Nashik is one of Maharashtra’s oldest temple cities — where Lord Ram spent part of his 14-year exile, where one of the 12 Jyotirlingas sits at Trimbakeshwar, and where the Godavari begins her journey to the sea. This guide walks you through the 8 places every Yatri should see, in the order that makes travel sense, with real distances, timings and transport notes.
Nashik must-see — the quick list
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga — 28 km · one of 12 Jyotirlingas
Panchavati (Ram Kund, Kalaram Mandir, Sita Gufa) — in the city
Saptashrungi Devi — 65 km · Shakti Peetha (ropeway available)
Muktidham — 8 km · marble replica of 12 Jyotirlingas + Char Dham
Pandavleni Caves — 8 km · 2,000-year-old Buddhist caves
Anjaneri — 20 km · Hanuman’s birthplace (trek)
Sula Vineyards — 15 km · India’s wine capital
Shirdi combo — 90 km · Sai Baba’s samadhi (2-day option)
1. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga — the crown jewel
Trimbakeshwar is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Shiva and the source of the Godavari — the ‘Ganga of the South’. The lingam here is unique: three tiny faces representing Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Only male devotees in a traditional dhoti are allowed into the sanctum for the touch-darshan; women get darshan from the outer hall. Kalsarpa Dosha Nivaran and Narayan Nagbali pujas are performed here year-round — book a priest in advance if that’s the purpose of your visit.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 PM · Distance: 28 km from Nashik · Best time: weekday mornings. Special ‘Rudrabhishek’ darshan (₹200-500) skips the general queue. Behind the temple, the is the sacred pond where the Godavari surfaces — a quick dip is customary. This is also one of the two Shahi Snan sites for the once-in-12-years .
2. Panchavati — where Ram, Sita and Lakshman lived
Panchavati (the ‘five banyan trees’) is the neighbourhood in Nashik where the Ramayana came alive. Three sites cluster within walking distance:
Ram Kund — the sacred bathing tank on the Godavari where Ram bathed during his exile. Today, families immerse the ashes of loved ones here — the water is considered as sacred as the Ganga at Prayagraj.
Kalaram Mandir — a black-stone Ram temple built in 1782 by the Peshwas. The idol of Ram, Sita and Lakshman is carved from a single piece of black basalt. Open 6 AM – 10 PM; aarti at 5:30 AM and 7 PM.
Sita Gufa — a narrow rock cave where Sita is said to have hidden and, per one telling of the epic, was abducted from by Ravana. Bend low to enter — the passage is genuinely tight.
3. Saptashrungi Devi — one of the 51 Shakti Peethas
Saptashrungi Devi sits atop a hill in Vani, ~65 km north-east of Nashik. She is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and considered a swayambhu (self-manifested) goddess — the 8-armed murti is carved right into the rock face. The old way up was 500+ steps; a modern funicular ropeway (~₹100 return) now makes the darshan possible for elderly parents and small children. Half-day trip from Nashik. Navratri here is extraordinary — book a hotel weeks in advance if you plan those dates.
4. Muktidham — one temple, every Jyotirlinga
Muktidham is a modern marble temple 8 km from Nashik that houses replicas of all 12 Jyotirlingas and the four Char Dham shrines under one roof — a ‘pilgrim pack’ for anyone who can’t travel to each site. The walls carry the entire Bhagavad Gita inscribed in Sanskrit and Hindi. Great for a 30-45 minute stop with elderly parents. Free entry; open 5 AM – 10 PM.
5. Pandavleni Caves — 2,000 years of stone
High on the Trivashmi Hill overlooking Nashik-Pune highway sit 24 Buddhist rock-cut caves — chiselled between the 3rd century BCE and 6th century CE by the Satavahanas and their successors. Cave 3 (the main chaitya) and Cave 18 (a monastery) are the highlights. About a 20-minute climb up stone steps; not ideal for very elderly parents but easy for anyone reasonably fit. Sunset from the top is stunning.
