As it takes time to map the entirety of the Indian land, with its many landscapes, languages, and cuisines, tourists are advised to explore little by little. Start from arid Rajasthan in the north-west of the country, move down into greener Gujarat, past the Tapi river and the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, until you reach the state of Maharashtra. Here, head to the ancient city of Nashik. Perched on the Deccan Plateau, at about 3,235 ft (986 m) above sea level, and developed on the banks of the river Godavari, Nashik - also known as Nasik - offers quite the natural spectacle. Moreover, its terroir is ideal for vineyards. Also, a rotating Hindu festival, Kumbh Mela, is held in the city every twelve years, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. Want to get to know Nashik a little bit more? Read below to find out the top things Nashik is famous for.
Good to know:
- According to Weather Spark, if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, the best time to visit is from mid-March to mid-May.
- If you're wondering how to get to and around Nashik, refer to Nashik Tourism's section on transportation.
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1. Regiment of Artillery Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located on Nashik Road, the Regiment of Artillery Museum has an array of weapons, ammunition, tanks and helicopters on display that tell the story of India’s military past. The Regiment of Artillery is an operational branch of the Indian army, the second-largest, in fact. Its origins are to be traced back to the British dominion of the country, when the military force was called the British Indian Army. In the evening, there is a light and sound show in this museum. Many old guns are kept here, representing the time of the Mughal Empire and the British in India. There is a small café area where you can have light snacks and drinks.
The museum is under high military surveillance and entrance is sometimes restricted to civilians.
Regiment of Artillery Museum
Address: Artillery Centre, Gandhi Nagar Airport Area, Deolali Gaon, Nashik, Maharashtra 422101
Opening hours: 10am - 1:30pm, 4:30pm - 6:30pm (daily)
2. Sula Vineyards
Sula Vineyards is a popular attraction, where we can enjoy the process of making wine. The staff here show you how wine is made and also give you tastings. This place has spacious and well maintained rooms, so you can even enjoy an overnight stay here.
Sula Vineyards
Address: Gat 36/2, Govardhan Village, Off Gangapur-Savargaon Road, Nashik, Maharashtra 422222
3. Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela - or Kumbha Mela - is a full-on, cathartic experience, not simply a festival. It happens four times in the span of twelve years, and held at the four pilgrim sites nestled along the holy rivers. A mammoth event that draws more than 100 million people from around the world. This mega-festivity has great significance in the Hindus’ lives. They, in fact, believe that by bathing in the waters of a sacred river, they will be purified and cleared from their sins. In Nashik, the festival takes place by the Godavari river and can last up to three months. The last Mela in the Nashik district was held in 2015.
4. Sula Fest
Sula Fest is an event unique in its genre as it combines the electric atmosphere of a crowded concert with the chic ritual of wine tasting, and the culinary journey offered by a street market. The two-day fest takes place in February, roughly 9 mi (15 km) west of Nashik, in an amphitheatre set amidst the luxuriant Sula’s vineyards.
Sula Fest
Address: Sula Vineyards, Sawargaon
Website: Sula Fest
Takes place: February
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Over the years, Sula has become one of the popular places in Nasik, and it is packed no matter when you visit. I remember a time when you could easily walk in and get a table, but now it is impossible to get in without a booking. During Sula Fest, the villas at Sula and the rooms at nearby Soma are sold out months in advance. But even if you get a room in the city, it is easy to get to the vineyards. We live in the city center, and it takes us around 15-20 minutes to reach Sula. During the fest, I really recommend that you skip your car and travel via Uber or Ola instead. The parking is crowded, and it takes forever to find a spot.
The fest hosts some really great singers at the open-air amphitheater, and there are multiple stalls that serve food, and of course, wine.
Nashik Tour Guide
Narender Kumar
I have been a tour guide/ escort for more than 10 years and have guided tourists pan India to historical and cultural heritage sites, national parks & bird sancturies, monuments places like- Delhi , Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho Exotic Temples, Ranthambore National Park, Mumbai, Nashik , Aurangabad ( Ajanta Rockcut Caves & Ellora Rockcut Temples ), Goa etc. I am proficient in English, Rus... Read more
Tours by Narender
5. Dadasaheb Phalke Memorial
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
On the south end of the city is Dadasaheb Phalke Memorial. Built to celebrate the cinematographic deeds of pioneering film-maker Dadasaheb Phalke, the memorial is, in fact, a vast complex featuring a museum, an amphitheatre, landscaped gardens, a musical fountain, an exhibition centre, and even a water park. Aptly referred as the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’, Dadasaheb Phalke dedicated his life to the cinematographic art; he was a producer, director, and screenwriter. The first motion picture he filmed in 1913 was also India’s first full-length feature film.
Dadasaheb Phalke Memorial
Address: Buddha Vihar, Pathardi Phata, Nashik, Maharashtra 422010
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
6. Wine
When it comes to wine, you need to have the perfect terroir, a French word that defines the combination of a region’s climate and soil. Situated on the hills of volcanic origin and blessed with warm days and cold nights, Nashik has the potential to grow some flavourful grapes. And it does! Crowned as the “Wine Capital of India”, Nashik valley produces some fine, high-acidity wines. The whole state of Maharashtra, in fact, accounts for almost all the wine production in the country, with Nashik acting as the dragging force. If you happen to visit the region, drive to one of the many wineries just west of the city. Sit back and enjoy an informative wine tasting surrounded by an eye-soothing and soul-enriching expanse of green vineyards.
