Exploring Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in One Day: Family-Friendly Itinerary
9:00 AM: Bhimashankar Temple
Located in the Sahyadri hills, the Bhimashankar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts devotees from across the country. The temple architecture is a mix of ancient Nagara and Hemadpanthi styles. The surroundings are serene and provide a perfect start to the day.
Time and Distance Estimate: 0 minutes (starting point)
11:00 AM: Hanuman Lake
The Hanuman Lake is a beautiful spot located in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and hills. You can take a walk around the lake or just relax by the waterside.
Time and Distance Estimate: 45 minutes (21.6 km) from Bhimashankar Temple
1:00 PM: Lunch at the MTDC Resort
The MTDC Resort is located in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and offers a spectacular view of the hills. They serve delicious Maharashtrian cuisine and have both indoor and outdoor seating options. The resort is family-friendly and has a play area for kids.
Time and Distance Estimate: 30 minutes (12.6 km) from Hanuman Lake
3:00 PM: Bombay Point
Bombay Point is located at the edge of the Sahyadri hills and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys. The point is named after the Mumbai Bombay Presidency, as it was once a popular spot for British officers to relax. You can enjoy the view, take a walk around the area or simply relax.
Time and Distance Estimate: 1 hour (24.4 km) from MTDC Resort
5:00 PM: Nagphani Point
Nagphani Point is also known as the Duke's Nose Point. It is a cliff point that offers a panoramic view of the Sahyadri hills and valleys. The point is named after Duke Wellington, as the cliff resembles the shape of his nose. You can enjoy the sunset here and take some amazing photographs.
Time and Distance Estimate: 30 minutes (10 km) from Bombay Point
7:00 PM: Return to Bhimashankar Temple
End your day with a visit to the Bhimashankar Temple. The temple has a serene atmosphere at night and is beautifully lit up. You can attend the evening aarti and seek blessings from Lord Shiva before heading back to your hotel.
Time and Distance Estimate: 1 hour (30.4 km) from Nagphani Point
Recommendations
If you have some extra time, you can explore the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and go for a trek to the Bhimashankar Trek. The trek is easy and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. You can also visit the Kondeshwar Temple, which is located 20 km from Bhimashankar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As for side trips, you can visit the nearby towns of Malshej Ghat and Junnar. Malshej Ghat is known for its waterfalls and scenic beauty, while Junnar is famous for its ancient rock-cut caves.
If you're looking to maximize your fun, you can try adventure activities like rappelling, trekking, and zip-lining. There are many local tour operators that offer these activities. You can also try local delicacies like Vada Pav, Misal Pav, and Bhakri. Lastly, don't forget to shop for souvenirs like handicraft items and local spices.