Bhimashankar is a revered pilgrimage destination located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, famous for its ancient temple and scenic surroundings. Situated about 1,600 kilometers south of Delhi, it attracts devotees and nature lovers alike, making the journey from the national capital a popular route for spiritual seekers and weekend travelers.

This guide covers all practical ways to reach Bhimashankar from Delhi, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will find detailed travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on local conditions to help you plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Bhimashankar – Main Options

By Train

Traveling by train from Delhi to Bhimashankar is a practical option for those who prefer a budget-friendly and scenic journey. While there is no direct train to Bhimashankar, you can reach Pune or nearby stations and continue by road.

• Key stations:

  Board a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Pune Junction (PUNE), which is the nearest major railhead to Bhimashankar, approximately 120 km away.

• Duration and cost:

  The train journey takes around 20 to 24 hours depending on the train, with fares ranging from ₹500 for sleeper class to ₹2,500 for AC classes.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Several trains like the Pune Duronto, Karnataka Express, and Goa Express connect Delhi to Pune daily or multiple times a week, offering various comfort levels.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  From Pune, you can hire a taxi or take a state transport bus to Bhimashankar, which takes about 3 to 4 hours on hilly roads.

• Booking tips:

  Book your train tickets well in advance via IRCTC, especially during festival seasons when pilgrim traffic increases.

• Travel advice:

  Night trains are preferable to save daytime for local travel, but carry water and snacks as pantry services may be limited.

By Bus

Bus travel from Delhi to Bhimashankar is less common due to the long distance but can be done by combining intercity and local buses. This option suits budget travelers who don’t mind multiple changes.

• Delhi to Pune:

  Take a Volvo or deluxe bus from Delhi ISBT to Pune, which takes around 30 to 35 hours and costs ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 depending on the operator.

• Pune to Bhimashankar:

  From Pune, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) runs buses to Rajur or Bhimashankar, but frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance.

• Comfort and timing:

  Overnight buses are available for Delhi to Pune, but local buses to Bhimashankar are basic and may not run late in the day.

• Booking and tickets:

  Use MSRTC’s official website or Pune bus stands to book local tickets; for Delhi-Pune, online portals like RedBus are reliable.

• Travel challenges:

  The long bus journey can be tiring, and local buses on hilly roads may be crowded and slow.

By Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Bhimashankar is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The route covers approximately 1,600 km via NH 48 and NH 60.

• Route details:

  The most common route is Delhi–Jaipur–Ahmedabad–Mumbai–Pune–Rajur–Bhimashankar, primarily on NH 48 and NH 60, covering diverse landscapes.

• Travel time and distance:

  Expect around 28 to 32 hours of driving time over 2 to 3 days, depending on breaks and traffic.

• Road conditions:

  National highways are mostly well-maintained, with tolls along the way. The Pune to Bhimashankar stretch involves hilly, winding roads requiring careful driving.

• Rest stops and fuel:

  Numerous dhabas, fuel stations, and restaurants are available on NH 48, including popular stops near Jaipur and Mumbai outskirts.

• Seasonal tips:

  Avoid night driving in the Western Ghats near Bhimashankar during monsoon due to slippery roads and landslide risks.

• Vehicle choice:

  A sturdy vehicle with good brakes and ground clearance is recommended for the final stretch to Bhimashankar.

By Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance between Delhi and Bhimashankar, though no airport is directly at Bhimashankar. The nearest airport is Pune Airport (PNQ).

• Flight options:

  Multiple daily flights operate between Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Pune Airport, with flight times around 2 hours.

• Cost and booking:

  Airfares range from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the season and airline; book early on platforms like MakeMyTrip or IRCTC Air.

• From Pune to Bhimashankar:

  Hire a taxi or use MSRTC buses from Pune to Bhimashankar, approximately 120 km away, taking 3 to 4 hours.

• Airport facilities:

  Pune Airport has good taxi services including Ola and Uber, and prepaid counters for safe travel onward.

• Travel tips:

  Arrive early at Pune Airport to avoid delays, especially during monsoon or festival seasons when local roads can be congested.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Bhimashankar, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets early:

  Use IRCTC for trains or airline websites for flights to Pune, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons to secure your seat.

• Reach your departure point early:

  Arrive at New Delhi Railway Station or IGI Airport at least 1 hour before departure to handle security and boarding smoothly.

• Travel to Pune:

  Take the train or flight to Pune, resting during the journey to stay fresh for the onward trip.

• Arrange Pune to Bhimashankar transport:

  Pre-book a taxi or check MSRTC bus timings from Pune to Bhimashankar to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Prepare for the final leg:

  Carry water, snacks, and light clothing for the hilly terrain; start early to reach Bhimashankar before dusk.

• Local navigation:

  On arrival, use local guides or apps like Ola for short trips around Bhimashankar and nearby attractions.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety on hilly roads:

  The Pune to Bhimashankar route has sharp bends; avoid night travel and drive cautiously during monsoon to prevent accidents.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks, as eateries near Bhimashankar are limited and may not cater to all tastes.

• Ticket booking:

  Use IRCTC for train tickets and official airline or bus portals to avoid scams; always confirm bookings before travel.

• Local commute apps:

  Ola and Uber operate in Pune but may not be available near Bhimashankar; pre-arranged taxis are recommended for the last leg.

• Luggage considerations:

  Pack light and waterproof bags, especially during monsoon, as the terrain can be slippery and wet.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon or festival weekends when roads are crowded and accommodation scarce.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Bhimashankar is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and roads are safer.

Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains, making the hilly roads slippery and increasing travel risks, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid peak traffic hours in Delhi and Pune, typically early mornings and evenings, to reduce delays.

• Steer clear of major festival weekends like Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra, when pilgrim influx can overwhelm transport and lodging.

• Start early in the day from Pune to Bhimashankar to reach before dusk and avoid driving in the dark on ghats.

• Winter mornings may have fog on highways near Delhi and Pune; allow extra travel time in such conditions.

Arrival at Bhimashankar & What to Expect

On arrival at Bhimashankar, travelers are greeted by serene natural beauty and the historic Bhimashankar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The area is tranquil, with limited commercial activity, making it ideal for spiritual retreats and nature walks.

Local transport options are minimal; most visitors rely on pre-booked taxis or private vehicles. Nearby attractions include trekking trails and the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Accommodation ranges from basic guesthouses to modest lodges near the temple.

For local commutes, walking is common, but you can hire local guides or taxis for longer excursions. Food options are simple and mostly vegetarian, catering to pilgrims.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Bhimashankar from Delhi is to fly to Pune and then take a taxi or bus for the final 120 km journey. This option balances speed, comfort, and convenience, especially for those with limited travel time.

Alternatively, train travel offers a budget-friendly and scenic route, while self-driving appeals to adventure seekers. With careful planning and awareness of local conditions, you can confidently embark on this spiritual journey to Bhimashankar and enjoy its natural and cultural richness.