Nashik Travel Guide: Temples, Caves, Godavari Ghats and the Wine Region

Nashik stands on the Godavari in the northwest of Maharashtra, at about 565 metres above sea level, and Maharashtra Tourism counts it among the four cities that host the Kumbh Mela. Its sights fall into three groups: the riverside old town around Panchavati, the road west to Trimbak with the caves and the Jyotirlinga, and the lake and vineyards around Gangapur Dam. Saptashrungi lies farther out, near Vani.

Panchavati and Ramkund

Panchavati lies on the left bank of the Godavari, and the district administration says Lord Ram stayed here during his exile. Maharashtra Tourism lists the Sita Gumph among its sights, spelled Sita Gufa on its Kalaram page, where it says the cave offers a glimpse into the Ramayana. Ramkund, on the riverbank, is the place where pilgrims gather.

Kalaram Temple

The temple takes its name from the black stone idol in its sanctum. Sardar Rangarao Odhekar, a Maratha nobleman, began building it in 1788 and finished it in 1792. Maharashtra Tourism recommends visiting during Ram Navami or Dussehra. It puts Panchavati nearby and Sita Gufa a short walk away, with Ramkund on the river, so the three fit one morning.

Trimbakeshwar Temple

Trimbakeshwar, in Trimbak town about 28 km from Nashik beside the Brahmagiri hills, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Its linga has three faces, for Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Inside the complex, the Kushavarta Kund is regarded as the origin of the Godavari, and the Gangadwar cave temple on Brahmagiri Hill marks the river's first visible emergence. The temple trust says darshan runs from 5.30 am to 9 pm and offers online donation darshan passes. Maha Shivaratri is the biggest celebration.

Pandavleni Caves

Twenty-four caves are carved into the Trirashmi Hills beside the Trimbak road, about 8 km from the city. Buddhist monks used them to meditate and live, and the viharas (monastic dwellings) and chaityas (prayer halls) date from the early centuries of the Common Era. You climb some steps to reach them. Maharashtra Tourism says winter, from November to February, is the best time, and the paths can be slippery after the monsoon.

Saptashrungi

Saptashrungi, near Vani, is a Shakti Peetha among seven peaks; Maharashtra Tourism counts it as one of three and a half in the state. The goddess stands about eight feet tall with eighteen hands holding weapons. The climb once meant more than 500 steps, and a funicular now helps older and less mobile visitors. The page puts it roughly 70 km from Nashik Road station and 80 km from the airport, so allow most of a day. Navratri in spring and autumn draws pilgrims from across India.

Anjaneri Fort

Maharashtra Tourism describes Anjaneri Fort as the birthplace of Hanuman, and Ramshej Fort as a stopover associated with Lord Ram. The department lists both among the district's forts and caves. Its page gives no timings or entry rules for either, so ask locally about the current route and conditions before you set out.

Gangapur Dam and the wine region

Gangapur Dam is 14 km from the city centre. Maharashtra Tourism lists a new boating club near the dam with row, paddle and motorised boats, and says Someshwar's ancient Shiva temple and its waterfall are at their best in the monsoon. The department calls Nashik the "Wine Capital of India", and the wineries a short drive from the dam run guided tours that usually end with a tasting. October to March is the ideal time, with migratory birds at the water; the dam has no entry fee, though boating may be charged.

Igatpuri

Igatpuri is a hill town on the Mumbai-Agra highway. It is home to the Vipassana International Academy at Dhamma Giri, and Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra at about 5,400 feet, rises nearby. In the monsoon the waterfalls of Camel Valley run, but trails turn slippery. Maharashtra Tourism's own distances for Igatpuri differ from page to page, so check the road distance before you plan around it.