Tourist Places to visit in Nashik (2024)

  • Post last modified:6 April 2023
  • Reading time:18 mins read
  • Post category:Places to Visit

Situated on the banks of the mighty Godavari River is one of India’s ancient cities Nashik. Nashik’s reputation is spread far and wide not just in Maharashtra but the whole of India. It is one of the sites of the globally renowned Hindu festival Kumbh Mela. Known as the ‘Wine Capital of India‘, Nashik is the fourth largest city in Maharashtra after Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur.

The city of Nashik is located about 190 kilometres north of the metropolitan city of Mumbai. Nashik is one of the fastest-growing cities in India and attracts all sorts of travellers from all parts of the country. Home to numerous caves, dams, vineyards and weekend destinations, Nashik is indeed a place that must be visited while in Maharashtra.

With many destinations to choose from, find help in this article to decide on your places to visit in Nashik.

10 Places To Visit In Pune

  1. Sula Vineyards
  2. Trimbakeshwar
  3. Muktidham Mandir
  4. Saptashrungi
  5. Pandavleni Caves
  6. Anjaneri Fort
  7. Gangapur Dam
  8. Someshwar Water Fall
  9. Sita Gufa
  10. Harihar Fort

Sula Vineyards

Sula Vineyard’s reputation precedes that of Nashik itself. The massive vineyard that is spread over 1800 acres of land is without a doubt the most popular tourist spot in Nashik. Home to sixty wineries and two restaurants, Sula Vineyard was the first of its kind in India. It is home to famous varieties of grape wines like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Zinfandel.

Tourists mostly visit Sula Vineyard to make the most of their weekends to spend an off day in leisure. Visit this vast estate to enjoy various activities like wine tasting, vineyard tours and grape stomping. The Sula Fest conducted every year at this location is a country-wide famous music festival. Sula Vineyard is an ideal destination to plan your weekend getaway.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11:30 AM to 6:30
  • PM Major Attractions: Sula Fest, Grape Stomping
  • Ideal duration to explore: 2-4 hours
  • Things to do: Wine Tasting, Vineyard Tours

Trimbakeshwar

Located about 28 kilometres from the heart of Nashik City lies one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India — Trimbakeshwar. The Trimbakeshwar temple was established in the 18th century by the Maratha ruler Peshwa Nana Saheb. The famous Shiva temple nestles at the foot of the imposing Brahmagiri Hills. From a religious perspective, this shrine is of high significance to Hindu pilgrims and is one of the most famous religious places to visit in Nashik.

In the vicinity of the temple, one can find the Kusavarta Kunda (sacred pond) and a bust of its creator Sardar Raosaheb Parnekar alongside his wife’s. A major attraction at Trimbakeshwar is its Jyotirlinga that depicts three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. If you are visiting on a Monday then make sure you take a glimpse of the precious stone studded crown that is placed over the gold mask of Tridev.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Major Attractions: Jyotirlinga, Crown, Bust of Sardar Raosaheb Parnekar and his wife

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours Things to do: Worship

Muktidham Mandir

Within the suburbs of Nashik City, one cannot miss the alluring sight of the pristine white shrine that goes by the name of Muktidham Mandir. Made of pure white Rajasthani Marbles, the Muktidham Mandir was built in 1971. The generous donation to build the temple was made by a local industrialist late Mr J.D. Chauhan-Bytco. Muktidham Mandir accommodates numerous Hindu gods and it also houses replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas.

Within the complex, one can also find a Lord Krishna temple that has paintings depicting chapters from his life and Mahabharat. The temple also has eighteen chapters of Geeta written on the walls. The temple is flooded with devotees during Kumbh Mela and is one of the most famous religious spots in Nashik.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Major Attractions: Replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas, Krishna Temple, Wall Paintings

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours

Things to do: Worship

Saptashrungi

Nashik is dotted with places that have deep roots in the Hindu religion. One of such places is Saptashrungi. Roughly translated to ‘seven peaks’, Saptashrungi rests amidst seven mountains. It is also surrounded by over 108 water bodies and thick forests. It is one of the famous pilgrim destinations in Nashik. Saptashrungi is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (Goddess focused shrines) in India.

It is believed that one of the limbs of the right arm of Sati (Lord Shiva’s wife) fell here. It is also the half ‘Shakti Peeth’ of the three and a half Shakti Peethas located in the state of Maharashtra. The visitors must take 510 steps or a ropeway to reach the top of the temple. The temple receives the maximum number of devotees during the festival of Navratri and Poornima.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Major Attractions: Shaktipeeth

Ideal duration to explore: 1 hour

Things to do: Worship

Pandavleni Caves

The Pandavleni Caves are a group of 24 caves that depict ancient Buddhism in India. Standing the test of time, these rock-cut caves from the 3rd century BC are perched 3000 feet above sea level. Climb atop the Pandavleni Caves to enjoy the mesmerising view beneath. The meticulously carved caves stand as the epitome of expert craftsmanship and are numbered from 1 to 24. Caves 3, 10 and 18 are the favourites amongst the visitors.

It is believed that one of the limbs of the right arm of Sati (Lord Shiva’s wife) fell here. It is also the half ‘SPandavleni Caves are home to musical fountains, museums, sculptures, chambers, unique water structures and stone ladders. It is a famous trekking destination. Most of the sculptures and the inscriptions are intact due to the caves’ structure that protects them from the sun and the southwest rains. Pandavleni Caves is one of the most famous places to visit in Maharashtra.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Major Attractions: Caves 3, 10 and 18.

