My Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend Getaway in Nashik

A religious and picturesque city, perfectly paired with lessons in wine-making and tasting.

Updated On: August 15, 2024
8 min, Read

Nashik, named after a relic associated with the Ramayana, is a city in Maharashtra. It is located on the banks of the River Godavari. The city radiates charm, beauty, and a rich tapestry of diverse culture. From the sprawling Sahyadri Range, giving rise to rivers and streams cutting through the Western Ghats, to lovely vineyards spread over the hills, Nashik’s landscape is picturesque and offers plenty of space for relaxation. Best known as India’s wine capital, Nashik has a lot to offer for the discerning traveller. It was always a religious city, but is now emerging as an industrial one. It has been a key pilgrimage centre for Hindus since ancient times. Its many temples, ghats, and other religious sites attract thousands of tourists annually. It is also one of the four places in the country where Kumbh Mela takes place. The city also offers scenic and archaeological tours. It boasts of lush green hills and valleys and colonial-era monuments. So, if you're seeking a quick and relaxing weekend getaway, Nashik is an excellent option. Here's my itinerary for a perfect weekend getaway in Nashik.

Day 1

I began my day's exploration of Nashik with Misal Pav. This dish can arguably be called the dish of the city as it is a matter of pride for any Nashikkar. For some spicy Misal Pav, I went to Tushar Misal House. If you are in the mood for a spicier version, I recommend Hotel Vihar. After a filling breakfast, I began my tour of the city. Panchavati is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nashik. It is located on the banks of the Godavari River and is home to several temples, including the famous Kalaram Temple. I spent the morning walking along the Godavari Ghats, where people congregate to perform religious rituals. Later, I visited the Goraram and Kalaram temples. Panchavati also has several small lakes and waterfalls, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors. I continued walking through the lively market in the area, where everything from cow dung cakes to freshly caught catfish is sold.

Thereafter, I drove to the vineyards for a tour of one of the finest Indian wine-producing facilities. The popular Sula and Grover Zampa wineries are nestled in this city. Both these spots are perfect getaways for wine afficianados and lovers alike. I walked through vines laden with Chenin, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes. I was taken through the age-old ‘méthode traditionnelle’ used to make some of India's best-known sparkling wines. The sommelier acquainted my taste buds with their fine creations of white, red, rose, and sparkling wines. I experimented with pairing them with my meal at the vineyards. After some wine swirling, sniffing, sipping, and savouring the good food, I was ready for my next destination. Next, I set off to visit the Trimbakeshwar Temple, a highly revered pilgrimage centre that is located approximately 28.3 km from Nashik. This grand temple has exquisite carvings, and holds significance as the holy Godavari River originates from this sacred site. Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of India’s most important temples and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nana Saheb Peshwa built the temple in the 18th century. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit the site to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Day 2

My day two itinerary began with some cave exploration. I visited the 1,200-year-old Buddhist caves—the Pandavleni Caves. Dating back from the 4th century BC to the 12th century, these caves house idols of Buddha and Bodhisattva, as well as icons of Jain Tirthankar Rishabh, Veer Manibhadraji, and Ambikadevi. The Pandavleni Caves are a group of 24 rock-cut cave temples that were believed to be used by Buddhist monks for meditation and study. The main attraction of the Pandavleni Caves is the grandeur of their architecture and the beauty of their sculptures. The caves can be reached by taking a short hike up the hill from Nashik city centre. For some dose of history and entertainment combined, my next stop was the Phalke Samarak. This memorial is a tribute to the legendary Shri Dadasaheb Phalke, the founder of Indian Cinema. Dadasaheb Phalke was the first person to make the first full-length Indian feature film, Raja Harishchandra. Sprawling over 29 hectares, the memorial features a museum, an amphitheatre, a water park, a musical fountain, and an exhibition centre. There are many things to see here but it's the gallery that mainly interests the people the most because of the pictures and the exhibits.

For some adrenaline, I visited the MTDC Boat Club situated right next to the lavish MTDC Grape Park Resort. This state-of-the-art facility delights its visitors with a vast selection of exciting water activities. I chose to indulge in a jet ski ride. One can also choose a bumper boat or banana boat, or hang around with your friends on a party barge instead. The choice is yours. To conclude my day, I opted for a delightful sunset lake cruise and a scrumptious meal at a charming cafe. As I relished the food, I couldn't help but admire the captivating beauty of the surrounding nature that embraced the club. I ended my trip to Nashik with some culinary excellence at the Panchavati Dhaba at Hotel Panchavati. The pure veg thali at this place is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger pangs. Some of the other renowned attractions to visit in Nashik are the Coin Museum, Dudhsagar Waterfall, Soma Vine Village, and the Shrine of the Infant Jesus Church. You can also plan your itinerary with thrilling activities like rafting, cliff jumping, and go-karting. Whatever your requirement, Nashik can fulfil your desires.