Ahmedabad, a bustling metropolis in Gujarat, is well connected to many parts of India. Bhimashankar, located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, is famous for its ancient temple and scenic wildlife sanctuary. This route is popular among pilgrims, nature lovers, and weekend travelers seeking a peaceful retreat from city life.

In this guide, you will find detailed information on various transport options from Ahmedabad to Bhimashankar. Whether you prefer train, bus, self-drive, or a combination involving flights, this article covers practical tips, travel times, and step-by-step plans to help you reach your destination comfortably.

Getting from Ahmedabad to Bhimashankar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a cost-effective and comfortable option for this route, though there is no direct train to Bhimashankar. You will need to combine train travel with road transport. Trains from Ahmedabad to Pune or Lonavala are frequent and well-serviced.

• Key stations:

  Board trains from Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) to Pune Junction (PUNE) or Lonavala (LNL). Pune is about 520 km from Ahmedabad by rail, with journey times ranging from 8 to 12 hours depending on the train.

• Ticket costs and classes:

  Sleeper class tickets start around ₹400, while AC 3-tier costs ₹900–₹1,200. Book via IRCTC well in advance, especially during festival seasons.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Several trains run daily, including the Gujarat Mail and Karnavati Express. AC coaches offer better comfort for overnight travel.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  From Pune or Lonavala, Bhimashankar is about 110 km by road. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple area.

• Seasonal tips:

  Avoid monsoon months for train travel as Western Ghats routes can face delays due to heavy rains and landslides.

Bus

Bus travel is a budget-friendly option but involves multiple changes. Direct buses from Ahmedabad to Bhimashankar are not available, so you must travel via Pune or nearby towns.

• Route and operators:

  Take a Volvo or deluxe bus from Ahmedabad to Pune operated by GSRTC or private companies. Pune to Bhimashankar buses are run by MSRTC but are infrequent.

• Travel time and cost:

  Ahmedabad to Pune buses take around 12–14 hours, costing ₹700–₹1,200. Pune to Bhimashankar by bus takes about 3–4 hours, costing ₹100–₹150.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Volvo buses are comfortable for the long haul. Pune to Bhimashankar buses run mostly in the morning; check schedules in advance.

• Transfers and waiting:

  Plan for layovers in Pune; overnight stays may be necessary depending on bus timings.

• Road conditions:

  Roads from Pune to Bhimashankar pass through hilly terrain; expect winding roads and slower speeds.

Car/Self-Drive

Driving from Ahmedabad to Bhimashankar offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes. The journey covers approximately 550 km via NH48 and NH60.

• Route details:

  The recommended route is Ahmedabad–Vadodara–Surat–Nashik–Pune–Bhimashankar. NH48 is well maintained and tolls apply at several points.

• Travel time and distance:

  Expect around 10–11 hours of driving, depending on traffic and stops. Plan fuel and rest breaks at major towns like Surat and Nashik.

• Road conditions and rest stops:

  NH48 is smooth and has multiple highway dhabas and fuel stations. Avoid night driving through the Western Ghats due to wildlife and narrow roads.

• Vehicle requirements:

  Ensure your vehicle is serviced, especially brakes and tires, for hilly terrain near Bhimashankar.

• Parking and local driving:

  Parking is available near the temple but can get crowded during weekends and festivals.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Bhimashankar. The nearest airport is Pune Airport (PNQ), which connects well with Ahmedabad.

• Flight details:

  Multiple daily flights operate between Ahmedabad Airport (AMD) and Pune Airport, with flight times around 1.5 hours.

• Cost and booking:

  Airfares range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on the season and how early you book on airlines like IndiGo and Air India.

• From Pune to Bhimashankar:

  After landing, hire a taxi or rent a car for the 110 km journey to Bhimashankar, which takes about 3 hours.

• Airport facilities:

  Pune Airport has prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber for safe and reliable transfers.

• Seasonal advice:

  Flights are less affected by weather but monsoon road travel from Pune to Bhimashankar can be challenging.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from Ahmedabad to Bhimashankar, combining convenience and comfort.

• Book your train or flight tickets early:

  Use IRCTC for trains or airline websites for flights to secure the best prices and availability, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.

• Reach Ahmedabad station or airport early:

  Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to manage check-ins and boarding smoothly, avoiding last-minute rush.

• From Pune, arrange onward transport:

  Pre-book a taxi or check MSRTC bus timings to Bhimashankar. Taxis offer flexibility, while buses are economical but less frequent.

• Pack essentials for hilly terrain:

  Carry water, snacks, and rain gear if traveling during monsoon. The temple area can be slippery and cool in early mornings.

• Plan your return journey:

  Confirm return transport in advance, especially if using public buses, to avoid long waits or cancellations.

• Use local apps for cabs:

  Ola and Uber operate in Pune and nearby towns, providing safe and transparent fares for last-mile travel.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety on roads:

  Drive cautiously on the ghats near Bhimashankar, especially during monsoon when landslides are possible. Avoid night driving in these areas.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks from Pune or Ahmedabad. Limited options are available near the temple, so pack accordingly.

• Booking strategy:

  For trains, book at least 30 days in advance on IRCTC. Flights should be booked early to get affordable fares.

• Local commute:

  Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs in Pune for safe and hassle-free transfers. Negotiate fares if using local taxis outside major hubs.

• Luggage handling:

  Travel light, especially if combining train and bus travel. Carry a daypack for essentials during temple visits.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon spells due to slippery roads and possible train delays in the Western Ghats.

Best Time & Conditions

The ideal time to visit Bhimashankar from Ahmedabad is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and roads are safer. Summers can be hot in Ahmedabad, but the hills offer cooler respite.

Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains, making road travel risky and train schedules unpredictable.

• Avoid weekends and festival times like Maha Shivratri for less crowded travel and accommodation.

• Early morning departures from Ahmedabad help avoid city traffic and reach Bhimashankar by afternoon.

• Travel during dry months ensures safer road conditions and better sightseeing opportunities.

• Plan for extra travel time during monsoon due to possible delays and slow driving conditions.

Arrival at Bhimashankar & What to Expect

On arrival, travelers experience the serene environment of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The area is surrounded by dense forests and offers a peaceful retreat.

Local transport options include shared jeeps and taxis from nearby towns. Accommodation ranges from basic lodges to guesthouses near the temple. It is advisable to book stays in advance during peak seasons.

For local sightseeing, hire guides available at the temple complex or explore trekking trails around the sanctuary. Food options are limited, so carrying snacks is recommended.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Bhimashankar from Ahmedabad is by taking a flight to Pune followed by a taxi or bus ride to the temple. This option balances speed and convenience, especially for those with limited time.

Alternatively, train travel combined with road transport offers a budget-friendly and comfortable journey. With proper planning and awareness of seasonal conditions, you can confidently embark on this spiritual and scenic trip from Ahmedabad to Bhimashankar.