For animal lovers and wildlife photographers Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary, located at a distance of 110 km from Pune is the much-needed weekend getaway where one can see a variety of animals living at peace in their natural habitat. This is one of the 12 biodiversity hotspots which is rich in endemic flora and fauna.

Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary spreads across a massive area of 120 km of the Western Ghats and is home to the rust coloured Giant Indian Squirrel, the state animal of Maharashtra. Other major wildlife attractions include leopard, panther, hyenas, rhesus macaque, spotted eagle and the Malabar grey Hornbill. This sanctuary is also of great religious significance as it is host to 14 sacred groves. So, escape from your busy schedule and don’t miss a chance to show your kids the exotic animals which they only see in text books.