The forest has thick evergreen trees. Wide range of herbs and shrubs are found here. Several species of plants like Mango, Hirda, Behda, Bamboo, Climber, Grass, and Ferns are found here abundantly.
The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is a dwelling of a variety of wild animals like leopards, barking deer, pangolin, and wild boar, the rare Giant Sambar, Langur, and Hyena. Various types of birds like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Quaker Babbler, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Green Pigeon, Black Eagle, and Grey Jungle Fowl are found here.
The giant squirrel are the largest tree animal found in this region. It’s about 3 feet long. These squirrels can take huge leaps from one tree to another. They generally built their nests on the higher and slimmer twigs of the trees where predators would not be able to reach. They are very shy in nature and are sooner heard than seen.
Leopards are also found here in a handsome amount. Often their foot marks are seen on the marsh.
The other attractions of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary are Bombay Point, Nagphani Point, Hanuman Tank, Vanaspati Point, and Gupt Bhimashankar.
With such a rich variety of flora and fauna, government has declared the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary as a reserve forest.
Getting there:
The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is a 7 hours drive from Mumbai. The drive through the forest is quite an experience to treasure. Nearest airport and railway station is at Pune. One can also drive down to the forest from Pune.
