Nashik tourist attractions for devotees/pilgrimage

Trimbakeshwar Temple

A well-known pilgrimage town of Trimbak is the host to an ancient Hindu temple – Trimbakeshwar. It is one of the holy 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most popular temples in Maharashtra as well as India.

Please keep in mind that you will require over half a day just to visit this temple as you will be standing in queue for 3-4 hours to reach the main temple and pay your respects. An express queue (paid) will take you in less than half the time.

Thankfully, photography is now allowed in Trimbakeshwar temple. Yes, mobile phones are allowed inside. You can click the architecture but clicking photos of the idol is still not allowed. 

Read about other Shiva Temples in India: Mahakuta temples of Karnataka, Bhojeshwar Shiva temple, Bhopal

Time: 5:30 am to 9 pm

Entry Fees: Free, VIP pass: Rs. 200 per person

Kalaram temple

Kalaram temple situated in the city is popular amongst the locals and tourists alike and that is why it features in the top Nashik tourist places to visit. The significance of the temple is that it was built at the place where Lord Rama had stayed once. The root source of these idols can be traced back to the 15th century.

There are three idols in the temple that are known to be the creation of nature. The idols are made of black sand and hence the temple is known as ‘Kalaram (black ram) temple’. If you are an architecture lover, this is a must-visit place.

Sita Gufa

About 500 meters from Kalaram temple is a cave called Sita Gufa. It was the resting place of goddess Sita. Worshippers have to go down a narrow pathway in a cave-like pattern and then climb up the stairs. It is an adventure of a kind as there are instances when you feel you will get stuck. It definitely reminded me of my Cu-Chi tunnel experience from Ho Chi Minh city.

Tip: keep your backpack/tote bags in the care as lugging them in these narrow caves will be super difficult.

Panchavati ghat/ Ram Kund /Triveni Sangam in Nashik

Triveni Sangam in Nashik also known as Panchavati ghat or Ram Kund is the venue where Kumbh Mela takes place. Triveni translates to “confluence of the three holy rivers”. The three rivers that confluence at Panchavati Ghat are Godavari, Aruna and Varuna. 

During the day, there is not much to do at this place other than dipping your feet in the water and watching people pay respects to the river.

However, the place completely transforms into a holy spectacle after sunset. Just like the Ganga aarti at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi, Godavari aarti started few years back that enthralls the devotees. The Godavari aarti that used to take place every Monday is now an everyday affair ensuring that all visitors get spiritually enriched.

The Godavari aarti starts at 7pm and takes an hour. The pandit announcing on mic ensures that all devotees take part in the aarti while also watching the 5 pandits doing maha-aarti. It is a must visit for everyone.

Shree Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir

Built in 14th century, Shree Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest temples in Nashik. This Shiva temple is located just backdrop of the sacred river Godavari and 2 minutes walk from Ramkund. The importance of this temple is that this is only temple that does not have a Nandi. Nandi is a sacred bull that is often depicted in Shiva temples around the entrance and is also known as his vahana (vehicle).

The temple can be reached by climbing 50 steps and has a lovely aura around it.

I noticed there are some houses and offices still there and people co-habiting in the temple premises.

Nashik tourist attarctions for hiking/ Nature lovers

Pandavleni (Pandav caves)

Pandavleni is known to be the oldest range of caves in the state of Maharashtra. Also known as the Nashik Caves, or sometimes Pandavleni Caves are built on Trirashmi hills which are 8km from the city of Nashik and an easy drive to the foothills.

After climbing almost 250 steps (some of which are a bit steep) you come across a group of 24 caves. Most caves have sculptures or carvings outside the cave and are blank or have very indistinct inscriptions on the inside. All the caves are marked with numbers from outside. The trek to the caves reminded me of Bhaja caves while climbing Lohagad Fort and Achalgarh in Mount Abu.

Even though the name is Pandav, the caves bear no resemblance to the Pandavas but were a place of worship for Buddhist monks or for disciples to meet and hear sermons. 

Pros: a small hike to an utterly beautiful place. The view of Nashik city from the top is lovely which makes it one of the best places to visit in Nashik.

Read About such Cave Temple in India: Badami Cave Temples

Cons: though shoes are recommended to hike this hillock, most caves demand you to remove footwear. So wear something quick is comfortable yet quick to remove and wear.

Entry fee: Rs. 25

Timing: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Anjaneri Hills and Fort

There are many treks near Nashik to choose from out of which, Anjaneri is a popular trekking place for the locals, especially during monsoons.

Anjaneri is only 25km from Nashik city. Anjaneri has one of the famous forts in the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar mountain range. The views during the trek and from the top are breathtaking and hence this is an absolute must-do attraction in Nashik. However, it needs a full day. 

In order to reach the Anjaneri fort, hire a car/bike and get down at Anjaneri village. There are some steps next to the village entrance, through which one can reach the plateau of Anjaneri. From Anjaneri village, it is an hour and a half hike to reach the plateau of Anjaneri. 

