Two-Day Itinerary from Pune to Bhimashankar in June 2023

1. Day 1: Explore Pune
   Start your day in Pune, 45 km from Bhimashankar.
   Estimated travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

   Morning: Begin your day at the Aga Khan Palace, a historical landmark that houses a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Learn about the Indian independence movement and see artifacts related to Gandhi's life. Next, head to the Shaniwar Wada Fort, a former palace of the Peshwa dynasty. Explore the ruins and admire the intricate architecture.

   Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, which showcases over 20,000 artifacts including musical instruments, paintings, and sculptures. Then, take a stroll through the greenery of the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden.

   Evening: Finish your day by exploring the nightlife of Pune. Head to ABC Farms for a delicious dinner and live music. End the night with drinks at the trendy High Spirits Cafe.

2. Day 2: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
   Start your day in Bhimashankar, 45 km from Pune.
   Estimated travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

   Morning: Start your day at the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna. Take a guided tour to explore the sanctuary, see the Indian giant squirrel, and visit the Bhimashankar Temple.

   Afternoon: After lunch, go on a trek to the Hanuman Lake, a beautiful water reservoir surrounded by lush greenery. Spend some time here relaxing and taking in the natural beauty.

   Evening: End your day by visiting the Bhimashankar Temple, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Take part in the evening aarti and seek blessings from the deity.

Recommendations

If you have more time, you can visit the nearby hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala, known for their scenic views and waterfalls. Another popular attraction is the Osho International Meditation Resort, where you can meditate and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

To maximize your fun, you can try adventure activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, and rock climbing in the Western Ghats. Another option is to go on a food trail to explore the local cuisine of Pune and Bhimashankar.

If you prefer a side trip, you can visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock-cut caves and murals. The caves are located about 230 km from Bhimashankar and take around 5 hours by car.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Aga Khan Palace (2 hours, INR 200)
• Shaniwar Wada Fort (1 hour, INR 50)
• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum (2 hours, INR 200)
• Pune Okayama Friendship Garden (1 hour, free)
• ABC Farms (2 hours, INR 1000)
• High Spirits Cafe (2 hours, INR 800)
• Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 500)
• Hanuman Lake Trek (2 hours, free)
• Bhimashankar Temple (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2750

Check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo to book your flights and hotels at the best prices.