Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctury

About:
The sanctuary is located in the northern part of the Western Ghats. It is spread over the three districts Pune, Thane and Raigad. There is a shrine in the forest with the Jyotirlinga, temple of Lord Shiva. Two major tributaries of river Krishna namely Bhima and Ghod originate from this area. The valley is a splendid combination of plant and animal life.

Fauna:
The area is rich in fauna since there is variety of forest types in the santuary. The main wild speies are Giant Indian squirrel (Ratufa indica elphinstoni), Panther (Panthera paradus), Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Mouse Deer Tragulus memina, Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Wild boar (Sus scrofa).

Transport:
Air: Nearest Airport: Pune (130 Km.)
Rail: By Rail: Pune (130 Km.)
Road: Manchar (62 Km.) (Pune-Nasik highway)

Weather:
The climate in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is wet. It receives quite a bit of rainfall during the monsoons, which ranges form mid-June to September.

Best Time To Visit:
August to February

Accommodation:
M.T.D.C. – 16 suites – Central Building,Pune. Forest Rest House – 2 suites – Dy.C.F.,(Wildlife),Western Region, New P.M.T.Building,Pune-42.

Nearby Excursions:
Temple of Lord Shiva, Dimbhe dam, Nagphani point for a superb view of the plains below and the surrounding Western Ghats, Bhorgiri caves and other nature trails as given above.