Mumbai to Bhimashankar Bike Trip: Complete Route, Itinerary, Cost & Travel Guide
A Mumbai to Bhimashankar bike trip is one of the most rewarding long-distance weekend rides for motorcycle enthusiasts in Maharashtra. Unlike a typical highway ride, this journey
Read more: Mumbai to Bhimashankar Bike Trip: Complete Route, Itinerary, Cost & Travel Guidecombines highways, rural roads, forest stretches, winding mountain sections and a spiritual destination at the heart of the Sahyadri ranges.
Bhimashankar is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is surrounded by the dense forests of the Western Ghats. The destination is equally popular among pilgrims, nature lovers, trekkers and motorcycle riders.
A ride to Bhimashankar is not just about reaching the temple—it is about enjoying the journey.
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Mumbai to Bhimashankar: Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Mumbai |
| Destination | Bhimashankar, Maharashtra |
| Approx. Distance | Around 220–230 km one way |
| Riding Time | 5–7 hours depending on route and traffic |
| Ideal Duration | One long day or 2-day trip |
| Best Season | September–February |
| Monsoon Season | June–September |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Ideal Bike Type | Adventure, touring or any reliable motorcycle |
| Best For | Spiritual ride, nature, mountains and weekend touring |
According to Maharashtra Tourism’s Bhimashankar guide, Bhimashankar is approximately 220 km from Mumbai and is best accessed by road.
Why Ride from Mumbai to Bhimashankar?
Bhimashankar offers a completely different riding experience compared to short weekend destinations near Mumbai.
The journey includes:
- City highways
- Long open stretches
- Rural Maharashtra roads
- Forest landscapes
- Winding mountain roads
- Mist and clouds during monsoon
- A peaceful spiritual destination
The final section approaching Bhimashankar is particularly beautiful, with dense greenery and the Western Ghats surrounding the road.
Bhimashankar is also located within the ecologically important Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and Maharashtra’s state animal, the Indian Giant Squirrel or Shekru.
Mumbai to Bhimashankar Bike Route
There are multiple ways to reach Bhimashankar from Mumbai.
Route 1: Via Kalyan – Murbad – Junnar
Mumbai → Thane → Kalyan → Murbad → Junnar Region → Manchar → Bhimashankar
This route offers a combination of highways, rural roads and scenic countryside.
Best For:
- Riders looking for scenic roads
- Adventure motorcycles
- Group rides
- Exploring rural Maharashtra
Depending on your exact starting point and navigation route, the journey is approximately 220 km or more.
Route 2: Via Lonavala – Talegaon – Chakan – Manchar
Mumbai → Lonavala → Talegaon → Chakan → Manchar → Bhimashankar
This route can be more comfortable for riders who prefer major highways and better-developed roads for part of the journey.
Best For:
- Touring motorcycles
- Beginners doing their first long ride
- Riders who prefer highway cruising
The final approach from the Manchar side towards Bhimashankar becomes increasingly scenic and mountainous.
Important:
Road conditions can change due to monsoon damage, construction and landslides. Always check your live navigation and local road updates before departure.
Recommended Route for ABC Riders
For a group motorcycle ride, a practical route can be:
Mumbai → Thane → Kalyan → Murbad → Junnar → Manchar → Bhimashankar
For the return journey, you can either take the same route or plan an alternate route through the Pune/Talegaon side, depending on current road conditions and available time.
This makes the journey feel more like a proper motorcycle expedition instead of simply riding the same road both ways.
Best Time for Mumbai to Bhimashankar Bike Trip
1. Post-Monsoon & Winter: September to February
This is arguably the best period for a motorcycle trip.
You get:
- Pleasant weather
- Green landscapes
- Cooler temperatures
- Better visibility
- Comfortable riding conditions
The official Maharashtra Tourism guide recommends the September to February period for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.
Best For:
Riders, families, pilgrims and photographers.
2. Monsoon: June to September
Monsoon transforms Bhimashankar into a completely different world.
Expect:
- Dense green forests
- Waterfalls
- Foggy roads
- Low clouds
- Mist-covered mountains
- Continuous rain
Maharashtra Tourism describes Bhimashankar during monsoon as particularly lush, with waterfalls and misty landscapes, but warns that roads and trekking paths can become slippery.
