Nashik

One of the four Kumbh Mela holy cities and the 'Wine Capital of India', where the ancient sites of Panchavati on the Godavari and the Shiva temple at Trimbak sit alongside vineyards and wineries.

Nashik lies on the Godavari River in northwestern Maharashtra, about 170 km from Mumbai, and is the state's fourth-largest city. It holds an exalted place in Hinduism: Panchavati, where Rama lived during his exile in the Ramayana, is in the city, and Nashik and Trimbak take turns hosting the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, making it one of India's four Kumbh Mela sites (the next is due around 2027; crowds on the main bathing days can reach tens of millions, so check the official schedule before you go). Nashik's surroundings also hold most of India's wineries, earning it the title 'Wine Capital of India'. A visit falls into three parts: first, the old town of Panchavati, where Ramkund ghat, Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa and Kapaleshwar Temple are all within walking distance, with the riverside fire ritual at dusk; second, Sula and other wineries plus Gangapur Dam west of the city, and the Buddhist Pandavleni Caves to the south; third, the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Brahmagiri Hill, Anjaneri Hill and Harihar Fort to the southwest, which make a good day trip. Farther afield, head north to the Saptashrungi goddess temple, south to the Bhandardara lake district and Kalsubai Peak, or east to the old temples of Sinnar and birdwatching at Nandur Madhmeshwar wetland. October–March is the best time, dry and cool and coinciding with the winemaking and harvest season; June–September brings monsoon waterfalls across the hills, great for hiking though trails are slippery; April–May is hot. Trains from Mumbai take about 3–4 hours (to Nashik Road station), or you can drive. The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, about 90 km southeast, is covered as a separate destination. Plan to stay 2–3 days; remove your shoes in temples and dress modestly.

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Where to eat

Itineraries