Nasik hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years. It is named after a relic related to the Ramayana and is on the banks of the River Godavari. Apart from temples, Nashik also has forts, waterfalls, and vineyards. Sula is the most famous vineyard. You can experience a cocktail of extremes in Nasik, from temples to vineyards, hills to waterfalls.
Trimbakeshwar Temple has immense spiritual significance. Located 28 kilometres from Nashik city, this Shaiva temple was established by Peshwa Nana Saheb in the 18th century. The temple is mentioned in the Mrityunjaya Mantra, which bestows immortality and longevity.
The temple premises also has the Kunda, which is supposed to be the source of the river Godavari. This Jyotirlinga has three faces, symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Only males are allowed in the 'garbhgriha' of the temple.
2. Kalaram Temple
It is one of the city's most important spiritual centres. The temple's name comes from the black statue of Rama. There is also a black statue of Hanuman and idols of Lakshman and Sita in the temple. The temple is also home to a Dalit movement. Guides can take you around the structure.
The temple of the goddess Saptashrungi Nivasin is believed that a limb of the right arm of Sati fell here. This place is surrounded by 7 mountain peaks having 108 kundas and forests laden with medicinal herbs.
To reach the top, 510 steps or a ropeway can be taken. During Navratri and Poornima, devotees are offered free food. Otherwise, devotees must pay INR 15 to avail this service.
4. Anjneri Hill
Anjaneri hills are very significant religiously and for tourists. They are considered the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. The fort is famous among hikers. Caves, waterfalls, and lakes are seen along the trek.Because of the various hills, one can see Vaitarna's backwaters, Brahmagiri, and Triambakeshwar Peak. During the monsoon season, the hills are decorated with blossoming Karvy plants. The Anjaneri village is well-known for the Hanuman Jayanti festival, which includes wrestling matches.
This Temple has a history of around four centuries and was built by the Peshwas. Raghoba Peshwa constructed this temple in 1774 A.D. Madhavrao Peshwa was the devotee of Shri Navamsya Ganapati. On August 15th, 1764 A.D., the village name was Anandavalli, and the building and construction of the temple started. It is situated on the bank of the Godavari River. Likewise, the statue of Lord Ganesha is beautiful and has rather lively eyes. People come here to seek the blessings of Lord Ganpati, and on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi, you will love to be here.
These rock-cut caves are located on the tableland of the Trivashmi Hills. They date to the 3rd century BC and the 2nd century AD. It is a group of 24 caves representing Hinayana Buddhism. The caves also have museums, musical fountains, and various eateries. Multiple shrines, pillars, and carvings are also found inside. Of the 24 caves, caves 3 and 10 are the most attractive. Their construction is unique. The inscriptions have been essential study materials for researchers.
Tourists climb almost 200 steps to reach the top and enjoy the beautiful views. People can also visit here for trekking. Simultaneously, the caves are a prominent Buddhist site, which is why they are a famous tourist site.
It is about 3 km away from Nashik. If Mythology is to be believed, Sita stayed in these caves for some days during her exile. The idols of the deities of Ram, Sita, and Laxman are inside the main cave. In the second small cave, a Shivling is placed. Lord Rama used to hide Sita in this cave when he had to leave her, and Ravana, disguised as a bagger, carried her from there. Today, the cave is popular for pilgrims who travel to Panchavati. Its idols include Sita, Rama, and Lakshman.
Sula Vineyards has 60 wineries and was the first winery in India. The Grape Stomping, which happens here between January and March, is an added delight. The vineyards also have a tasting room where people can taste different wine varieties. The vineyard is perfect for people to spend leisure time away from the city's boom-boom. The ambience and scenic views transport people into another world.
9. Kapileswara Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is pretty rare because, like other Shiva temples, it does not have a statue of Nandi. According to the legends, Shiva performed penance here after taking a dip in Ramkund to wash his sins. There is no Nandi statue in the temple because Shiva regarded Nandi as a Guru, and hence, there is no Nandi to guard the Temple.
Once, Shiva accidentally killed a cow. Then, Nandi requested that he visit Nashik to bathe in Ramkund. On Nandi’s advice, he took a dip in Ramkund and meditated. The temple is situated where Shiva meditated.
10. Balaji Devsthan
This place in Nashik has a replica of the idol of Tirupati and is an excellent place to visit for people who cannot make the trip to the original shrine. Furthermore, the Godavari River and the adjacent waterfall provide a remarkable ambience for spirituality and peace. Religious festivals are organized here, and the Lakshadeep Utsav on Kojagari Pournima is very special.
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