Nature Outing to Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

Hi friends,

Here’s another monsoon classic from my friend Shauri’s outdoor adventure company. Another trail that I highly recommend. As before, when planning for this outing, do remember that unlike the regular Wide Aware programmes, this one begins from Pune, so plan accordingly.

Once more, this is one trek that you don’t want to miss, if you have a passion for nature, and getting wet.

Bring on the rain!

Date: Sunday 6^th Sept’ 09

Age Group: Open

Activity:

§ Jungle Trail. (Walking for 3 to 4 km)

§ River Crossing

§ Waterfalls

Rich in natural beauty, Maharashtra is a paradise for nature lovers. There are many wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife parks within the state, having a wide range of vegetation. Wildlife parks are the home to a number of animals and birds including Tiger, Crocodile, Gaur, Sambar and rare migratory birds.

Let’s visit Bhimashakar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is situated over 2500 ft above sea level in the main Sahyadri Range. The area is densely forested with majestic towering trees festooned with numerous perennial creepers, and is richer in fauna. Bhima and Ghod, the two tributaries of river Krishna originate from this area. It is heaven for nature lovers. In Search Outdoors gives you a golden opportunity to venture into and learn from nature, in the beautiful valleys covered with lush evergreen forest, the songs of the birds and the mesmerizing colors of Butterflies. All awaits us!

Bhimashankar forest was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary to conserve the population of the Indian Giant Squirrels. This forest is spread over an area of 125 sq. km. The forest type here is basically semi-evergreen with patches of primary evergreen forest at some places. Places like Gupt-Bhima, Nagphani Point and Sambar Shingi are worth giving a visit. The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to leopards, barking deer, pangolin, wild boar, the rare Giant Squirrel and many other tree dwelling animals.

It is a major pilgrim centre as Bhimashankar houses one of the five Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra. The Shiva Temple which has gorgeous carvings is constructed by the eminent Nana Phadnavis.

Fees: Rs. 430/-

No of Seats: 45

Travel: By Semi-luxury bus from Pune to Pune

Duration: Start at 6:00 am and come back by 8:30 pm

Reporting: Hotel Siddhi Gardens at 6.00 am sharp! (Parking facility available.)

Route: Pune – Nashik Road – Chakan – Rajgurunagar – Bhimashakar

Distance: Approx – 125 km one way.

Location: Ambegaon tehsil, Pune

Total Area of the Sanctuary: 130.78 sq. km.

Schedule:

06:00 am            –           Departure from Pune

08:00 am            –           Breakfast

10:00 am            –           Trail at Bhimashakar

01:00 pm            -           Lunch

02:30 pm            -           Trail at Bhimashankar

04:00 pm            -           Leave for Pune after Tea

08:30 pm            -           Reach Pune

Things to get along: Packed lunch, water, cap/scarf, rainwear, set of dry clothes, binoculars (optional)

Note: The place we are visiting is totally remote where eateries are not available, so necessarily get some thing light packed. Fees include Travel, Breakfast, Tea, Reading material, Forest Entry Charges and Expertise. Fees do not include the cost of lunch. Participants are expected to carry packed lunch.

Booking Procedure:

1) Please send a confirmation e-mail to info@insearchoutdoors.com with names, age and telephone numbers of all participants – OR –

2) You can SMS the above details to 9850826431 – OR –

3) You can call up on (020) 25443096 / 65007956 from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. (Monday to Saturday) After receiving the mail or SMS or call, we will block your seat on temporary basis for 48 hrs. You have to pay the fees within that period and confirm your participation. In case of default your name will again be transferred to the enquiry list. In Search outdoors is not responsible for such defaults.