India’s glowing forest
It’s amazing to see how nature give us so many incredible things in the form of Waterfalls, forest, animals, Volcanoes etc. There is another amazing glowing display of nature in the forest of Western Ghats, India
The forest of Bhimashankar wildlife reserve is 100kms from Mumbai between the Mumbai and Goa stretch. Western Ghats is among the richest rainforest on this planet with vast flora and fauna. Boundaries of the Western Ghatsstarts from Gujarat and ends in Kerala by covering an area of almost 1600kms along the west coast. The area is famous for Tigers, Leopards, Elephant, Black Panther and species of rare birds and reptiles.This reserve is mostly inhabited by localtribalswho still follow their own culture, tradition, language and lifestyle, which is totally different from the city people.
During monsoon season, which starts from June through October, these whole forest glow because of the bioluminescent fungus that grows on rotting woods. It happen due to humidity and moisture in the atmosphere which help fungus to grow.
This phenomenon is something amazing which can’t be witness somewhere else. There are so many species of Fungi but all are not bioluminescent fungus. So wherever they do grow, they put whole area on glow. Scientists are still search about this amazing display of nature. In the past, it was report by Roman naturalist, who report this amazing phenomenon in 1st Century.
This amazing process occur due to the growth of Mycena Genus fungi which is a group of tiny mushrooms that look like moss. Due to this, one can witness fluorescent green glow on decaying wood in the forest.
Explore the forest and its small villages and you will see many picturesque spots, birds and waterfalls for perfect photograph. Discover the valley with vast Flora and faunaby selecting tours from www.visitofindia.com as per your requirement. It’s an offbeat destination as most of the nearby area is still unexplored by tourist.
Things to do:
- Chas Kaman Dam (Hydel power project)
- BhimashankarJyotirlinga Temple ( one of the 12 Jyotirlingas)
- Fireflies in Bhorgiri
- Explore tribal villages
- Trekking
- Camping
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife photographers
- Junnar Caves (3rdcentury Buddhist caves)
- Nature Trails
- Hanuman Lake (Picnic Spot)
- AhupeWaterfall Point
- Do some hike in trails in remote villages
- Relax and enjoy beautiful views of mountains
BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit is during Monsoon season from June till mid of October. One has to trek deep in forest to look for this amazing phenomenon of nature with lots of Luck. Not everyone will be lucky enough to see this as it depend on humidity and moisture level in the atmosphere.
ENTRY REGULATIONS TO WILDLIFE RESERVE:Whole reserve is open for the tourists throughout the year but the entry gate close after dark (07 PM). If you wish to visit after closing hours, one must accompanied with certified guide. For adventure group and naturalist, please take prior permission and book certified guide in advance.
Bhimashankar wildlife reserve do not have any entrance fees but only take entry fee for the vehicles which is going inside the park. Following are the price list for the vehicles.
Two wheelers: INR 10/- per person
Four wheelers: INR 50/- per person
Heavy vehicles: INR 100/- per person
WHERE TO STAY:Tourist can stay at Blue Mormon Jungle Resort, Ratwa Resort which is located near the reserve. For adventure or trekking group, one must do camping or stay at small homestay in the village inside the reserve.
HOW TO REACH: Road journey to Bhimashankar wildlife reserve is a delightful one as whole stretch is scenic with beautiful views. Some travelers, prefer to drive during monsoon season to see beauty of WesternGhats. Tourist bus service is also available from other big cities in case if you don’t wish to drive.
Nearest Railway station and airport to Bhimashankar wildlife reserve is Pune city (approx. 105kms) and Mumbai is approx. 215kms. Both the cities is well connected to other Indian cities and rest of the world.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE CAMPING: The camp team is there to set up camp, cook and help to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The camp is well equipped with dinning tent, sleeping mats and toilet.
You can expect some breakfast and dinner on table. However, it is a basic rural camp, so do not expect hot showers and other luxury facilities like hotels.
Packed lunches are normally delivered to you by the camp team while you are out and about, so there is no need to carry your own packed lunch.
Try not to over pack, but do be aware that it is very difficult to wash clothes while you are camping and get them dry as weather changes often.
TIPS FOR VISITING BHIMASHANKAR WILDLIFE RESERVE: One must prepare well and take all precautions before visiting the reserve. Do note down below safety measure and must bring stuff on your list:
- Take proper information about current weather conditions especially monsoon season, as reserve gets lot of rainfall.
- Binoculars and ideally a telescope with tripod (as lightweight as possible) if you have one to scan for birds and views.
- A 30 – 50 litre day backpack large enough to carry water bottles, camera and extra clothing.
- Personal torch/head torch.
- Comfortable clothing / no formals.
- Ankle length trekking boots (light weight good quality Gore-Tex preferable with solid soles for insulation and grip) with gaiters.
- Antiseptic wipes/gel, blister treatments.
- Throwing plastic bags and polluting the area is strictly prohibited.
- Very less certified guide and jeep Safari is available in the park. Please book them in advance to avoid any inconvenience at later stage.
- Do carry First Aid kit, water, Dry Snacks and Mosquito repellants and personal medicines as area have limited shops.