You usually consider your mood when deciding on a place for your next trip. Do I want the thrill of adventures or a serene place to relax? Scrumptious food or discovering your spiritual side? What if we told you you could find all this in the same place? Around 160 km away from the fast life of Mumbai, Nashik is one of India’s most underrated travel destinations. On exploring, you will find two different worlds in the same city.
Nashik is known as the country’s wine capital, with wine lovers visiting to taste the best wine in India. On the other hand, Nashik holds paramount religious importance and is a popular destination for devotees. Are you ready to take a deep dive into this haven? Rent a Savaari Cab for a convenient ride in Nashik. Let us explore the various sides of Nashik in detail and understand why it should be on your travel list.
Table of Content
Things to do in Nashik
Dive into spirituality at the serene temples
You will find many temples whose origins can be traced back to the times of Ramayana. Nashik is home to Tapovan, a forest where Lord Rama and Sita were believed to have stayed during their exile. You will also find many significant temples located by the banks of Godavari. Here are some of the places that you can visit on your next trip –
Ram Kund – Visit the holy Ram Kund by the Godavari River. Believed to be Lord Rama and Sita’s bathing spot, this place was built around 1969 by Chitrarao Khatarkar. Ram Kund is considered the holiest spot in the city. This place is also said to contain the bone-dissolving Asthivilaya Tirth. Spend some time with your spiritual self while immersing yourself in the remembrance of the deity.
Balaji Temple – A replica of Tirupati Balaji, this is one of the cleanest temples of Nashik. You can also visit the Dudsagar falls by the Godavari river when you are here. You can visit the Ardha Mantapa and Garbha Griham located in the temple.
Trimbakeshwar Temple – Watch the origin of the longest river of peninsula India. The majestic Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the twelve jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This place is also said to be the origin of river Godavari. Built in the 18th century by Maratha ruler, Peshwa Nana Saheb, this temple is close to a hundred feet high. Located between three hills namely Brahmagiri, Nilagiri and Kalagiri, the temple has three lingams representing Shiv, Vishnu and Brahma.
Muktidham – Located near Nashik railway station, this temple is built with white marbles. You will be astounded to find the writings of the 18 chapters of Gita on these walls. Popular among tourists, it is considered to be one the holy dhams.
Satiate your heart that seeks adventures
Nashik has more surprises than you think. From white water rafting to spending a day at the vineyards tasting wine, you will find all that your adventurous heart seeks. Let’s take a look at what your day at Nashik can seem like.
Sula Vineyards – No blog about Nashik can be completed without mentioning this place. One of the most popular vineyards of the country, Sula Vineyard gives a chance to try the different varieties of wine. Visit them during their annual Sula Fest held in February.
[Also read: Places to visit near Mumbai by road]
White water rafting – This spot can be found in the Adventure Camp Zone on the Vaitarna River. The experience of facing the turbulent water with friends is something that you must consider trying once! They provide the best-in-class services to ensure your safety and to enrich your experience.
Trekking the Brahmagiri Hills – One of the best trekking spots of Nashik, you will find the ruins of a once majestic fort at the top of the hill. The trek difficulty is medium, so carry your water bottles and be hydrated!
Pandavleni Caves – Also known as Pandu caves or Nasik Caves, it was built around the 3rd century. If you are a history lover then this is the place to be! Located in the foothills of Trivashmi Hills, the caves are a linked group of 24 caves that represent Hinayana Buddhism.
How to plan a trip to Nashik
When planning a trip to Nashik, your first step should be deciding on the time of your visit. The city is most inviting during the winter months, from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. After setting your dates, you should book your accommodation to secure a good deal. Next, prepare your itinerary by researching and deciding the places you want to visit.
Nashik has numerous attractions, including the Trimbakeshwar Temple, Sula Vineyards, Ramkund, Panchavati, and Pandavleni Caves. Also, account for the time needed at each location. Lastly, arrange your transportation. Nashik is well-connected by air, train, and road with other major cities in India. For commuting within the city, you can opt for a reliable car rental service to take you around.
How to reach Nashik
Reaching Nashik, a city in Maharashtra, India, can be accomplished through various modes of transportation, including air, train, and road.
By Air:
Nashik Airport (also known as Ozar Airport) is the nearest airport to Nashik. After landing, you can book a Savaari airport taxi to reach your accommodation in the city. Savaari offers reliable and comfortable taxi services from the airport to various parts of the city.
By Train
Nashik is well connected by train with major cities in India. The city’s central station is Nashik Road Railway Station. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination in the city.
