Pune to Bhimashankar by Road: Distance, Route, Travel Time & Travel Tips

Now I know a trip up north into the Sahyadri is hardly anything a regular box-ticking weekend getaway can offer. It’s one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines situated right in the midst of this hilly abode, therefore attracting legions of the devout along with a tribe of intrepid trekkers up into the accompanying wildlife sanctuary. Be that as it may, if you're driving out of Pune, or indeed trying to discern as to whether a personal rendezvous with the open road is a better alternative to hiring that ride, here’s a frank, honest take on the driving distance, the roads to expect along the way, the trip’s expected duration and a little about what those who’ve regularly made it over there wish they had known prior to boarding their wheels.

Pune to Bhimashankar Distance by Road

It's about 110-115 km from Pune to Bhimashankar. That changes a bit depending on which way you go and where exactly you start in the city. It is totally doable as a day trip which is why so many people just get a taxi for the day instead of staying overnight.

Best Route from Pune to Bhimashankar (Route Options Compared)

There are two main ways to get there. Your choice depends on whether you want smoother highway driving or a shorter route through villages.

Route 1: Pune – Chakan – Rajgurunagar – Manchar – Ghodegaon – Bhimashankar

Most operators and people who do this trip often like this route. It mostly follows the Pune-Nashik Highway. Then you turn off towards Manchar and start climbing the ghats up to Bhimashankar. For the most part, the roads are wider and in better shape. This is a safer bet if you're driving at night or during the monsoon season.

Route 2: Pune – Talegaon – Chakan – Khed – Manchar – Bhimashankar

Some drivers use this longer way to skip the bad traffic near the Chakan MIDC area, especially when it's busy. It loops back onto the main road before Manchar, so the last bit up the ghat is the same no matter which route you take.

Either way, you end up on the same ghat road for the last 25 to 30 km. That part is narrow and has a lot of turns. If you're driving yourself, it's best to do that stretch when it's light out.

Pune to Bhimashankar Travel Time by Car and Cab

Driving there takes around 3 to 3.5 hours if roads are clear. That can easily turn into 4 to 4.5 hours if it's monsoon season, if it's the weekend and there are tons of pilgrims and tourists, or if you leave Pune during evening rush hour through Chakan. Booking your own taxi usually saves time compared to shared taxis or the state buses. You won't need extra stops or downtime.

Best Time to Visit Bhimashankar from Pune

Bhimashankar really shines during the monsoon, from June to September. Waterfalls are everywhere, and the ghats get super green. Watch out, the roads get slick and visibility is bad. Driver who knows the roads really makes a difference. Winter, October through February, is way easier for driving. The views are better, which is nice for seeing temples or doing short hikes.

Things to Check Before You Book a Cab from Pune to Bhimashankar

• Enquire whether the charges are for one-way drop or include round trip with halt time at Bhimashankar.
• Ask whether the taxi booking estimate includes toll and parking charges or billed extra.
• If travelling during monsoon, enquire about the availability of an experienced driver familiar with ghat roads as opposed to a new route.
• Clarify vehicle type; a sedan may suffice for a casual temple trip, but an SUV will be preferred for ease while visiting hiking nearby.
• Book a few days in advance during Mahashivratri or a weekend as cab demand for Pune to Bhimashankar taxi service is usually overwhelming.

Self-Drive Versus Cab Booking- The Ultimate Choice!

With self-drive options, you get total freedom to take stops wherever you please for photo opportunities or quick nibbles. But remember, these roads winding along the ghat can be nasty, and parking at the temple becomes a true adventure when it is swarmed with pilgrims. So, many religious sects, first-time visitors opt to book a cab online. The local taxi driver assigned by CabBazar helps you navigate tricky parking situations at the temple, point out road stretch to exercise caution, and even suggests detours to escape the notorious evening traffic at Chakan.

Things to Note for a Joyful Journey

• To skip the notorious road congestion, start as early as possible before 6 AM.
• It's ideal to have some petty cash in denominations, because not many shops nor the street vendor are keen on digital payments here.
• Re-fuel your car to avoid running short of petrol while closer to the outskirts of Bhimashankar, preferably at Pune or in Manchar.
• The temperature gets cooler when you’re on the ghat, so pack a light cardigan even in summer.
• If you plan to trek to enjoy the hills near Bhimashankar post darshan, make sure to complete it at least 3 to 4 hours before dawn.

So,whether you're just looking for a religious pilgrimage or intending to hit the trails nearby, planning for the trip with correct timing and route would surely help. If the ghats do not appeal to your driving senses then booking a cab online with CabBazar will help make the trip pleasurable without much stress.