Major city · India
Bhimashankar
Spend 2–3 days: one for the Jyotirlinga temple, another for a trek; travel by road from Pune (≈3.5 h).
Bhimashankar is a Shiva Jyotirlinga shrine and a gateway to a moderate trek in the Western Ghats. A short stay covers the temple and a day‑long hike; longer stays let you explore the wildlife sanctuary and nearby hill towns.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Oct–Feb (dry, cooler)
- avoid Jun–Sep (monsoon)
- Airport
- PNQ
- Nights
- 2–3
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bhimashankar112 ▾
- Police / general emergencies112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bhimashankar, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for pilgrims and trekkers; watch for slippery rocks during monsoon and keep valuables secure on buses.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police / general emergencies (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPNQ Pune International Airport (≈110 km (68 mi), 3.5 h by road).PNQ Pune International Airport (≈68 mi (110 km), 3.5 h by road).
- Getting aroundRoad (SH112/SH54) from Pune or Mumbai; buses from Pune, Mumbai to Manchar then local bus to Bhimashankar…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealLocal tea/snack₹30–80 (≈ under US$1)
- Budget bedDharamshala bed, a night, per person₹300 (≈ US$4)
- Mid-range bedSmall hotel room (double), a night, per room₹2,500 (≈ US$30)
- High-end bedSmall hotel room (double), a night, per room₹4,000 (≈ US$50)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,200 (≈ US$14) · Mid ₹2,500 (≈ US$30) · High ₹4,000 (≈ US$50)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PNQ Pune International Airport (≈110 km (68 mi), 3.5 h by road)PNQ Pune International Airport (≈68 mi (110 km), 3.5 h by road)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Apr
not flagged
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
May
not flagged
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Jun
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Jul
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Oct
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Nov
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Oct–Feb. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest May (40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)), coolest Jan (15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bhimashankar: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Mar
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Apr
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
May
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
7 rd
Jun
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12 rd
Jul
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14 rd
Sep
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10 rd
Oct
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Road (SH112/SH54) from Pune or Mumbai; buses from Pune, Mumbai to Manchar then local bus to Bhimashankar; private taxis from Karjat to Khandas for trek start.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mulshi Dam
goDoor to door: ≈2 h round trip
Drive from Bhimashankar via Pune‑Mulshi road, about 1 h
Scenic lake and picnic area
Junnar
goDoor to door: ≈2 h round trip
Drive 45 km (28 mi) north via Pune‑Junnar road, about 1 h 15 minDrive 28 mi (45 km) north via Pune‑Junnar road, about 1 h 15 min
Ancient forts and caves
Panshet Dam
cautionDoor to door: ≈3 h round trip
Drive 70 km (43 mi) via Pune‑Panshet road, about 1 h 30 minDrive 43 mi (70 km) via Pune‑Panshet road, about 1 h 30 min
Water activities, seasonal crowd
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Dharamshala / temporary hutments
Pilgrim lodging near the temple, basic facilities
Hotels in Shinoli or Ghodegaon
Small hotels 5–10 km (3.1–6.2 mi) from the shrine, better comfortSmall hotels 3.1–6.2 mi (5–10 km) from the shrine, better comfort
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,200–1,800 (≈ US$14–25) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹2,000–3,500 (≈ US$25–40) excl. bed
Trip budget
| Small hotel room (double)1 × 2 nights × ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₹2,500 | ₹10,000 |
| Car hire from Pune (round trip)2 × ₹1,200 · check | ₹2,400 |
| Bus ticket Pune‑Bhimashankar2 × ₹250 · check | ₹500 |
| Trek guide (optional)2 × ₹500 · check | ₹1,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹1,890 |
| Trip total≈ ₹5,200 per person per day, bed included | ₹20,790≈ US$250 |
Private bathroom, fan
2026 estimate in INR; flights and long‑distance train passes excluded.
Prices of common things
| Meal at dharamshala | ₹150–300 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Local tea/snack | ₹30–80 (≈ under US$1) |
| Bottle of water (500 ml) | ₹20–35 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Road travel can be winding; hire a driver if unfamiliar.
- Trek routes are steep; carry 3 L water and sun protection.
- Peak monsoon (Jun–Sep) makes trails hazardous.
Emergency numbers
- Police / general emergencies
- 112
Pocket card
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BhimashankarBhimashankar
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
या पत्त्यावर, कृपयाTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / general emergencies112
Embassy
US consulate in Mumbai; other embassies in Delhi.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Pune → Bhimashankar (car hire): about ₹2,500 (≈ US$30) one way, 3.5 h (check)
- Bus Pune → Bhimashankar: ₹250–300 (≈ US$3–4), 4 h (check)
Say or show
- क्षमस्व — Excuse me / Sorry (kshamasva)
- धन्यवाद — Thank you (dhanyavaad)
- हे किती आहे? — How much is this? (he kiti aahe?)
- पाणी देऊ शकाल का? — Can I have water, please? (paani deu shakal ka?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bhimashankar. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Feb (dry, cooler) · avoid Jun–Sep (monsoon) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Road‑to‑bed: hire a driver from Pune (₹2,500–3,500 day) for flexible timing.
- Trek‑gear: rent boots and trekking poles in Pune (₹800–1,200 per set).
Sources
Ask about Bhimashankar
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