10 Best Things to do in Nashik

The original framework of Nashik is sketched by Trimbakeshwar and Godavari river, the longest in the peninsula. The city is named after Ravana’s sister Shurpnakha’s nose, hacked off by Laxman during his 14-year exile with Ram and Sita.

The centuries-old mythical stories that hover between exotic creatures idolised, to this day, rouse a large part of Indian ideology. While some may dismiss these legends as pure fiction, I believe that each avatar of an Indian God is a doctrine in and of itself. Be it the supreme entity Lord Shiva himself, or Pashupati, the animal lord or Ashva or the Parabrahman. Even if it’s a fantasy, the story’s purpose of uniting heaven and earth sparked an incredible wave of faith among believers.

Lord Shiva, a member of the Holy Trinity, also known as Adi Shakti, is one of Hindu mythology’s three most revered Gods. And in India, 12 of 64 Jyotirlingas depict his Supreme’s path to enlightenment. Each is auspicious and sacred, and each Jyotirlinga is anointed after its reigning deity. One of these Jyotirlingas is in Nashik’s historic Trimbakeshwar temple, which is also the source of the sacred Godavari river. 

Nashik’s rich historical past and eternal legendary tales, I believe, are what entice me to return time and again. Nashik is one of the four cities that host the Sinhastha Kumbh Mela every 12 years, in addition to its beautiful temples on the banks of the Godavari. Despite being conducted only once every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela brings the largest number of tourists to Nashik. Wine enthusiasts, tourists, and entrepreneurs visit this city otherwise to visit wineries, attend conferences, or tour the breathtaking high-altitude scenery.

Nashik is India’s wine capital since it is home to half of its vineyards. Its proximity to Mumbai and Pune is particularly advantageous, as many residents from these cities travel to Nashik for a weekend vacation! In comparison to other cities of similar size, Nashik is now noticeably cleaner, greener, and better kept. On the way to Nashik from Mumbai or Pune, one passes through an extensive Sahyadri forest range, which is an added treat. Even though Nashik has flourished as a wine tourism destination, I still like to explore its old quarter, which features exquisite temples, large ghats, and outstanding wood architecture that echoes the Ramayana.

There is a lot to see, from over 100 historic temples to Hindu pilgrimage sites, Buddhist stupas, and biblical 1st-century Pandavleni Caves. Take a peek at some of Nashik’s top attractions that you should not miss at any cost.

Buddha Vihar

The Golden Buddha at Buddha Vihar (Memorial) at the foothills of the historic Pandavleni caves was the highlight of my Nashik tour. This Vihara, in the shape of a stupa, is right next to the Dada Phalke memorial which is a mark of peace and love. The Buddha Vihar relaxes your mind and helps you focus on the consciousness of being, while the Dada Phalke memorial provides a short flashback through Indian film history. Buddha Vihar is Maharashtra’s largest Stupa, and the Golden Buddha enshrined here is the state’s biggest as well.

The keeper asked me to stay silent and not take any pictures when I entered. For ten minutes, I was let inside the dome, where it was just the Buddha and myself. This calm, devoid of any distractions, allows you to reflect and refract. A water park is also nearby, where you can enjoy water rides.

Pandavleni Caves

After visiting the serene Buddha Vihar, I hiked 300 steps to Pandavleni, Maharashtra’s oldest cave. Pandavleni Caves, located 20 minutes from the city centre, are worth ascending whether you’re a tourist or want to see Bodhisattva and Indo Greek architecture sculptures. Pandavleni Caves have nothing to do with Pandavas! This location’s name is derived from two Marathi words: Pundru and Leni, indicating ochre-coloured caves. Pandavleni is a cluster of 24 Buddhist caves that were first carved in the 1st century and afterwards, embellished with a few sculptures in the sixth century.

As you move from one cave to the next, you’ll notice a trail of engravings depicting the significant evolution of Buddhist devotional activities. The chaitya of the first century BC, Cave 18, is a primordial rock-cut edifice that introduces one to the Hinayana traditions. Inscriptions from Vashishthiputra, Gautamiputra, Satkarni, Bhattapalika, Ushavadata, Dakshamitra, and Indo-Greek Dhammadeva may be found in Caves 3, 11-15, and 19-20.

Nashik Coin Museum

The coin museum, shrouded by beautiful nature, is yet another phenomenal site to see in Nashik. Coin Museum, located near Anjeri Hill and surrounded by mountains, was established in 1980 to educate the public about the history of Indian coinage. You can browse a variety of coins, dyes, moulds, pictures, reproductions, and brief anecdotes at this one-of-a-kind Asian museum. You may also learn about the procedure of coin production here.

Nashik Dugarwadi Waterfall

Dugarwadi’s beautiful waterfalls are one of Nashik’s most appealing attractions. This flowing wonder, located 30 kilometres from Nashik, is sure to soothe you in no time. It is, without a question, one of the top tourist attractions where you may spend a pleasant day with family or friends.

Kalaram Temple

The Kalaram temple in Nirman Upvan, one of Nashik’s most religious locations, is notable for its 17th-century architecture. Sardar Rangarao Odhekar constructed this ancient Hindu temple to honour Lord Rama. The Lord Rama statue in this temple is black, thus the name “Kalaram.”

Muktidham

Muktidham, a massive marble temple on the outskirts of Nashik, is well worth a visit! Muktidham is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna that houses captivating paintings from the Mahabharata period. The wall etched with 18 chapters of the Bhagwat Geeta, however, is the work of art that adds to the temple’s splendour. You may witness models of the twelve Jyotirlingas and statues of Sita, Rama, Laxmi, Laxman, Durga, Vishnu, Hanuman, and Ganesha while touring this temple. This temple is predominantly frequented during the Kumbh Mela when a large number of devotees flock to experience the religious rituals. Muktidham offers on-site lodging thus, many choose to stay back for a few days.

Ramkund, Nashik

Ramkund is a holy bathing ghat in Nashik, located on the banks of the Godavari River. Thousands of people visit this Kund riddled with mythology and legends.

Saptashrungi Garh

Saptshrungi Garh is 60 kilometres from Nashik, yet it is unquestionably a sacred site worth seeing! The term Saptshrungi is derived from seven mountain peaks. Goddess Bhagawati is said to reside in this Garh, according to legend. According to the Ramayana, Hanuman took the herbaceous medicine for the injured Laxmana from the same mountain. Its Kund represents the 108 water reserves on this ridge. Saptshrungi Garh is a holy site that gleams brilliantly post monsoons.

Sula Vineyards

Nashik, Maharashtra’s fourth-largest city, takes you to the French Bordeaux Port or a Roman wine cellar in an instant. A visit to Sula Vineyards allows you to explore the reds, whites, plums, and rosés in ways you’ve never experienced before. Exploring an Indian estate of grape-bearing vines, wine tastings, the best of alcoholic breakfasts, and numerous music festivals make this an ideal getaway. Nashik is the perfect place to sample red Chenin Blanc or white Sauvignon Vert, and Sula Vineyards exemplifies the best of the region’s wine culture. Wine connoisseurs from all across visit the city to sample its distinctive sweet-vinegary wines.

Trimbakeshwar Temple

Last but not least, when in Nashik, a visit to Trimbakeshwar is a must. It is one of the city’s most well-known holy sites, with visitors from all over the world. Trimbakeshwar is one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas, as I mentioned earlier. This Shiva temple is located at the base of the Bramhagiri Mountain and is the sacred source of the Godavari River. Lord Ganesha is said to have been born here. Take a peek at the three divine Lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva while you’re here.

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