Traveler's tips
Sula Vineyards are a must-see when exploring Nashik. You can taste incredible wines and savor delicious fare here. If you are planning to propose to your partner, a Sula Vineyards tour can be the perfect place to pop the question. With so many beautiful sights to see and beverages to sample, your romantic weekend would be one for the books.
7. City of temples
You’ll need a good week to visit each and every temple in Nashik. But if you’re short on time, you can focus your attention on a handful of them. Start from the star of the show - Kalaram temple, a 70-feet (21-metre) high building erected in the late 18th century and dedicated to Lord Rama. Next, move southeast to the marble complex of Muktidham temple, built to honour various Hindu deities. End your tour on the southern bank of the sacred Godavari river, at Someshwar temple. The oldest in the city is also the less glamorous or magnificent, but highly valued by Shiva worshippers for its bucolic location that can truly heighten your senses and soothe your spirit.
Additional information on popular temples
Mukti Dham Temple: This temple is close to both the railway station and bus stand. Thousands of devotees come here during the Kumbh Mela. The administration of the temple made rooms (Dharamshala) to allow devotion in the temple complex. The prices of the rooms are inexpensive and 200 people can be accommodated here. The idols of Vishnu, Lakshmi Rama, Laxman, Sita, Hanuman, Durga, and Ganesha are kept here. The temple of Mukti Dham is dedicated to Lord Krishna, where paintings on the walls are held, describing the life of Lord Krishna and some parts of the Mahabharata (Epic of Hindus).
Kalaram Temple: The whole temple is made up of rock and the sculptures on the temple are wonderful. The name of the temple is derived from the statue of Lord Rama, colored black, as the literal translation of Kalaram means ‘black Rama’. You can also see the houses where the statues of the Goddess Sita and Lakshman are kept. At the entrance of the temple complex is the statue of Lord Hanuman which is also black in color. During the 14 years of Vanvas, a significant episode in the Ramayana where Lord Ram is exiled into the forest, it is said that Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman stayed here.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
I would definitely recommend traveling to the older part of the city where dozens of temples line the Godavari River. If possible visit the area in the evening when many pilgrims release diyas or clay lanterns into Ramkund. It is easy to book an Uber or hire an auto to reach Panchvati or the older part of the city.
8. Pandavleni Caves
Pandavleni Caves has a group of 24 caves and was carved between the 2nd-century BCE and the 2nd-century CE, and represent the Hinayana Buddhist Caves. The caves’ architectures are very beautiful. The caves were made on the hills so there are approximately 200 stairs, but they are not steep. I recommend visiting the caves to experience the old architecture and beauty for yourself.
Pandavleni Caves
Address: Buddha Vihar, Pathardi Phata, Nashik, Maharashtra 422010
Tip from Trip101 local expert
This is a short trek if you have a couple of hours to spare in the morning. The caves are quite popular with the locals as well over the weekend, and it takes less than 20 minutes to climb up. There are around 24 Buddhist rock cut caves that can be explored. A major downside is that there are no individual descriptions for the caves. We found that the views from up top were simply fantastic.
9. Shrine of the Infant Jesus
The Shrine of the Infant Jesus is placed for worship. This place is situated away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here you can partake in a prayer, by holding a candle and praying independently. This is truly very beautiful and peaceful place in Nashik, perfect for some quiet reflection.
Shrine of the infant Jesus
Address: Nashik - Pune Highway, Next to St. Xavier’s High School, Opp. Nehru Nagar, Nashik Rd, Nashik, Maharashtra 422101
10. Sita Gufaa
Sita Gufaa is the place where Sita ji, God of the Hindu religion saved herself from the Ravana. Gufaa means the cave, in which there is a temple of Lord Shiva. It is a beautiful experience to visit this place, and you can see the narrowness of the caves. There are holy idols of Ram, Sita and Lakshman here also. After leaving the Gufaa, the adjoining hall there is Shivling.
Sita Gufaa
Address: Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra 422003
11. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is an old Hindu temple. This temple is situated in the town of Trimbak, Nashik, Maharashtra. This place is situated 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the Nashik City. It is one of the 12 Jyotiringas of Lord Shiva. This temple structure was made by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. The temple is small in size, and due to this reason the temple gets crowded easily. I recommend coming here early morning at 5:30 am, because there will be fewer crowds at that time.
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
Address: Shrimant Peshwe Path, Nashik District, Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra 422212
12. Ved Mandir
Ved Mandir (temple) of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Guru Gangeshwara Nandji, is a temple situated in a very calm and quiet place. The temple floor is made with marble and its cladding keeps it cool. This temple is also very clean, making it a pleasant place to visit.
Ved Mandir
Address: Trambakeshwar Rd, Matoshree Nagar, Nashik, Maharashtra 422002
13. MTDC Boat Club
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Pallavi Mandar Jadhav
This is a wondering evening hangout space that opened during COVID, which is incidentally the first time we made a visit as well. Since then, we have been over several times. The boat club sits on the banks of Gangapur Dam and offers speed boat rides, scenic sunset cruises, and kayaking.
Of wine, festivals and temples
Make Nashik a must-stop on your Indian adventure. Sip a glass of fine wine in the hilly countryside, visit a beautiful, old temple, and partake in the fun of Sula festival, set amongst the luxuriant vineyards of Nashik valley. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Kumbh Mela, a Hindu festival held in the region every twelve years, be ready to share a purifying bathing experience in a sacred river with a multitude of people.
History
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