Ideal duration to explore: 1-3 hours

Things to do: Learn more about Buddhism in ancient India, Trekking

Anjaneri Fort

During the monsoon period, trekkers from all parts of Maharashtra could be seen rushing to a spot called Anjaneri Fort. Anjaneri Fort is believed to be the birthplace of the mighty Hindu god Hanuman and derives its name from Hanuman’s mother. One of the famous places in Nashik, the Anjaneri Fort is located in the mountain range of Nasik-Trimbakeshwar.

During the monsoon period, trekkers from all parts of Maharashtra could be seen rushing to a spot called Anjaneri Fort. Anjaneri Fort is believed to be the birthplace of the mighty Hindu god Hanuman and derives its name from Hanuman’s mother. One of the famous places in Nashik, the Anjaneri Fort is located in the mountain range of Nasik-Trimbakeshwar.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Major Attractions: 108 Jain caves

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours

Things to do: Shopping, Trekking

Gangapur Dam

Gangapur Dam is the longest earthen reservoir in the whole of Asia. The famous earth-fill dam is located on River Godavari. The dam is a favourite spot among the locals. People visit Gangapur Dam to spend blissful evenings while enjoying the serene view of the Godavari River. The dam is considered one of the best places to visit in Nashik for families.

There is a garden by the river for visitors to relax and take a walk. Gangapur Dam also has boating facilities for its visitors. Make sure you do not miss out on spotting migratory birds. Evenings at this dam are perfect to make the most of your photography skills. Gangapur Dam is a prime spot for shopping enthusiasts. Surrounded by many souvenirs, handicrafts and antique stores, the dam falls under places to visit in Nashik for shopping.

Opening hours: 24 x 7

Major Attractions: Migratory Birds, Garden

Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours

Things to do: Shopping, boating, star gazing, photography

Someshwar Water Fall

If you are a pilgrim or a traveller visiting Someshwar Temple then you just cannot miss Someshwar Waterfall. The stupendous waterfall is located close to Gangapur in the suburbs of Nashik. It is among the unavoidable places to visit in Nashik. The 10-metre waterfall is small but majestic and is also known as Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Treat yourself to the view of milky white water flowing in full force if you are visiting during the monsoon season.

The nature of the Someshwar Waterfall during the rainy season resembles that of waterfalls in Goa, especially the one that goes by the same name. The spot is a renowned picnic spot amidst families. The surrounding greenery makes it an ideal destination to relax during the evenings. Close to the waterfall is a Balaji Temple that should be visited while here.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Major Attractions: Balaji Temple

Ideal duration to explore: 1 hour

Things to do: Photography

Sita Gufa

Sita Gufa holds high religious value among Hindus due to its mention in the renowned epic Ramayana. Sita Gufa is located close to Panchavati, the spot from where Sita was kidnapped by Ravana. The cave today is a popular pilgrimage site and is situated near the five sacred banyan trees. The cave can be entered using a narrow staircase.

Upon entering the cave, one can find the idols of Lord Ram, his brother Laksham and Goddess Sita. To the left of the cave, there is a Shivling which is believed to be worshipped by Sita. Due to its connection to mythology and religious significance, Sita Gufa is one of the most famous places in Nashik.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Major Attractions: Idols of gods Ram, Lakshman and Sita, Shivling

Ideal duration to explore: 1 hour

Things to do: Worship

Harihar Fort

The Harihar Fort, located 40 kilometres from Nashik, is a haven for trekkers. Also known as the Harshagad, the fort was significant for Nashik as it was constructed to keep an eye on the trade route through Gonda Ghat. The fort is in its ruins and is famous for its rock-cut steps. If you are an adventure junkie then Harihar Fort must surely be a part of your places to visit near Nashik.

Trekkers can begin their ascent from the nearby villages of Harshewadi and Nirgudpada. While the beginners often choose Harshewadi, the expert and experienced trekkers choose Nirgudpada. The natural rock-cut steps assist the trekkers in many ways. The fort gets steeper with altitude and ends with a narrow entrance. Despite being in ruins, Harihar Fort is one of the famous forts in Maharashtra.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Major Attractions: Natural rock-cut steps

Ideal duration to explore: 1-3 hours

Things to do: Trekking

In conclusion, from a tourist perspective, Nashik is as famous as any other Popular city in Maharashtra. While you compile places to visit in Mumbai before your Maharashtra tour, make sure Nashik makes it to the list as well. From vineyards, beaches, dams, to beautiful waterfalls, feel free to plan your vacation or a weekend getaway to Nashik.

Nashik is dotted with places of religious importance and hence the city is a hotspot among pilgrims. Nashik experiences a massive influx of devotees during festivals of Navratri and Poornima. It is also a venue for the famous Hindu festival Kumbh Mela. Nashik is a haven for city dwellers who seek a peaceful time amidst bustling city life.

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Nashik?

Nashik is an all-around year destination. However, the best time to visit Nashik is during the winter. The comfortable temperature makes the city more welcoming than ever.

How many days are enough for Nashik?

With proper planning, Nashik can be visited in a day or at the most two. Even though the city has numerous tourist spots to choose from, the city is small and hence could be easily covered in a day.

How can I visit Nashik in one day?

If you have a proper itinerary with places to visit in Nashik, you can easily cover the city in one day.

What is famous to buy in Nashik?

Famous for its shopping streets, one can find souvenirs, handicrafts and silver items. Home to countless vineyards, Nashik has got a wide variety of wines for visitors to taste and buy.

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