The trekkers can also pay their respects in a temple. There is a cave about 10 min away from here with beautiful carvings. The fort has a huge perimeter and commands splendid views of the Trimbakeshwar Peak, Vaitarna back waters and Brahmagiri. This fort and the trek reminded me of climbing Kumbhalgarh Fort.

Someshwar Waterfalls

A small detour before going to Sula Vineyards can get you to the Someshwar waterfalls.

About 10 km from the city, the falls are in full splendour in monsoon but not so much in other seasons. When I visited it was a meagre stream with a lot of waste thrown in and some local boys trying to catch some fish.

Dugarwadi Waterfalls

On the way to Trimbakeshwar, about 40km from Nashik lies the beautiful and weirdly shaped mountains. These are home to many of the waterfalls. Dugarwadi waterfall is one of them as it is on the way and only a short hike will give you an outstanding view.

As usual, its beauty can best be enjoyed during monsoons. This is one of the favourite Nashik Tourist places.

Drive to Sapgon on NH-848, which is around 4 km from Trimbakeshwar. From Sapgon the waterfall is 4 km. It will take close to 45 minutes to reach the viewpoint as there are slopes to climb and it can get slippery. A word of caution: follow the signs! If you want to trek to the bottom of the waterfall, it will take more time.

Nashik tourist places for Wine Lovers

Sula Vineyards

Sula Vineyards is one of the most popular tourist places in Nashik. While people from across the world throng Sula during the Sula Fest, it is open across the year for tourists to see the vineyards, watch the making of mine, taste the wine or just dine overlooking the vineyards. If you even think that Sula Vineyard is worth visiting then let me tell you that the entry is practically free (Rs. 600 per person but redeemable against any paid activity or purchase in their shop).

Since I went in the month of February, the grape season was in full ripe mode with harvesting just about to start. I had a good half-day at Sula where I did the wine tour and tasting. It is a 45-minute tour where they take the tourists around the production and show how the wine is manufactured. After the tour, you get to taste 6 of their wines – 4 whites and 2 reds served with a cracker.

There is a wine shop and a souvenir shop where you can purchase wines and T-shirts.

Time: 11:30 am to 10:30pm

Entry fee: Rs. 600 per person on weekdays and Rs 1000 on weekends

Wine tour and tasting: Rs. 400 per person

Nashik tourist attractions for Offbeat things / Adventure

Nashik Flower park

Loved by the locals this is one of the beautiful places to visit in Nashik.

Nashik flower garden is made utilizing spaces of a local water park – Shubham waterpark which becomes idle during winters due to the cold water. Hence the flower park is open only in winter – January to April. Currently, the flower park hosts about 1 million flowers on water slides of the water park

Time: 11 am to 7 pm

Entry fee: Rs.300 on weekdays, Rs. 400 on weekends

Boating and Adventure water sports

MTDC Boat Club Nashik on Gangapur dam offers many water adventure sports. Do not go on the name of exclusive ‘club’. It is open to all. There is a basic entry fee of Rs 50 per person and each activity cost is extra as per your choice.

Water sports such as boating, kayaking, boat cruise, banana ride, jet ski among others are available.

Time: 10 am to 7pm

Entry fee: Rs 50

Eco-glamping Festival

The first ever glamping site in Maharashtra is set on the Gangapur Dam waters in Nashik. Inuaguarted in 2025 it is expected to be up every year for 2.5 months (15 January to 31 March).

Glamping is luxurious camping and it offers luxury with sustainability. Read more here.

Nashik tourist attractions for Museum lovers

Gargoti Mineral Museum

Known as the epicentre of Indian Zeolite Minerals, Gargoti museum is one of the top Nasik tourist places.

Gargoti Museum is India’s only gem & mineral museum and is the world’s biggest “Private” gem & mineral museum. Gargoti Museum houses the largest & the finest collection of Indian Zeolite Minerals & Crystals in the world.

The museum is divided into Deccan Plateau Gallery and Prestige galley. The former contains Zeolite Minerals & Crystals excavated from the Deccan region of India while the latter section displays the exclusive and rarest finds from India and around the world.

Time: 9am to 6:30pm

Entry fees: Rs. 100 per person

Coin Museum

Coin Museum of Nasik, one of its kind in India, gives tourists a glimpse of Indian currency evolution over years. I tried to collect coins in my growing years but I lost interest. Now that I have coins from various countries I have started growing my interest again and so this museum was really a good visit. In the museum, one can see exhibits like moulds, dyes, replicas, and photographs of coins from ancient time. 

Time: 9:30 am to 5.30 pm

Entry fees: Free

Nashik tourist attractions for Wildlife lovers/ Birdwatchers

Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary

Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is situated 40km east of Nashik city in Niphad town. This small wetland is known as the Bharatpur of Maharashtra. Water released from two nearby reservoirs has formed this wetland, rich in organic and mineral content and giving rise to biodiversity in the area. 

