Nashik, located in the state of Maharashtra in India, is a city steeped in history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Surrounded by scenic landscapes and nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats, Nashik serves as a gateway to several beautiful destinations in its vicinity. If you're visiting Nashik, here are 10 places near Nashik that you should consider exploring:
# TrimbakeshwarLocated just 30 kilometers from Nashik, Trimbakeshwar is a holy town famous for the Trimbakeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and attracts a large number of devotees. The Trimbakeshwar Temple is renowned for its unique architectural style and intricate carvings. The temple's stunning black stone structure and towering spire attract devotees and tourists alike. Inside the temple, devotees can offer prayers to the main deity, Lord Trimbakeshwar, who is represented in the form of a Shivalinga.
The temple is situated near the origin of the Godavari River, which is considered to be one of the sacred rivers in India. Devotees often take a holy dip in the river before visiting the temple as part of their religious rituals.
Trimbakeshwar is also famous for hosting the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage and one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Every twelve years, millions of devotees gather here to take part in the auspicious bathing ritual in the Godavari River and seek blessings from Lord Trimbakeshwar.
# Sula VineyardsSituated approximately 16 kilometers from Nashik, Sula Vineyards is India's leading winery. It offers a fascinating wine tour experience where you can learn about the winemaking process, taste a variety of wines, and enjoy the picturesque vineyards.
Spread across vast acres of vineyards, Sula is known for its high-quality wines, innovative winemaking techniques, and picturesque setting. The winery boasts a wide variety of grape vines, including popular varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Visitors to Sula Vineyards can embark on guided tours that take them through the vineyards, where they can learn about the process of grape cultivation, harvesting, and winemaking. The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the different stages of wine production and share interesting anecdotes about the history and culture of winemaking.
# BhandardaraLocated about 70 kilometers from Nashik, Bhandardara is a serene hill station known for its lush greenery, pristine lakes, and majestic waterfalls. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.One of the major attractions in Bhandardara is the Arthur Lake, a serene and scenic reservoir formed by the Pravara River. The lake offers breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Visitors can indulge in boating and fishing activities or simply relax by the lakeside, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Another notable attraction in Bhandardara is the Randha Falls, which is formed by the Pravara River cascading down from a height of about 170 feet. The waterfall is a sight to behold, especially during the monsoon season when it is in full flow.
For trekking enthusiasts, Bhandardara offers several exciting trails. The trek to Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra, is a popular choice among adventure seekers. The trek offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain range and the surrounding valleys.
One of the unique features of Bhandardara is the Wilson Dam, which was built in 1910. The dam is a major source of hydroelectric power and provides irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural areas. It is also a popular spot for picnics and offers panoramic views of the landscape.
Bhandardara is also home to the Amruteshwar Temple, a 1,200-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its intricate architecture and carvings and attracts devotees from far and wide.
# ShirdiLocated around 90 kilometers from Nashik, Shirdi is a significant pilgrimage site famous for the Sai Baba Temple. Devotees from all over the world visit Shirdi to seek blessings and experience the spiritual aura of this holy place. It is famous as the abode of the renowned saint, Shri Sai Baba, who lived in Shirdi during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Shirdi is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Sai Baba, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. The main attraction in Shirdi is the Sai Baba Temple, also known as the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Temple. This temple complex is built over the Samadhi (final resting place) of Sai Baba and is a place of worship and reverence for his devotees. The temple features the famous shrine of Sai Baba, where his idol is worshipped with utmost devotion. Pilgrims visit the temple to seek the blessings of Sai Baba and experience spiritual solace.
# SaputaraSituated approximately 80 kilometers from Nashik, Saputara is a hill station nestled amidst the Sahyadri mountain range. Saputara enjoys a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a popular destination to escape the heat of nearby cities like Nashik. The hill station is surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri Hills. The landscape is dotted with waterfalls, streams, and lakes, adding to its natural charm. Saputara has several viewpoints that provide mesmerizing views of the sunrise and sunset. Sunset Point is particularly popular among visitors.
# IgatpuriLocated about 45 kilometers from Nashik, Igatpuri is a scenic hill station known for its lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forts. Igatpuri is surrounded by the Sahyadri Mountains and offers stunning natural beauty. It is blessed with cascading waterfalls, rolling hills, and dense forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and trekkers. Amruteshwar Temple is situated in Ratanwadi village near Igatpuri. Temple is a 1,200-year-old shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
# Shani ShingnapurSituated around 150 kilometers from Nashik, Shani Shingnapur is a unique village known for the Shani Temple, dedicated to Lord Shani. The temple is famous for its open-air structure and the belief that the village houses are theft-proof. It is believed to be a powerful shrine where devotees come to seek blessings and protection from Lord Shani. The unique feature of this temple is that there is no idol or sanctum sanctorum. Instead, Lord Shani is represented by a black stone, placed on an open platform under a sacred tree. Adjacent to the temple, there is a park called Nani Nani Park, which offers a peaceful environment for visitors to relax and spend time amidst nature. It is a popular spot for families and children.
# AurangabadLocated approximately 180 kilometers from Nashik, Aurangabad is a historically significant city known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. It is a treasure trove for history buffs and art enthusiasts. Aurangabad is famous for its Himroo and Paithani silk textiles, which make for great souvenirs. The city also offers a variety of delicious local cuisine, including traditional Maharashtrian dishes like Bhakri, Puran Poli, and Biryani. Daulatabad Fort located about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Aurangabad, Daulatabad Fort is a medieval hilltop fortification. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and houses impressive structures like the Chand Minar (Tower of the Moon). Aurangabad Caves are a group of 12 Buddhist caves dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. These caves showcase intricate carvings, sculptures, and ancient rock-cut architecture.
# Dugarwadi WaterfallsSituated around 30 kilometers from Nashik, Dugarwadi Waterfalls is a scenic spot surrounded by lush greenery. It offers a picturesque setting and is a popular picnic spot where visitors can enjoy the cascading waterfalls and natural beauty. The best time to visit Dugarwadi Waterfalls is during the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September in Maharashtra. The heavy rainfall during this period enhances the beauty of the waterfall, creating a spectacular sight. Dugarwadi Waterfalls is also a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts. The area around the waterfall offers trekking and hiking opportunities, allowing visitors to explore the scenic trails and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
# Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird SanctuaryLocated approximately 60 kilometers from Nashik, Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Over 230 species of birds have been recorded here, including migratory birds from Siberia, Europe, and other parts of the world. Some of the commonly spotted birds include flamingos, storks, herons, ducks, ibises, and many more. The bird sanctuary is spread across an area of approximately 1,150 hectares (2,840 acres) and consists of a diverse wetland ecosystem. It comprises marshes, backwaters, water reservoirs, and agricultural fields, creating a suitable habitat for birds. Apart from birds, the sanctuary also supports a rich variety of flora and fauna. The wetland ecosystem sustains a variety of aquatic plants, including water lilies and lotus. The sanctuary is also home to several species of reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.