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Bhimashankar Wildlife
Sanctuary
This sanctuary is sprawled over an area of 100 sq km. Rich in flora and fauna, the park has a wide range of wildlife including animals like leopards, sambars, barking deers, wild boars, Hanuman langurs and Rhesus macaques.
The sanctuary is flanked by Jyotivanti trees, which glow in the dark during monsoon. They add to the appeal of the mist laden chilly atmosphere. The park also has many temples and forts in the nearby areas, which are worth visiting. The Park has numerous attractions within it confine. An important pilgrimage center, Bhimashankar is a beautiful black rock structure built in the Nagara style of architecture, the temple dates back to the mid 18th century.
A small path behind this temple leads to a natural Shivlinga in the riverbed, a short distance down stream, only visible when the water level is low. Besides the temple, the two picturesque lakes, Kamalja Devi and Hanuman and the highest point, Nagphani make up the sites of tourist interest. Shaped as the hood of the snake, a short climb from the temple it offers an amazing panoramic view.
Tungi Padar and Peth forts just below and the Matheran Range is visible in the distance. While thousands gather in this temple during Mahashivratri and Tripuri Purnima, Bhimashankar with its charming views and dense forest cover has always lured tourists and trekkers.
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