Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – 131 Km From Pune. A pristine paradise of nature with lush hills, sparkling waterfalls, and dense forests, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is the home of the Giant Flying Squirrel and is a favourite weekend getaway for people from Mumbai and Pune. Located a mere 138 km from Pune, Bhimashankar reserve is an all-in-one package of fun, adventure, nature, and spirituality. Challenging treks for adventure seekers, temples for pilgrims, diverse flora and fauna for nature lovers and wildlife photographers, various unique birds for bird watchers, picnic spots for families with kids, and beautiful natural locations for couples – Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve has something for every type of traveler!

Geography: Formed entirely of basaltic rocks, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is dominated by Deciduous, Semi-evergreen and Evergreen types of forests. The sources of water in this reserve are the tributaries of river Krishna, namely Ghod and Bhima, as well as those of river Ulhas. The area receives high rainfall in monsoons and faces severe water scarcity in summers. The reserve area is spread over the districts of Pune, Raigad and Thane in northwest Maharashtra

The sanctuary is spread over an area of one twenty sq km on the Western Ghats and is a major biodiversity hotspot of India. The reserve is also home to fourteen sacred groves that are thousands of years old and are known to be responsible for many species' origin. You can also enjoy trekking here through the safe and well-marked paths within the dense forest.

Winters in Bhimashankar forest: The season begins from October and lasts till February. Monsoons in Bhimashankar forest: It starts from June and lasts till September. The season is marked by heavy rainfall on most days which turns the place marshy and difficult to tread or drive on. Travellers prefer not to visit during this time because of the same.

By Air: The nearest airport to Bhimashankar Reserve is Pune Airport which is located a mere 102 km away. Apart from this, the Mumbai Airport is located 220 km away.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Pune Railway Station located at a distance of 106 km from the reserve. Apart from this, the reserve area is located 226 km from the Mumbai Central Railway Station.

By Road: Taking one through the varied topography of the country, a road journey to Bhimashankar Sanctuary is definitely a delightful one. One can take a scenic road trip to Bhimashankar from Pune, Mumbai and other nearby cities, as well as small cities like Salgaon, Peth, Rajur, Utchil, Junnar, and other areas.