Situated in
the main Sahyadri Range, over 2500 feet above sea level, the Bhimshankar
region is gazetted as a reserved forest. The area is densely forested
with majestic towering trees festooned with numerous perennial creepers
(lianas), and is richer in fuana as compared to the rest of
penensular India.
The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to leopards, barking deer,
pangolin, wild boar, the rare Giant Squirrel and many other tree dwelling
animals.
The Giant Squirrels live only in forests and keep to the summits
of higher trees. They move from tree to tree taking leaps as long
as 20 feet. They are very shy animals and are sooner heard than seen.
You can often hear its loud rattling call, that usually reveals its
presence. These animals build large globular nests of twigs and leaves,
among slimmer branches of trees where heavier predetors cannot reach.
There is a healthy population of leopards in this forest, and you
can frequently spot pugmarks of these big cats. The sanctuary is
a paradise for bird watchers and you can often see the Malabar Grey
Hornbill gliding amoung the trees. The craggy mountains is also
home for Falcons, who can be seen hovering in midair at one place
like helicopters, without moving a feather.
You can find more species of animals and birds in this enchanting
forest than the whole of Europe.
Getting there:
Bhimashankar is situated around 260 kms and 7 hours drive from Mumbai.
You could drive upto Bhivandi along Mumbai-Agra (Highway No.3), and
then via Kalyan to Murbad. You have to take the road that goes to
Wada to reach Bhimashankar.
The route takes you through the fast moving highway traffic where
you need to be extra careful while driving. The forest road has lesser
traffic and driving along this road is an experience to cherish. |
Bhimashankar Temple: