Five weekend getaways near Nashik

An ancient city with a tinge of modernity, Nashik is a go-to for every nature lover. The city has beautiful destinations and weekend getaways nearby. Are you planning to explore Nashik? Here are five weekend escapes for you!

1. Sula Vineyard

Sula Vineyard

Spread in 160 acres, Sula Vineyards welcomes you. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or not, the green, lush vineyard is a beautiful escape. Start your journey with a tour of the winery and learn about the journey of grapes to wines. Enjoy six delicate wines during the wine tasting. Next, enjoy delicious Indian and Italian cuisine in Little Italy and Rasa restaurants. End your day buying lovely souvenirs from the gift and bottle shop.

If you want to experience the best of Sula, don’t miss the grape stomping event during Jan-March and a two-day live music festival, Sula fest in Feb.

Distance from city center: 11 km

Timings: 11 am -11 pm

Time required: 2-3 hours

2. Anjaneri

Anjaneri Hills

Do you love spirituality, adventure, or want to be lost in the beauty of nature? If the answer is yes, Anjaneri hills are for you. Located in the Nashik- Triambakeshwar range, Anjaneri is considered the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Up for a morning hike? The journey to Anjaneri fort, situated at around 4000 feet on the hills, takes you through a beautiful valley of flowers, waterfalls, and caves.

The hills derived their name from Anjani, the mother of Lord Hanumana. At the top, you will find a temple devoted to Goddess Anjani. Steep steps, breath-taking view of the valley, Brahmagiri range, Baitarni river, Anjaneri is heaven’s paradise. To touch floating clouds and experience a spectacular view, visit during monsoons.

Distance from city center: 26 km

Timings: All day

Time required: 3-4 hours

3. Triambakeshwar

Triambakeshwar Temple

One of the most reverent places near Nashik is Triambakeshwar Temple. Situated in a village called Triambak, the temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and has many folklores attached to it. It is believed that the current temple was built by Nana Saheb.

The architecture reveals the magnificence of Indian craftsmanship with a three faced statue of Lord Shiva. Each face is a symbol of the trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). The walls of the temple have been carved with images of Gods and Goddesses and the premises are considered the origin of the Godavari river. It is also the location of Simhasta Kumbh Mela, which is organized every 12 years. Millions of devotees visit the temple during the Mela, which reveals the importance of Triambakeshwar. 

Distance from city center: 28 Kms

Timings: 5:30 am – 9 pm

Time required: 1-2 hours

4. Panchvati

Since childhood, Ramayana and numerous stories, beliefs linked to it have been an eternal part of our lives in India. Destinations linked to this epic have significant importance and, Panchvati is not a usual one. Considered as the place where Lord Rama, Laxman, and Sita spend some time during their 14 years of exile, Panchvati certainly holds a special place. The term means “Garden of five banyan trees”, and surprisingly five banyan trees are still present at the site. The story of Ramayana further takes you to two other sites near Panchvati, Sita Gufa and Ram Kund.

Sita Gufa

Sita Gufa

If you have read/heard/ watched Ramayana, one of the turning points is the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana. A site near Panchvati is said to have witnessed this incident, Sita Gufa. Narrow stairs take you down inside a cave where you find idols of Lord Rama, Laxmana, and Sita. The cave has a shivalinga which is said to have been worshipped by Sita.

Ram Kund

Ram Kund

Another holy site near Panchvati is Ramkund, which is known as the bathing site of Lord Rama. It is now famous as the site where the ashes of the dead are immersed. Many take a dip in the pond with the desire to get rid of their sins.

Distance from city center: 4.2 km 

Timings: Sita Gufa: 6 am – 9 pm; Ram Kund: All day

Time required: Half a day

5. Pandavleni caves

Pandavleni Caves

Pandavleni Caves, also known as Nashik and Pandu caves, are a group of 24 rock-cut caves situated on the Trivashmi hills. No, I know what you must be thinking and I had similar beliefs, but it is not related to the Pandavas. Dating back to the 3rd and 2nd century BC, these caves were built by the rulers of the Satavahanas and Kshaharatas kingdoms and are devoted to Hinayana Buddhism. 200 steps up take you to a world of beautiful sculptures, inscriptions, and icons.

The peaceful environment inside the caves gives a sense of life led by Buddhist monks in these caves. Pandavleni has a rich historic significance with its linkage with Buddhist, Jain monks and the Kshatrapas, the Satavahanas and the Abhiras kingdoms.

Distance from city center: 8 km

Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm 

Time required: 2-3 hours

Some tips:

How to reach Nashik

Roadways: Nashik is situated at a distance of  180 km from Mumbai. A 4-5 hours bus ride from Dadar, Borivali, or Thane takes you to this holy city.

Airways: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is the nearest airport (180 km). Cab services to Nashik are available at the airport.

Railways: Nashik Road Railway station, 10 km is connected to major other cities in the country.

Best time to visit: Oct-March

Where to stay:

• Hotel Express Inn
• The Source at Sula
• Beyond by Sula
• The Gateway Hotel Ambad Nashik
• Ibis Nashik

What to eat:

• Thalipeeth at Heramb
• Misal Pav at Ambika Missal
• Bhel Puri at Shaukin Bhel
• Jalebi at Buddha Halwai
• Kheema Pav at Joggers Pavilion