6. Anjaneri — birthplace of Hanuman
Anjaneri is a hill ~20 km from Nashik on the Trimbakeshwar road, considered the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. A moderate 1.5-2 hour trek leads to a small temple at the summit and commanding views of the Sahyadris. Best done in monsoon (lush, waterfalls) or early winter mornings. Skip in peak summer — the exposed rock gets scorching.
7. Sula Vineyards — a modern side-stop
India’s most famous winery sits 15 km from Nashik and runs guided tours + tastings every hour (last tour ~5:30 PM). If your travelling group includes younger family members who want a break from temples, this is the natural pairing. Book online to skip the counter queue on weekends.
Nashik in 2 days — the practical plan
Day 1 (temple day): 5:30 AM leave for Trimbakeshwar → darshan by 7 AM → Kushavarta Kund → return by 11 AM → Muktidham → lunch → Panchavati (Ram Kund, Kalaram Mandir, Sita Gufa) → back by evening.
Day 2 (nature + Shakti): Early start for Saptashrungi (arrive by 8 AM, ropeway, darshan, back to Nashik by 1 PM) → lunch → Pandavleni Caves or Sula depending on the group. If you have a Day 3, drive to Shirdi (below).
Nashik + Shirdi — the natural combo
The majority of pilgrims who come to Nashik also go to Shirdi — it’s just 90 km / 2 hours away, and Baba’s darbar is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. Buses run every 15 minutes; a private cab is ~₹1,600 one-way. Full breakdown in our Nashik → Shirdi transport guide. If you stay overnight in Shirdi, you can attend the 4:30 AM Kakad Aarti — the most moving of the four daily aartis.
Where to stay in Nashik
Panchavati is the best area to stay if darshan is the primary purpose — walking distance to Ram Kund and Kalaram Mandir, easy taxis to Trimbakeshwar. Central Nashik (College Road / Gangapur Road) works better if you’re also doing Sula and want restaurants. On TripSaffron you get verified Nashik stays — real photos, real distances from the temples, no hidden charges.
A small planning tip
Trimbakeshwar and Saptashrungi are on opposite sides of Nashik — don't try to do both in one day. Split them across Day 1 (Trimbakeshwar) and Day 2 (Saptashrungi). Your legs will thank you.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What are the must-visit places in Nashik?
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Panchavati (Ram Kund, Kalaram Mandir, Sita Gufa), Saptashrungi Devi, Muktidham and Pandavleni caves — these five cover 90% of what a Nashik yatra is about. Add Anjaneri and Sula if you have a second day.
How far is Trimbakeshwar from Nashik?
About 28-30 km west of Nashik city — 45 min to 1 hour by cab or bus. Regular MSRTC and shared services run through the day; a private cab costs ₹800-1,200 one-way.
Is Saptashrungi worth the trip?
Yes — one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, about 65 km from Nashik. There is a ropeway (~₹100 return) so elderly parents can reach the temple without the 500-step climb. Half-day trip.
Can I cover Nashik in one day?
You can cover Trimbakeshwar + Panchavati + Muktidham in one long day if you leave at 5 AM. For Saptashrungi, Pandavleni and Anjaneri you need a second day.
What is the best time to visit Nashik?
October to March — pleasant weather, comfortable temple visits and clear roads. Monsoon (July-September) is beautiful for the waterfalls near Anjaneri but slippery for Saptashrungi and Trimbakeshwar hills.
Should I combine Nashik with Shirdi?
Yes — Shirdi is just ~90 km / 2 hours from Nashik. Most Nashik yatris do the two together as a 2-3 day trip. See our Nashik → Shirdi guide for transport options.
Nashik is not just a stop on the way to Shirdi — it’s a full-fledged pilgrim destination in its own right. Give it at least two days, start each morning early, keep Trimbakeshwar and Saptashrungi on separate days, and let the Godavari, Panchavati and the Jyotirlinga speak for themselves. Shubh yatra. 🚩