Surrounded by natural beauty, Bhimashankar temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Trek to Bhimashankar is known to be one of the best treks in the Sahyadri ranges and it has two routes to climb from Karjat Region, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The first one is Ganesh Ghat, a simple one & the second ascends via Shidi Ghat (Ladder route).
We started our journey early in the morning to Neral by Karjat Slow Train ( 06:17 am ). By about 7.40 am, we reached Neral station. Then we proceeded towards Khandas by local transport. Khandas village is around 25 kms away from Neral.
Post breakfast at the village, we started our walk. There is a bridge around 2 km from Khandas, and the route going to the right from the bridge is the Ganesh Ghat route. The route going to the left of the bridge goes to the Ladder route.
After a small introductory session, we started ascending towards Bhimashankar by the Ladder route. The ladder route is a little adventurous and steep walk.
To reach Bhimashankar, we have to climb three mountains. Though Bhimashankar has religious importance, it is the place worth visiting for all nature lovers. Its beauty enhances in monsoon season. It was mesmerizing to see water plunging from atop the mountain to the forests. Checkout the beauty, so awesome here.
After half an hour of walk, we reached near a river. It had already begun to drizzle. The rocks were slippery and we crossed the river by helping each other.
It was interesting to watch a dog chase us right from the bridge from where we started the walk and crossed the river with us.
After crossing the first mountain, we continued our trek to the second mountain via Ladder route. The forest of Bhimashankar is a paradise for nature lovers as it hosts several exotic species of wildlife.
Soon we reached near the ladder and I had to climb this steep and elevated path. The ladder is divided into two but these two are joint in the middle. When we climb the first one, there is already another one waiting.
I started my climb. My legs were shivering. But I managed to climb the second ladder with ease. We were on the edge of a huge valley at least 300 meters deep besides the mountain and below the ladder.
After crossing these two deadly ladders ,the path becomes more dangerous and alarming . This route is the shortest and the most adventurous trail to Bhimashankar and it involves a bit of elementary rock climbing.
Water flowing beneath the rocks from the cracks makes it more slimy, soapy and unsafe.
There was a huge valley beside me. We were walking through 80 degree angular vertical path full of slippery rocks.
After crossing the steep rock path, we had to climb the third ladder which is also dangerous and shaky but it is surrounded by rocks from both the sides .
After climbing the third ladder, there was a huge climb and this time it was perpendicular 90 degree. The 90 degree path had crevices having a width of just 2 inches maximum and at least 30 – 50 meters straight up. After that there was a sigh of relief as there was a waterfall nearby and a very good place to sit.
We rested at a small hut specially made for trekkers. They served local Maharashtrian food - bhakari with chutney.
Farming was done here near to this hut. The lush green fields and houses of Padarwadi village was a sight to behold.
Here our trek to the second mountain was over . Now the final mountain remained which was comparatively less dangerous and some what similar to the first mountain but the height was more than around 1000 meters . Trekking with greenery and fresh wind makes life easier here.
Then the trek goes through a narrow foot path. There was a deep valley on the left side . Though the trek is a test of your endurance, it is quite worth for the scenic view it offers. The long stretches of greenery, streams and waterfalls are simply mesmerizing to watch.
After about 5 hours of trek from Khandas village, we reached Bhimashankar temple. Our stay was arranged in a guest house near to the temple. We kept all our baggage inside.
It was already evening and we started our second part of the trek i.e visit to Gupt Bhimashankar. It took 2-3 kms through the dense forests to reach Gupt Bhimashankar. The place is very sacred and is the actual place where the shiv lingas were originally discovered. The Bhima River which originates from the temple flows to this place. It said to be the origin of the River Bhima. The shiv linga is placed under a waterfall. It was nice to have a good natural massage under the falls. That recharged all of us.
Bhimashankar is a reserved forest area of 130.78 kms and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985.This sanctuary is a part of the Western Ghats, so it is rich in floral and faunal diversity. A variety of birds, animals, insects and plants can be seen.
After spending some time under the waterfalls, we returned to the temple. It was dark by then. We then visited the temple of Lord Shiva and witnessed the evening Aarti.
The temple of Bhimashankar is around 1200 – 1400 years old and is built on the Hemad Panthi style.
The shikhara of the temple was built by Nana Phadnavis. There are very beautiful sculptures and paintings on the roof and pillars of the temple. There is also a 15-20 feet high “Deepmala” or lamppost in the outer corridor of the temple.
A spiritual place located amidst nature, Bhimashankar makes for a perfect weekend getaway. On all sides are shops with people selling a whole range of items.
There are a lot of shops selling sweets on your way down to the temple which is located at the lower level of the hillside.
At approximately 9 pm, it was time for dinner. All of us were tired but we managed to play Antakshari for sometime.
Day 2:
After breakfast, we started our walk towards Hanuman Mandir, wherefrom the climb to Nagfani point starts. At the entrance of the temple there is a board indicating the direction to Nagfani.
The walk to Hanuman Mandir was one of the best moments of the trek. A 20 minute short climb from the Hanuman Mandir took us atop the highest point of Bhimashankar.
We finally reached the Nagfani peak . The tip of the mountain looks like a hood of cobra .Hence the name is Nagfani (Nag = Snake i.e. Cobra; fani = Hood).
From the point one gets a panoramic view of Padar Killa down below, and the hills and forts of the Matheran range in the background. Walk uphill to the right of the point and one gets a fascinating view of the Bhimashankar temple area and Siddhagad fort in the background.
When we reached the place, the entire area was covered by fog. We were lucky that the clouds cleared up for just a moment to present us a beautiful view of the surroundings.
