How to Reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Complete Travel Guide by Train, Road & Air
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a highly revered pilgrimage site in India. Located in the picturesque Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra, the temple is surrounded by dense forests and serene landscapes, making it both a spiritual and natural retreat. Every year, thousands of devotees and tourists visit Bhimashankar to seek blessings and to experience the divine atmosphere.
If you are planning a visit, it’s important to know the best travel options to reach this holy shrine. Whether you are traveling from Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, or other major cities across India, Bhimashankar is well connected by road, train, and air. This guide will help you understand the easiest and most convenient ways to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga so that your journey is smooth and memorable.
Reaching Bhimashankar by Air
The nearest airport to Bhimashankar is Pune International Airport (PNQ), which is about 110 km away. Once you arrive in Pune, you can easily book a taxi, cab, or state transport bus to reach the temple. Another option is to fly into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM), located at a distance of around 210 km. However, Pune remains the most convenient choice because of its shorter distance and better road connectivity to Bhimashankar.
If you are traveling from other states or major Indian cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Chennai, it is advisable to take a direct flight to Pune and then continue the journey by road.
Reaching Bhimashankar by Train
Bhimashankar does not have its own railway station, but there are a few major stations nearby that provide easy access. The Pune Junction railway station is the closest, located around 111 km away. Another option is Karjat Railway Station, which lies about 115 km from the temple. For travelers coming from Mumbai, trains to Pune or Karjat are the most suitable options.
From these stations, you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Bhimashankar. The journey from Pune by road usually takes 3 to 4 hours, while from Mumbai or Karjat it can take between 4 to 6 hours depending on the route and traffic.
Reaching Bhimashankar by Train – Nearby City Connectivity
Although Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga does not have a direct railway station, several nearby stations provide easy access. Devotees can reach Pune, Karjat, or Mumbai by train from major Indian cities and continue their journey by road. Below is a quick-view table:
| Nearby City / Major Station | Distance to Bhimashankar | Approx Travel Time by Road | Connectivity from Major Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pune Junction (PUNE) | 111 km | 3–4 hours | Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai |
| Karjat (KJT) | 115 km | 3.5–4.5 hours | Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala |
| Mumbai CSMT (CSMT) | 210 km | 5–6 hours | Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad |
| Nashik Road (NK) | 200 km | 5–6 hours | Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kolkata |
NOTE: Pune Junction is the most convenient station for devotees traveling from across India, while Karjat is ideal for those coming from Mumbai or Lonavala.
Reaching Bhimashankar by Road
Traveling by road is considered the most convenient way to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. The temple is well connected by highways and state roads. From Pune, the distance is about 110 km, and the route passes through Manchar and Ghodegaon, offering scenic views of the Western Ghats. From Mumbai, Bhimashankar is approximately 210 km, and the most common route is via the Mumbai–Nashik Highway (NH 160).
If you are traveling from Nashik, the distance is about 200 km, and the road journey takes around 5 to 6 hours. Regular MSRTC buses operate from Pune and Mumbai to Bhimashankar, and private cabs are also widely available. Many devotees prefer driving themselves, as the road trip offers a peaceful and picturesque experience.
Reaching Bhimashankar by Road – Public Transport Availability from Nearby Cities
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is best connected by road, and most devotees prefer traveling this way because of the scenic drive through the Sahyadri Hills. The temple is well linked with major cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Nashik, making it accessible by both private and public transport.
From Pune
Pune is the most convenient city to start your journey. The distance to Bhimashankar is about 110 km, and it takes around 3–4 hours by road. MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) runs regular buses from Shivajinagar Bus Stand and Pune Station to Bhimashankar. Private cabs and taxis are also widely available, making travel easy and comfortable.
From Mumbai
The distance from Mumbai to Bhimashankar is approximately 210 km, and the journey by road takes 5–6 hours. Direct MSRTC buses are available from Mumbai Central and Dadar bus depots to Bhimashankar, though limited in number. Alternatively, travelers can take buses or trains up to Pune or Karjat and then continue by road. Many devotees also prefer hiring taxis or driving their own vehicles for flexibility.
From Nashik
From Nashik, the distance is around 200 km, which takes about 5–6 hours by road. Regular buses connect Nashik to Pune and Ghodegaon, from where local transport is available to Bhimashankar. Private cabs can also be booked for a more comfortable ride.
Local Transport to Bhimashankar
For those traveling from smaller towns like Manchar, Ghodegaon, or Rajgurunagar, frequent state buses and shared jeeps are available to reach Bhimashankar directly. These are cost-effective options for devotees who prefer budget travel.
Public Transport Connectivity to Bhimashankar – Nearby Cities
From Pune (110 km | 3–4 hours)
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Frequent MSRTC buses from Shivajinagar & Pune Station
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Private taxis and cabs easily available
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Shared jeeps from nearby towns
From Mumbai (210 km | 5–6 hours)
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Limited MSRTC direct buses from Dadar / Mumbai Central
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Private taxis & ride-sharing options
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Popular choice for self-drive road trips
From Nashik (200 km | 5–6 hours)
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MSRTC buses (via Ghodegaon or Manchar)
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Private taxis available for direct travel
From Karjat (115 km | 3.5–4.5 hours)
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Local buses and cabs from railway station
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Good option for Mumbai train travelers
From Rajgurunagar / Khed (60 km | 2 hours)
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Regular state buses
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Shared jeeps for budget travel
From Manchar (45 km | 1.5 hours)
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Frequent buses to Bhimashankar
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Shared jeeps available
From Ghodegaon (40 km | 1–1.5 hours)
Local buses and jeeps to Bhimashankar
Ideal for last-mile connectivity
Best Travel Option for Visitors
If you are visiting from Pune, the road journey is the fastest and most convenient. From Mumbai, you can either take a train to Karjat or Pune and then continue by road, or directly drive to the temple. Travelers from other parts of India can first reach Pune by train or flight and then hire a cab or take a bus to Bhimashankar.
For a smooth experience, it is recommended to start your journey early in the morning. The temple gets crowded during weekends and festivals, so weekdays are ideal if you want a peaceful darshan of Lord Shiva.