Important for Riders:
Monsoon is beautiful—but challenging.
Avoid aggressive riding and always check for:
- Heavy rainfall warnings
- Landslide alerts
- Road closures
- Low visibility conditions
3. Summer: March to May
Summer can be warmer during the day, especially on the highway sections.
However, Bhimashankar’s forest environment can still be pleasant compared to Mumbai.
Start early in the morning to avoid heat.
Road Conditions and Riding Experience
The Mumbai to Bhimashankar journey includes different types of roads.
Mumbai to Kalyan
Expect:
- Heavy traffic
- Urban riding
- Trucks and commercial vehicles
Starting early is highly recommended.
Kalyan to Murbad
The roads gradually become less congested.
This section offers:
- Open roads
- Rural scenery
- Small towns
- Fuel stations
Murbad and Junnar Region
This is where the journey becomes more interesting.
Expect:
- Countryside roads
- Village sections
- Curves
- Occasional uneven surfaces
Final Bhimashankar Section
The final mountain approach is the most scenic and demanding section.
Expect:
- Curves
- Forest roads
- Elevation changes
- Fog during monsoon
- Wet surfaces
- Tourist and pilgrimage traffic
Ride carefully and avoid overtaking on blind corners.
Suggested One-Day Mumbai to Bhimashankar Bike Itinerary
A one-day trip is possible, but it will be a long day.
4:30 AM – Start from Mumbai
Starting early is extremely important.
A group should ideally meet and depart between 4:30 AM and 5:30 AM.
Before departure:
- Fill fuel tanks
- Check tyre pressure
- Check chain lubrication
- Confirm navigation route
- Carry rain gear
- Share emergency contacts
7:00 AM – Breakfast Stop
Stop somewhere along the Kalyan/Murbad/Junnar route.
Recommended:
- Light breakfast
- Tea or coffee
- Hydration
Don’t waste too much time here if you are doing the trip in one day.
8:00 AM – Continue Towards Bhimashankar
This is where the roads become increasingly scenic.
Maintain a comfortable cruising speed.
Remember:
This is a long-distance ride, not a race.
10:30 AM–12:00 PM – Reach Bhimashankar
Arrival time depends heavily on:
- Starting point
- Traffic
- Group size
- Weather
- Number of stops
Park your motorcycles and prepare for the temple visit.
Bhimashankar Temple Visit
The Bhimashankar Temple is one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas and is the primary attraction of the destination.
The temple attracts devotees throughout the year and can become extremely crowded during:
- Mahashivratri
- Shravan month
- Weekends
- Public holidays
Temple Visit Tips
- Carry appropriate clothing.
- Keep footwear and valuables secure.
- Expect queues during peak periods.
- Start early if visiting on weekends.
- Respect temple rules and photography restrictions.
Places to Explore Around Bhimashankar
1. Bhimashankar Temple
The main reason many visitors travel here.
The temple combines:
- Spiritual significance
- Traditional architecture
- Forest surroundings
- Peaceful mountain atmosphere
2. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
The region is surrounded by one of Maharashtra’s important protected forest areas.
The sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna, including:
- Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru)
- Leopards
- Deer
- Wild boars
- Various bird species
The sanctuary forms part of the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats ecosystem.
3. Gupt Bhimashankar
Gupt Bhimashankar is a popular nearby attraction for visitors interested in nature and trekking.
The journey through forest surroundings makes it especially attractive for adventure enthusiasts.
If you plan to visit, allow extra time and confirm current local access conditions.
4. Hanuman Lake
A peaceful location around the Bhimashankar region where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Ideal for:
- Photography
- Nature walks
- Relaxing after the temple visit
5. Nagphani Point
Known for scenic views of the Sahyadri region.
Weather and visibility can dramatically affect the experience, especially during monsoon.
6. Trekking Routes
Bhimashankar is also famous among trekkers.
One of the popular approaches begins from Khandas village, offering a challenging trek through the Western Ghats. Maharashtra Tourism identifies Khandas as a well-known trekking starting point for adventure visitors.
If you’re combining biking and trekking, a two-day trip is strongly recommended.
