| Mode | Point | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air | Pune International Airport (Lohegaon) | Approx 110 to 125 km | Closest airport. Hire a taxi or drive; allow 3.5 to 4 hours on ghat roads. Mumbai airport is approx 220 km. |
| Train | Pune Junction | Approx 111 km | Best railhead for connections. Karjat station is a similar approx 115 km via a different, rougher route. |
| Road (bus) | Pune (Shivajinagar / Swargate) | Approx 110 to 125 km | MSRTC state buses run direct to Bhimashankar; journey is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Private cabs and shared jeeps also available. |
| Road (self-drive) | From Pune via Rajgurunagar (Khed) and Manchar | Approx 110 km | Scenic but slow ghat driving near the top; drive in daylight, especially in monsoon when the road is misty and slippery. |
There is no station or airstrip at Bhimashankar itself, so the journey is a two-part affair: reach Pune, then climb into the Sahyadris by road. Pune Junction (approx 111 km) is the natural railhead and Pune International Airport (approx 110 to 125 km) the nearest air link. From Mumbai, budget around 220 km and a longer haul.
The final approach is the memorable part. The ghat road narrows and twists as it gains altitude, passing through Rajgurunagar (Khed) and Manchar before the forested top. MSRTC state buses run direct from Pune's Shivajinagar and Swargate stands, and shared jeeps and private taxis fill the gaps. Self-drivers get the best of the scenery but should keep to daylight hours.
From the car park, the temple lies down a flight of stone steps flanked by stalls selling puja items, honey and forest produce. It is a short but steep descent and re-climb, worth noting for elderly pilgrims. In monsoon the steps are wet and the mist can be thick, so unhurried footing matters more than pace.
← Back to the full Bhimashankar darshan guideCompiled from public sources including Jyotirlinga Bhimashankar official temple schedule · Maharashtra Tourism (Department of Tourism) - Bhimashankar · Trawell - Bhimashankar Temple timings, festivals, history · Holidify - How to reach Bhimashankar. Timings and seasonal closures change; confirm with the temple trust before travelling.