The sanctuary boasts of having recorded over 260 species of birds, over 70 of them being migratory in winters.

Read about other Bird Sanctuaries in India: Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Birdwatching in Kumaon

Time: 6:00am to 7:00pm

Entry fee: Rs 20

Where to stay in Nashik: Nashik Accommodation

Luxury: Express Inn, Grape county eco-resort

Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express, Grand rio

Homestay: Utopia farm stay, Vihang farm stay

Sustainable tips for Nashik tourist places

• This is a unique city having environmental as well as pilgrimage importance, so please respect it in all ways.
• Respect the ancient structures of temples by not sitting on them or by carving or writing on them.
• Observe peace and silence in temples. Do not use mobile phones in temples.
• Do not litter any of the tourist areas, especially while hiking or near waterfalls.

Read more Maharashtra posts here

• One day trip to Alibaug from Mumbai
• Diveagar – The Konkan paradise
• Junnar Tourism
• Tadoba National Park

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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About Holiday Inn Express Nashik

The hotel lives to its name – Express and literally from the online reservation to the check-in to the services, everything is in Express mode. You can instantly know that the hotel is designed for the generation of express travelers who want to book for a short work stay, a short rejuvenating break or a layover between travels. But don’t get me wrong. It is equally friendly for relaxed tourists and families on religious tours.

The hotel is conveniently located on the Mumbai-Agra Highway and is strategically located within 5 km radius from most tourist attractions in Nashik. It is a short 20 minutes drive from Nashik Road Railway Station and 30 minutes from the Nashik airport.

Rooms

Compact yet comfortable is how I would like to describe the rooms at Holiday Inn Express Nashik. With over 100 smart rooms both in deluxe and twin categories spread across 5 floors, guests can work and relax in their own space. The rooms are equipped with a cozy bed which promises a good night’s sleep ensuring, the guests wake up refreshed and energized. There is a study table, high definition TV, tea/coffee maker and a mini fridge – perfect for a work stay or staycation. The bathroom is separate from the toilet and the wash basin is in the room instead of all of it being in one unit. The room as well as bathroom were uber clean with modern amenities and toiletries (not in a small size throw away bottles but in refillable big bottles, so yaay!). A high speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel will ensure you are connected with your boss or family at all times.

Also Read about my Staycation in Laos: Luang Say Residence, Luang Prabang

Food @ Holiday Inn Express Nashik

Being an express, the availability of breakfast is early! Express Breakfast or Grab & Go option starts as early at 6:30am ensuring you have a good early morning flight or are fueled up before a religious day tour.

I was really impressed with the array of options in the buffet ranging from Indian to continental dishes suitable for vegetarian and non vegetarian palette. The availability of baked products and fresh juice was an added advantage.

The Express cafe is also equipped for à la carte for lunch and buffet for dinner. The limited menu on the à la carte will ensure you are filled up. The Indian dinner buffet is also good and worth trying. Feeling lazy after work to grab the food? There is always room service option available.

Facilities/ Amenities for the Fast and Smart Traveler

Worried about the dirty laundry and do not want to pay hefty charges? Put on the shoes and get to the self laundromat. Set up a timer and grab dinner or the latest episode of your favorite netflix series and your laundry will be done! It is a 24 hours available free laundromat on the first floor of the hotel. Holiday Inn Express Nashik has really thought about the convenience of travelers and this is the cherry on cake.

You need to take care of your health on the go. A small gym will ensure you burn those extra calories from the breakfast buffet.

There is availability of a small conference/meeting room where you can conduct your meetings or small gathering, without leaving the hotel premises.

Sustainability initiative

The entire hallway across the hotel is equipped with auto light sensors which turn on and off sensing movement which saves a lot of electricity.

Final thoughts about Holiday Inn Express Nashik

From the time I checked in until check out, I had a flawless experience. The friendly staff also helped me with recommendations to see around. The hotel also arranged a car on one of the days to visit places around Nashik. I had a great staycation at Holiday Inn Express Nashik and would highly recommend to anyone coming to Nashik for business, religious tours, attending a wedding or just sipping wine at Sula Vineyards. The service is excellent and the warm hospitality is a warrant I would love to come back and stay here. A sincere thanks to Mr Niketan Jadhav, Sales Executive for showing me around ensuring that I had a memorable experience.

Contact & Bookings: Holiday Inn Express Nashik Indira Nagar

Address: Survey No. 882, Near Lekhanagar Mumbai-Agra Highway Maharashtra,  Nashik, 422009

Contact no.: +91 253 6644666

Email: reservations.iskin@ihg.com

Instagram: @hiex.nashik

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Holiday-Inn-Express-Nashik-Indira-Nagar-2293279874283930/

Click here to book a room for yourself!

Disclosure – I was a guest at Holiday Inn Express Nashik Indira Nagar. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.