Shivgange is a famous temple near Bangalore and attracts a significant number of devotees. There are multiple temples as you scale the summit however and the climb becomes more treacherous and steep as one climbs up.
Tip:
- If you are planning to go all the way up I would recommend not to take off your shoes. The climb is full of gravel and medium stones and it will be difficult without shoes.
- Avoid carrying any bags. The monkeys are quite audacious and will inspect you and your bags for any eatables. I had one coming from behind climbing on my shoulder and inspecting my bag which I had to let go as there were two more following him.
Road to Shivgange
Ganesha Carved to the Left as you climb up the first flight of Stairs
Nandi as you take the left after the first flight of Stairs
Morning mist covering the peak
Small wooden Nandi on the second teample
Views below
Almost looks like Sphinx in the Mist
Cliff with very strong winds
Nandi on top of the Peak
Monkey family huddling together to protect the young ones from the Wind
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is about 110 KM from Pune and you can either take the state transport buses or hire a taxi to go there. It takes about 3-4 hrs from Pune.
Where to Stay?
There are only one or two accommodation options near the temple with basic facilities. If you are travelling with the elderly or have a vehicle you should stay at any of the resorts which are about 8-9 km from the temple. Natraj Holiday Resort (It's more of a hotel) is a decent option. The double room rent was Rs 1200/-.
Where to Eat?
There are a number of eateries near the temple. The restaurant at Natraj holiday resort is also quite good. The tandoori roti and naan where crisp and the paneer soft.
Butter Naan, Tandoori Roti and Paneer Butter masala at Natraj :)
Local Commute?
It is better to get a own car or keep a taxi handy. The public transport is not frequent.
Attractions:
The temple is located in a Wildlife Sanctuary and it is a paradise for trekking. You have forts, waterfalls, view points at the ghats and a river source.
Kondhwal Water Falls: is a beautiful water fall in the area and you must visit it. The road shown by Google is not correct but the location is correct. There is a zip-line running across the falls as well. You may have to check with the forest rangers on the activity. There is an entry fee to enter this area of 30 INR per person.
Kondhwal Waterfall
Shivneri Fort: On the way back you should visit to the Shivneri fort. The birthplace for Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Tips:
Do not take off your shoes when visiting the temple till the very end. There is a proper shoe stand right before the temple. The shop owners in their over enthusiasm mis-guide people to take their shoes off much earlier.
If you visit the temple at 4:30 am in the morning you can attend the arti and she the lingam. After that the silver cover if put on the stone lingam at around 5:30 am. After 6:30 they place another silver cover on top of the lingam. Only Vodafone network worked in this area.
