Lake is the perfect place to spot exotic species of flora and fauna thriving in their natural habitats. The far-reaching territory around the lake is covered in lush greenery and the pleasant weather makes it worthwhile to visit.
You can also visit the Hanuman Temple and Anjani Mata Temple located close by. There is a prominent waterfall nearby which also appeals to the visitors of Hanuman Lake. It is also a popular place for camping under the open sky.
Since it is an offbeat location, it is better to carry your food and snacks. You should also carry an ample amount of water to drink. If you come with your kids, you can bring tabletop games like ludo or chess, and frisbees to spend some fun time. The lake promises to send you thoroughly refreshed back home.
- Must See / Things to Do: Enjoy a picnic with your family and friends.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week throughout the day
- Entry Fee: Free
3. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is the second most popular tourist attraction in Bhimashankar. It comes next after the Jyotirlinga Temple. The sanctuary has been built to safeguard the natural habitat of the endangered species of the Indian Giant Squirrel and other animals.
The sanctuary has also been listed by Birdlife International as an important bird area and it is also one of the prominent biodiversity hotspots of the world. The ideal time to visit it is during and after the monsoons.
Spread over an area of 120 sq. km on the Western Ghats, it boasts of various unique flora and fauna, including Malabar Giant Squirrels and many other species of animals. You can hire a guide or befriend a local for your afternoon walk and enjoy spotting the rare animals on a safari ride. It is also home to 14 sacred groves which are more than 1000 years old. You will find this spot excellent for wildlife photography and bird watching.
Hiking through the lush forests, you will come across sparkling waterfalls and charming hills. It is one of the most visited places on this one day Bhimashankar tour. You require the permission from the concerned authorities to trek through the forests in the presence of certified guides.
- Must See / Things to Do: Spend quality time exploring the beauty of nature with your family and friends.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free for visitors on foot, INR 10 per person for two-wheeler riders, INR 50 per person for four-wheeler riders, and INR 100 per person for heavy vehicles.
4. Ahupe Waterfall
Ahupe Waterfall is a hidden gem within the dense forests of the Western Ghats. You can spot this waterfall while trekking through the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. A popular tourist attraction in Bhimashankar, the glittering waterfall attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers. It offers a stunning backdrop for the cozy pictures of newly married couples.
Located in the impressive village of Ambegaon Taluka, Ahupe Waterfall appears to be the most charming sight to behold during the monsoons. You can get an enchanting view of the cascading waterfall. You can also acquire a panoramic view of the Dimbhe Dam backwaters by hiking to the village of Dimbhe Khurd. The pleasant nature trails make trekking in the region a fun activity. Photographers can capture the picturesque location. Therefore, you can make a lifetime’s worth of memories at this point.
The cool weather and a pleasant ambiance make it an ideal backdrop for your one day trip to Bhimashankar. Since the waterfall is in a remote and isolated place, it is better to carry your own food, water, and insect repellents. You should wear shoes or boots with proper grip to walk on slippery roads. It is also advised to bring your rain jacket and windcheater for unexpected weather changes.
- Must See / Things to Do: Witness the beauty of the waterfall and its lush surroundings.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week throughout the day
- Entry Fee: Free
5. Manmod Hills
A haven for history lovers, the Manmod hills house ancient caves that form a heritage site around Bhimashankar. Located at an elevation of 1034 meters above sea level, they consist of several rock structures with ancient illustrious carvings and inscriptions inspired by the sacred Jyotirlinga shrine in close proximity.
You can also explore similar inscriptions of the Bhoothalingam and Amba-Ambika. All these are crafted in the traditional Buddhist style of art. You can come across ‘Shekru’, a rare animal residing in the deep woods of the region. You can also enjoy spotting the frolicking squirrels. Moreover, you can appreciate the wild varieties of unknown flowers and trees indigenous to the region.
The serene greenery around you rejuvenates you from within and leaves your mind calmer. You can spend some refreshing time appreciating the scenic vistas of the Sahyadri hills from the caves perched on the hilltop. From this point, you can also try the exhilarating Nagfani Peak Trek which is a medium-level trek of 2.5 kilometers.
You can also drop by the Gupt Bhimasankar with a stream of natural springs. From the small roadside Dhabas and eateries, you can sip on some piping hot tea along with local snacks while enjoying the splendid scenery.
- Must See / Things to Do: Explore the ancient caves and mesmerizing scenery.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week throughout the day
- Entry Fee: Free
What included
- Pick and drop from Home / Hotel in Mumbai
- Selected Cab for Bhimashankar sightseeing from Mumbai as per the above Itinerary
- sightseeing from Mumbai as per the above Itinerary
- Car Rent
- Fuel Cost
- Driver Allowance
What excluded
- Toll-gate Charges if any
- Vehicle Parking Charges
- Entry Ticket Fee at tourist places in Bhimashankar
- Breakfast, Lunch or any meal
- Lodging / Accommodation in Bhimashankar
- Vehicle beyond the mentioned time duration
- Vehicle beyond the designated tour route