Nashik, on the banks of the Godavari in northern Maharashtra, is one of the four cities that host the Kumbh Mela. In the Ramayana, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are said to have lived in exile at Panchavati here. The source of the Godavari is at Trimbak nearby, home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
The things to do in Nashik include the temples of Panchavati and the Ramkund ghat, Trimbakeshwar, the Buddhist Pandavleni caves and, in a very different mood, the vineyards that have made Nashik the centre of Indian wine. Hill forts and dams nearby are popular in the monsoon.
One or two days is enough. October to March is the best time; the grape harvest runs from about January to March.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Nashik travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Nashik
- Visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
- Climb Brahmagiri to the source of the Godavari
- See Ramkund and the Panchavati temples
- Visit the Kalaram Temple and Sita Gufa
- Explore the Pandavleni caves
- Tour a vineyard and taste wine
- See the coin museum at Anjaneri
- Trek Anjaneri or Harihar Fort
- Visit Saptashrungi Devi
- Take trips to Bhandardara and Shirdi
Going by road? See our guide to road trips from Mumbai and Pune.
Planning a pilgrimage? See our guide to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga.
Temples and ghats
Visit Trimbakeshwar
Trimbakeshwar, about 28 km from Nashik, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, with a black-stone temple rebuilt in the 18th century by the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao. Its lingam has three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Queues can be long; special darshan tickets are available. Many pilgrims perform rituals such as Narayan Nagbali here.
- Time needed
- 2β3 hours
- Best time
- Early morning on weekdays
Climb Brahmagiri
Brahmagiri hill, above Trimbak, is considered the source of the Godavari. Steps lead up to the Gangadwar shrine and further up to the top, with views over the valley. The climb is best in the cooler months.
- Time needed
- 3β4 hours
See Ramkund and Panchavati
Ramkund, a sacred bathing tank on the Godavari in Panchavati, is where pilgrims take a holy dip, and it is the centre of the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years. The Kalaram Temple, with its black stone image of Rama, Sita Gufa (a narrow cave linked to Sita) and the Kapaleshwar Temple are nearby.
The ghats are liveliest in the evening, when lamps are floated on the river and the aarti is performed. The narrow lanes around Panchavati are full of shops selling puja items, brassware and local sweets.
- Best time
- Morning and evening aarti
Visit Saptashrungi Devi
Saptashrungi, about 60 km north at Vani, is a hilltop temple to the goddess, surrounded by seven peaks. A ropeway and steps lead up. It is one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra.
Caves and museums
Explore the Pandavleni caves
The Pandavleni (Trirashmi) caves, carved into a hill about 8 km from the city, are a group of Buddhist caves from around the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE, with inscriptions, a chaitya and viharas. The climb is short and the view over Nashik is good.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
See the coin museum
The Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies at Anjaneri has a museum of Indian coins from ancient to modern times.
Wine country
Tour a vineyard
Nashik's vineyards produce most of India's wine. Several wineries offer tours of the winemaking process, tastings, restaurants and stays. Sula Vineyards' music festival in February is a big event.
- Best time
- January to March for harvest
- Good for
- Couples, friends
- Good to know
- Drink responsibly and arrange a driver
Stay among the vines
Winery resorts and farm stays let you wake up among the vines and walk through them in the morning. Grape stomping events are held in harvest season.
Forts, dams and day trips
Trek Anjaneri and Harihar Fort
Anjaneri hill, believed by many to be Hanuman's birthplace, is a moderate trek with a plateau and a small lake. Harihar Fort is known for its steep rock-cut steps carved almost vertically into the cliff, a thrilling climb for experienced trekkers.
- Best time
- Monsoon and winter
- Good for
- Trekkers
Visit Bhandardara
Bhandardara, about 70 km away, has Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls in the monsoon and Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra. Randha Falls is nearby. Fireflies light up the forests in May and June.
Go to Shirdi
Shirdi, about 90 km east, is the town of Sai Baba, one of India's most visited pilgrimage sites.
Eat Nashik misal
Nashik's misal is fiery and much loved; try it at an old eatery for breakfast. Grapes, wine and chivda are good buys.
- Good for
- Food lovers
By season
October to March
Pleasant weather for temples and vineyards; the grape harvest and wine festivals run from about December to March.
April to June
Hot days; visit Trimbakeshwar early in the morning.
July to September
The monsoon turns the hills green, with waterfalls at Bhandardara and good trekking.
Things to do in Nashik by type of traveller
Pilgrims: Trimbakeshwar, Ramkund, Kalaram Temple and Saptashrungi, with Shirdi nearby.
Couples and friends: A vineyard stay, wine tasting and a monsoon trek.
Trekkers: Harihar, Anjaneri and Kalsubai in the monsoon.
Families: Pandavleni caves, the coin museum, a vineyard lunch and the Ramkund aarti in the evening.
What to do in Nashik with one day
Visit Trimbakeshwar early, then drive back to see the Pandavleni caves. After lunch, visit Ramkund and the Kalaram Temple, and end with a vineyard tour and tasting at sunset.
Practical tips for Nashik
- Nashik Road is the main railway station; Mumbai is about four hours by road.
- Trimbakeshwar is crowded on Mondays and festivals.
- Book vineyard tours in advance on weekends.
- Plan early if visiting during the Kumbh Mela; the next one is expected in 2027.
Plan the rest of your Nashik trip
Nashik things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Nashik?
Visit Trimbakeshwar, see Ramkund and Panchavati, explore the Pandavleni caves, tour a vineyard, trek Anjaneri or Harihar, and visit Saptashrungi, Bhandardara and Shirdi.
How far is Trimbakeshwar from Nashik?
About 28 km, roughly 45 minutes by road.
When is the best time to visit Nashik vineyards?
From about December to March, during the harvest season.
How many days are enough for Nashik?
One to two days.
Things to do near Nashik
- Shirdi: about 90 km away
- Things to do in Aurangabad: Ajanta and Ellora
- Things to do in Mumbai: about four hours away
More things to do in Maharashtra
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team Β· Last updated Β· How we research our guides
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