Nature & Wildlife
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the most beautiful forest regions in the Western Ghats - evergreen cover, waterfalls, trekking trails and the Indian Giant Squirrel that our Shekaru room is named for.
Distance
Surrounds the temple area
Time needed
2-4 hours
Plan for
Half a day
Spread across the rugged Sahyadri hills, the sanctuary surrounds the temple and is a wonderful destination for anyone staying with us. It is best known for the Indian Giant Squirrel, or Shekru - the state animal of Maharashtra, and the namesake of our Shekaru Mountain View King Room. Barking deer, wild boar, langurs and, very rarely, leopard also live here.
It is excellent country for birdwatchers. Malabar whistling thrush, drongos, woodpeckers, hornbills, flycatchers and eagles are all regular sightings.
Easy forest trails suit families and are best walked early morning or evening. Longer routes include the Bhimashankar temple forest trail, Ganesh Ghat, Shidi Ghat and the Bhorgiri-Bhimashankar trek, passing through dense forest, water streams, rocky patches and mountain viewpoints.
Highlights
- Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru)
- Bird watching
- Monsoon greenery and waterfalls
- Nature photography
What to carry: Good shoes, and rain protection through the monsoon.
Also nearby
While you are here
Temples & SpiritualBhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
~14 km from the resort · 1-2 hours
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, wrapped in dense Sahyadri forest - a visit that is spiritual and scenic in equal measure.
Plan this visit →
Nature & WildlifeHanuman Lake
In the Bhimashankar forest area · 30-60 minutes
A small, quiet forest lake ringed by dense vegetation - the calm counterweight to a morning at the temple.
Plan this visit →Nagphani Point
Bhimashankar region · 45 minutes - 1 hour
The finest panorama around Bhimashankar - a rocky peak shaped like a cobra's hood, looking out over forested valleys.
Plan this visit →