130.78sq. km. of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary was
notified by the state government of Maharashtra in 1985, under the Wildlife
Protection Act 1972. The sanctuary is situated on the crest of Western Ghats
that is recognised as one of the 12-biodiversity hotspots of the world. It
has large varieties of fauna including endemic species like Malabar giant
squirrel (Ratufa indica), state animal of Maharashtra .Sanctuary also harbours
variety of avifauna hence has been declared as an Important Bird Area sites
(IBA). Sanctuary also is rich in plant diversity especially medicinal plants
which are used in traditional medicines.
Padarvadi We take our first halt at this place.
sunset From Padarvadi
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Fruit Of mahwa or mahua Madhuca longifolia
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kuda flowers Holarrhena pubescens
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Karanj flower, Indian Beech Tree,Pongamia pinnata |
Common Kestrel
Falco tinnunculu
देव ससाणा, खरुची
shekru
Indian giant squirrel
Ratufa indica
This animal is State animal of Maharashtra State.,many subspecies found in forests around India, it is endemic to the Western Ghats and is particularly abundant in the Sahyadri mountains of Maharashtra.
Wild Mushrooms
Ant House,
made of just soil and sheer hard work!! Who's great, humans or ants?
Bhimashankar is also an important religious place. Shrine of Lord Shiva ,. The shrine is very old belonging to early 17th century and is a monolithic structure carved in Hemadpanthi style of architecture..
Way to Gupt Bhimashankar
A little ahead of bhimashankar is Gupt bhimashankar. A trek down the thick forest for 30 to 40 mins leads to a stream. Gupt Bhimashankar is a stone carved group of 5 shivlings under a waterfall
sleeping Time
maggi ..Favourit snacks
Trekking Material
Shidi Ghat
Return journey
vad , Indian banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)