Located approximately 29 km from Nashik city, Trimbakeshwar Temple ranks among the most significant attractions in Nashik for Hindu pilgrims. The temple's Jyotirlinga is unique in India: its 3 faces represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, a feature not found in any other Jyotirlinga. The present temple structure was rebuilt in the 18th century by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao using black basalt stone in the traditional Nagara architectural style. The temple stands at the foothills of Brahmagiri Hill, from where the Godavari River originates.
- Timings: The temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes at 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No fee for regular darshan
- Crowd Tip: Mondays are busiest (dedicated to Lord Shiva); visit Tuesday to Saturday for a quieter experience
- Rituals: Special pujas like Narayan Nagbali and Kalsarpa Shanti are performed only here
- Visit Duration: Allow 2 to 3 hours for darshan and exploration
- Key Spot: Kushavarta Kund, the sacred tank believed to be the source of the Godavari
Sula Vineyards: Wine Tasting and Harvest Tours
Approximately 14 km from Nashik city centre, it transformed Nashik into India's wine capital after launching its first bottles in 2000. The estate now spans over 2,800 acres across Nashik and Karnataka, producing Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties that have won multiple Decanter World Wine Awards.
- Entry Fee: INR 600 on weekdays and INR 1,000 on weekends (redeemable at on-site restaurants and wine shop)
- Winery Tour: INR 200 on weekdays and INR 300 on weekends
- Best of Sula Tour: INR 600 on weekdays and INR 700 on weekends (includes tasting of 6 flagship wines)
- Seasonal Activity: Grape stomping sessions from January to March (harvest season)
- Annual Event: Sula Fest held between late January and early February, featuring live music, food, and wine
- Timings: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Best For: Couples and groups looking for a relaxed evening experience, making it one of the best places to see in Nashik for wine, views, and sunset outings
Panchavati and Ramkund: Ramayana Sites on the Godavari
Panchavati, located within Nashik city on the northern banks of the Godavari, holds deep significance in the Ramayana. The name translates to ‘5 banyan trees’, referring to the sacred trees under which Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are believed to have lived during their 14-year exile. The entire Aranya Kanda of the Ramayana is set in this region. Sita Gufa, a narrow cave temple where Sita is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva, sits within walking distance of the 5 banyan trees. The cave is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM and has no entry fee.
Ramkund, a sacred bathing ghat on the Godavari, is within walking distance of Sita Gufa. Pilgrims believe that Lord Rama bathed here during his exile, and the ghat remains a prominent site for immersing ashes of the deceased. A portion of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes was immersed at Ramkund in 1948, along with those of other national leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. The Kalaram Temple, built by the Peshwas using black stone from Ramshej, stands approximately 200 m away and attracts large processions during Ram Navami and Dussehra. Together, these sites form a compact pilgrimage circuit that takes 2 to 3 hours to cover on foot, making them essential places to visit in Nashik for families and devotees.
Anjaneri Fort: Trek to the Birthplace of Lord Hanuman
Anjaneri Fort, approximately 26 km from Nashik on the Trimbakeshwar road, stands at 4,264 ft and is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. The fort is named after Anjana Devi, Hanuman's mother, who performed penance on these hills. Anjaneri houses one of the most prominent Anjani Mata temples in India, along with ancient Jain caves, a foot-shaped lake, and a child Hanuman temple at the summit. The trek covers 3 to 4 km one way and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete, making it suitable for beginners and families.
Trek timings run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM with no entry fee, though forest department permission may be required during certain months. Winter months between October and February offer the clearest views of surrounding peaks, including Brahmagiri, Harihar Fort, and the Godavari dam. Monsoon brings waterfalls along the trail, but also slippery rock sections that demand sturdy footwear. For those seeking attractions in Nashik that combine spirituality with outdoor activity, Anjaneri delivers both in a single morning.
Practical Tips for Visiting Nashik
- Best Time to Visit: October to March offers ideal weather for exploring the best places to see in Nashik, with temperatures between 15°C and 28°C
- Monsoon Season: June to September brings lush greenery and waterfalls, but may restrict trekking routes and vineyard activities
- Harvest Season: January to March is ideal for wine enthusiasts, coinciding with the grape harvest at Sula Vineyards
- By Rail: Nashik Road Railway Station connects to Mumbai (approx. 4 hours), Pune (approx. 5 hours), and Delhi via express trains
- By Air: Ozar Airport, about 20 km from the city centre, has limited connectivity, mainly from Delhi
Where to Stay in Nashik
VITS Select Nashik Hotels & Resorts, located in Panchavati, places key pilgrimage sites like Sita Gufa and Ramkund within easy reach while keeping Sula Vineyards and Trimbakeshwar within about a 30-minute drive. Our 24 rooms include Deluxe Rooms (200 sq. ft.), Executive Rooms (220 sq. ft.), and Deluxe Triple Rooms (250 sq. ft.) for families or groups. Our in-house multi-cuisine veg restaurant serves à la carte meals from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM, convenient for pilgrims observing dietary restrictions.
Located approximately 7 km from Nashik Road Railway Station and around 20 minutes from Ozar Airport, the hotel offers easy access to both corporate hubs and spiritual sites. Parking facilities make self-drive trips from Mumbai and Pune convenient. After a morning trek at Anjaneri or an evening wine tasting at Sula, returning to a comfortable room in Panchavati ensures a restful night before the next day's exploration.