Two-Day Mumbai to Bhimashankar Bike Trip Itinerary
For riders who want to enjoy the destination properly, this is the better option.
Day 1: Mumbai to Bhimashankar
5:00 AM
Start from Mumbai.
7:00 AM
Breakfast stop.
8:00 AM
Continue towards Bhimashankar.
11:00 AM
Reach destination.
12:00 PM
Temple visit.
2:00 PM
Lunch.
3:30 PM onwards
Explore nearby areas.
Evening
Check into accommodation and relax.
Day 2: Explore & Return
Morning
Explore:
- Forest surroundings
- Nearby viewpoints
- Local attractions
10:00 AM
Begin return journey.
Afternoon
Lunch stop en route.
Evening
Reach Mumbai.
What Bike Should You Take?
Bhimashankar can be comfortably done on most motorcycles.
Excellent Choices:
- KTM 390 Adventure
- KTM 250 Adventure
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- BMW G 310 GS
- Hero Xpulse 200
- Suzuki V-Strom SX
- Triumph Scrambler 400 X
- Royal Enfield Scram 411
- Bajaj Dominar 400
Adventure bikes are particularly enjoyable because of the varied road conditions.
However, a regular street motorcycle can also complete the journey without difficulty if it is mechanically sound.
Bike Preparation Checklist
Before starting your Mumbai to Bhimashankar ride, inspect:
Mechanical Checklist
- Engine oil
- Tyre pressure
- Tyre condition
- Front and rear brakes
- Brake fluid
- Chain lubrication
- Battery
- Headlights
- Indicators
- Horn
- Coolant level
Carry With You
- Basic tool kit
- Puncture repair kit
- Portable tyre inflator
- First-aid kit
- Rain cover
- Bungee cords
- Power bank
- Emergency cash
Essential Riding Gear
For a 200+ km motorcycle journey, proper gear is important.
Minimum Recommended Gear
Full-Face Helmet
Never compromise on helmet quality.
Riding Jacket
Preferably with shoulder, elbow and back protection.
Riding Gloves
Essential for grip and protection.
Riding Pants
Recommended for long-distance touring.
Riding Boots
Ankle protection is especially useful for mountain riding.
Rain Gear
Mandatory during monsoon.
Estimated Mumbai to Bhimashankar Bike Trip Cost
The cost depends on your motorcycle mileage and accommodation choices.
One-Day Trip Budget Per Rider
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel | ₹900–₹1,500 |
| Breakfast | ₹150–₹300 |
| Lunch | ₹250–₹500 |
| Snacks & Drinks | ₹200–₹400 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹200–₹500 |
| Estimated Total | ₹1,700–₹3,200 |
Two-Day Trip Budget
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel | ₹900–₹1,500 |
| Food | ₹800–₹1,500 |
| Accommodation | ₹1,000–₹3,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| Estimated Total | ₹3,200–₹7,000 |
Costs can vary based on bike mileage, hotel selection and group preferences.
Tips for Monsoon Riders
Bhimashankar during monsoon is stunning—but requires extra preparation.
Follow These Rules:
- Reduce your speed.
- Avoid sudden braking.
- Keep extra distance from other vehicles.
- Watch for mud and loose gravel.
- Carry waterproof gloves.
- Protect your mobile and electronics.
- Avoid riding after dark.
- Do not enter flooded roads.
- Be careful of fog in mountain sections.
Most Important:
If visibility is poor, slow down immediately.
Do not try to maintain your normal highway speed in fog.
Group Ride Tips for ABC Riders
If you’re planning a group ride with ABC Riders, maintain proper riding discipline.
Before Starting
Create a ride briefing covering:
- Route
- Fuel stops
- Breakfast stop
- Emergency contacts
- Regroup points
- Hotel details
During the Ride
Assign:
Ride Captain
Leads the group.
Sweep Rider
Remains at the back.
Experienced Riders
Can be positioned at important junctions if required.
Group Riding Rules
- No unnecessary overtaking.
- No racing.
- Maintain safe gaps.
- Don’t leave inexperienced riders behind.
- Stop only at planned locations.
- Respect local traffic rules.
The best group ride is not the fastest one.
It is the one where everyone reaches safely.