By Road
Nashik is well connected with major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad. If you plan to drive from Mumbai to Nashik, you can use the Mumbai-Nashik Expressway, a part of National Highway 3 (NH3). The journey typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can hire a cab from Mumbai to Nashik.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Nashik is during the winter season, from October to March. The weather during this time is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. Monsoons (June to September) can also be an excellent time to visit, as the surroundings become lush and beautiful, but heavy rains could disrupt travel plans.
Places to eat in Nashik
Don’t forget to explore the local cuisine. Nashik offers a variety of eateries serving mouth-watering dishes.
- Hotel Sadhana, Shalimar Chowk: Known for its traditional Maharashtrian thali.
- Chulivarchi Misal, Gangapur Road: Don’t miss the spicy and flavorful Misal Pav, a local speciality.
- Barbeque Ville, Karambeli: A must-visit for barbeque and grill enthusiasts.
- Soma Vine Village, Gangavane: Try the delicious food and a variety of wines at their vineyard.
- Shree Datta Snacks, Panchavati: Renowned for their assortment of chaats and snacks.
- Rasoi, CBS Road: Visit for various North Indian and Mughlai dishes.
- Curry Leaves, Trimbak Road: A great place to sample South Indian cuisine.
- Panchavati Gaurav, CBS Road: Visit for their scrumptious Gujarati thali.
About Nashik
Nashik, also called Nasik, is an ancient city in the northwest region of Maharashtra in India. It is one of the four cities that hosts the massive Hindu pilgrimage Kumbh Mela every twelve years. Nashik is known for its picturesque surroundings, pleasant climate, vibrant culture, and numerous temples. Furthermore, it is also a significant hub for the manufacturing, agro-processing, and wine-making industries. As of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, Nashik was India’s “Wine Capital”, home to approximately half of India’s vineyards and wineries.
Geography
Nashik is located in northwest Maharashtra, approximately 200 kilometres from Mumbai and Pune. The city sits on the banks of the holy river Godavari, often called the ‘Ganges of the South’. Nashik has a varied landscape surrounded by hills, fertile plains and river valleys. The Western Ghats form the western edge of Nashik, making it rich in mineral resources and diverse in flora and fauna.
The climate of Nashik is a mix of coastal and inland elements common to Maharashtra. The maximum temperature can reach 42°C during summer and drop to around 7°C in winter. The city experiences a monsoon season from June to September.
History
The history of Nashik dates back to the times of the epic Ramayana. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Rama during his 14 years in exile. Hence, the city has many sites linked with the epic, including the famous Trimbakeshwar Shiva and Kalaram Temple. Historically, Nashik was known as ‘Gulshanabad’ during the Mughal period and later got its current name, Nashik, during British rule.
The city was under the rule of various dynasties, such as the Maurya, Satavahana, Abhira, Vakataka, Kalachuri, Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, and Yadava before being conquered by the Mughals. It then came under Maratha’s rule in the 18th century. After the Anglo-Maratha war in the 19th century, Nashik became a part of the Bombay Presidency.
Lesser known facts
- Nashik is the third-largest district in Maharashtra, in terms of population, and is known as the “Grape City” due to its significant contribution to grape cultivation in the state.
- The city is also known for the Security Printing Press of the Indian government, where currency and government stamps are printed.
- During World War I, the city was home to a large military cantonment where the soldiers of the British Indian Army were trained.
- The city is famous for the ‘Nashik Dhol’ tradition, a unique drumming style performed during Ganesh Chaturthi and other times of celebration.
- Nashik has a separate place called Panchavati, which has five Banyan (Vat) trees and many temples, and is believed to be a part of the Dandakaranya Forest, where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman spent some years of their exile.
- The city is also the origin point of the sacred Godavari river. Due to this religious significance, the famous Kumbh Mela is held here every 12 years.
Hotels and resorts in Nashik
Depending on your budget and convenience, choose a hotel that is close to major attractions or has good connectivity.
- The Taj Gateway Hotel Ambad, Ambad: A luxurious 5-star hotel providing top-notch amenities and services.
- Express Inn, Pathardi Phata: Offers luxury and business services and is known for its hospitality.
- The Soma Vineyard Resort, Gangavane: Ideal for wine lovers, it offers wine tours and tastings.
- Hotel Seven Heaven, Pathardi Phata: A decent budget hotel with good amenities and services.
- Ibis, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Road: An economy hotel ideal for business and leisure travellers.
- Teerth Villa, Anandvalli: A comfortable and homely bed & breakfast.
- Ginger Nashik, Satpur: A budget hotel offering decent facilities and good service.
Whether you’re looking to spend a weekend with friends, a romantic getaway with your partner, or a family vacation, the city won’t disappoint. It’s easily accessible and offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. So pack your bags, download the Savaari cab bookings app, hit the road, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by
