Nashik, situated on the banks of River Godavari, is a city renowned for its rich historical and cultural significance. It is a popular pilgrimage destination in India and a key inclusion in Maharashtra tour packages as it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama stayed with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana during their exile. Additionally, Nashik is one of the four cities in India where Kumbh Mela is organized, making it a significant pilgrimage site in Hinduism. Moreover, Nashik is famously known as the ‘Wine capital of India’ for being home to some of the finest vineyards in the country. With its temples, ghats, and vineyards, Nashik offers a harmonious blend of spirituality and natural beauty. If you are planning a Nashik 2-day trip, here are some of the top places to explore during your visit.
Pandavleni Caves
The Pandavleni Caves, also known as Trirashmi Caves, are historic rock-cut caves located on Trirashmi Hills near Nashik. These caves, dating back to the 3rd century BC, are one of the popular tourist places in Nashik. Constructed by rulers such as the Satavahanas and Kshaharatas for Hinayana Buddhist monks, most of the 24 caves are Viharas, with the 18th cave being a Chaitya. Notably, caves 3, 10, 18, and 20 are considered the most significant and captivating among the collection. Visitors can explore shrines, cisterns, rare inscriptions, intricately carved figures of Buddha and Bodhisattva, as well as depictions of Jain Tirthankaras like Vrishabhdeo, Ambikadevi, and Veer Manibhadraji. These caves are included in various Nashik Tour Packages.
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Sri Kalaram Mandir
The Kalaram Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in the Panchavati area of Nashik, among the most prominent places to visit near Pune. Built by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar in 1790 AD, the temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, and is probably the most important temple that one must visit as part of Nashik tour from Mumbai. The architectural design of the temple is reminiscent of the Trimbakeshwar temple. The idol of the presiding deity is carved out of black stone; hence the temple got its name, Kalaram, meaning black Ram. Also, one can find inside the temple a black statue of Lord Hanuman and statues of Sita and Lakshman.
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Sita Gufaa / Sita Gumpha
Sita Gufaa, also known as Sita Gumpha, is a well-known temple situated in the Panchavati area of Nashik. Located close to Kalaram Temple, it is considered a significant stop during your Nashik tour from Pune. According to legend, this is the spot where Sita worshipped Lord Shiva during their exile. It is also believed to be the place where Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, abducted Sita. Access to the cave, which houses the idols of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshmana, is only possible via a narrow staircase. Outside the cave, there is a cluster of five ancient Banyan trees, giving the area its name, Panchavati. One can also visit Tapovan, the place where Lakshmana, Rama’s brother, mutilated the nose of Surpanakha, Ravana’s sister while in Nashik, among the top places to visit near Mumbai.
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Someshwar Waterfalls / Dudhsagar Falls
Someshwar Waterfalls, also known as Dudhsagar Waterfalls, is a stunning waterfall located at Gangapur near Nashik. It is a popular attraction in Nashik and one of the top waterfalls near Pune. Created by the holy River Godavari, the 10 m high waterfall becomes especially picturesque during the monsoon season due to the heavy water flow. What makes this beautiful waterfall unique is the creamy white water that gives it the charming name Dudhsagar. Surrounded by lush forests, it is a favorite picnic spot for locals and a preferred stop over for tourists to relax and unwind while visiting Nashik, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra.
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Muktidham Mandir
Constructed by Sri JayramBhai Bytco in 1971, Muktidham Mandir is a revered Hindu temple complex located in Nashik. This architectural marvel, crafted from white marble sourced from Makran in Rajasthan, is a must-visit place as part of Nashik tour from Aurangabad. Housing representations of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India, this sacred site is revered as a sanctuary for numerous Hindu deities. A visit to this shrine is believed to bestow blessings equivalent to a pilgrimage to the Char Dhams, drawing countless devotees to its premises. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in the Muktidham complex, Nashik, among the most revered pilgrimage sites near Mumbai. Adorned with intricate paintings portraying episodes from the life of Krishna and the Mahabharata, the walls of the Krishna temple further enhance the spiritual ambiance of the Muktidham complex.
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Trimbakeshwar
Trimbakeshwar, also known as Tryambakeswar, is a quaint pilgrimage town situated on the banks of River Godavari at the foothills of Brahmagiri Mountains near Nasik. This town is renowned for the iconic Trimbakeshwar Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It stands out as one of the popular pilgrimage sites near Pune and is considered a must-visit spot in Nashik travel itineraries. Constructed by Sri Nana Saheb Peshwa between 1755 and 1786 AD, the unique aspect of the Jyotirlinga at this temple is its three faces representing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Rudra. Additionally, the temple complex features a sacred pond called Kushavarta, which serves as the origin of the Godavari River, the longest river in southern India. Other notable attractions in Trimbakeshwar include Gangadwar, Brahmagiri, the Caves of 108 Shiva lingams, Parashuram temple, Bilwa Tirtha, Gautama Tirtha, Indra Tirtha, and Ahilya Sangam Tirtha.
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Sri Dharmachakra Prabhav Tirth Jain Mandir
Sri Dharmachakra Prabhav Tirth, also known as Jain Mandir, is a stunning Jain Temple located near Viholi village on Nashik – Mumbai Road. Founded under the divine guidance of Acharya Sri Jag Vallabh Surishwaraji Maharaj Saheb, this temple is constructed using pink sandstone and white marbles. The primary deity worshipped here is Sri Mantradhiraj Parshwanath Bhagwan. The temple is decorated with idols of Jain saints, with the most significant being the 24th Jain Tirthankar idol made of Panchdhatu, weighing approximately 12 tons. The temple’s entrance is adorned with a magnificent Yantra of the Sri Mantradhiraj Stotra, featuring intricate figurines and surrounded by statues of revered Gods and Goddesses. It is one of the popular Jain religious places to visit in Nashik as part of the Maharashtra tour.
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