From Temples to Vineyards: Explore India’s Wine Hub with This Detailed Nashik Itinerary

Do you wish to explore Nashik but find it hard to plan an itinerary? If yes, this ultimate Nashik Itinerary is specially curated for those who want to explore the lesser-known destinations and experience the diverse culture Nashik has to offer. Breathtaking vineyards, historic temples, serene backwaters, appetising street food, you name it, and Nashik has it all! So, without any further ado, let's begin our perfect Nashik Itinerary, shall we? 

Day 1
Morning

Start your day with a hearty Maharashtrian breakfast in the heart of Nashik city. Try a thali-style breakfast with poha, sabudana khichdi, puri bhaji, and tea, satisfied and ready to explore. Head to Sula Vineyards, which is around a 30-minute drive from the city centre. Sula is India’s most iconic vineyard, and Nashik is known for Wine Tourism. Set against a stunning backdrop of rolling green hills. You can take a guided tour of the wine-making process, walk through the vineyards, and enjoy a wine-tasting session where you’ll get to sample a variety of wines, including their famous Chenin Blanc and Dindori Reserve Shiraz. There’s also a terrace café with beautiful views where you can just sit back and soak in the peaceful vibe.

Afternoon

For lunch, you can either dine at the vineyard itself at Little Italy, which serves delicious vegetarian Italian fare with a lovely view of the vineyards, or head back toward the city for a homely local meal. Post lunch, drive towards Trimbakeshwar, about 40-45 minutes from Nashik. This ancient Shiva temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located at the source of the holy Godavari River. An architectural marvel, built with black stone and adorned with intricate carvings. 

Evening

After a spiritually enriching afternoon, return to Nashik by evening. You can relax and unwind at your hotel. If you’re up for a short post-dinner stroll, take a walk along Ramkund, where the ghats are beautifully lit and peaceful at night. 

Day 2
Morning

Begin your second day with breakfast at your hotel or try the popular Misal Pav, a famous Maharashtrian culinary delight. Later on, drive to the Pandav Leni Caves, which are just a 20-minute drive from the city. These ancient rock-cut caves date back to the 1st century BC and were once home to Buddhist monks. The hike up the hill takes around 30-45 minutes and offers beautiful views of Nashik city from the top. The caves themselves are peaceful, with intricate carvings, meditation chambers, and a sense of timelessness. It’s a great way to combine a light workout with history and nature.

Afternoon

After descending, head back into town for lunch. You can try Divtya Budhlya Wada, a famous Maharashtrian restaurant known for its authentic home-style cooking. Post lunch, explore the Coin Museum in Anjneri, about 40 minutes from Nashik. It’s the only museum of its kind in India, housing a vast collection of coins dating from ancient to modern times. The display is interesting and informative, especially if you enjoy stories of empires, trade routes, and history. If time permits, you can also take a short detour to Anjneri Hill, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. 

Evening

Return to Nashik by early evening and relax at your hotel. For dinner, visit Soma Vine Village, which also has a beautiful lakeside setting and serves delicious multi-cuisine food. The ambience here will calm you down, a perfect way to end the day. 

Day 3
Morning

On your last day, begin your adventure with a peaceful drive to Harihar Fort Base, which is around 1.5 hours from Nashik. If you're up for a morning trek and a little bit of adventure, this fort is known for its famous vertical staircase carved into the rocks. The full climb takes about 2–3 hours round trip, but even reaching midway gives you stunning panoramic views of the Sahyadri hills. It’s one of the most unique forts in Maharashtra, both for its structure and thrilling path.

Afternoon

After the trek, stop for a simple lunch at one of the local dhabas on the way back, where you can enjoy fresh bhakri, pithla, and curd, the taste of rural Maharashtra. Once back in Nashik, spend your afternoon at Gangapur Dam. This area is calm and scenic, especially ideal for a quiet moment by the water. Later on, visit the Jain Mandir nearby, a marble temple with intricate architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Evening

For your final day in Nashik, head to the Godavari Ghat area and explore the local street food scene. If you are a buzzing foodie who loves to try new dishes and experiment, the street food here will awaken your senses! To sum up your trip, walk through the local market streets and enjoy the sunset by the holy Godavari River. 

Top Attractions in Nashik

Anjneri Hill 

Anjneri Hill is a beautiful and lesser-known spot just outside Nashik, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Surrounded by rolling green landscapes and ancient stone steps, the area is popular for its scenic trekking route and peaceful vibes. The trek isn’t too difficult, making it perfect for beginners who want a bit of adventure. Along the way, you’ll spot monkeys, wildflowers, and open views of the Sahyadris. At the top, there’s a small temple and panoramic views that make the climb worth it.

Jain Mandir

Jain Mandir (Jain Bhavan), Vilholi, is a stunning marble temple located slightly outside the city, offering a calm escape from the hustle and bustle of Nashik city. The temple complex is built in white marble with intricate carvings, domes, and beautifully maintained gardens. It’s not just a place of worship, but also a great spot to admire peaceful architecture and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection. 

Kalaram Mandir

Kalaram Temple is one of the most historically and culturally significant temples in Nashik. Located in Panchavati, this 18th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is built entirely out of black stone. The towering spire, spacious courtyard, and ancient wooden doors transport you back in time. It’s also a key stop on the Ramayana circuit and a focal point during festivals like Ram Navami. 

Best Activities in Nashik
Boating at Gangapur Dam Backwaters

The Gangapur Dam backwaters are a serene and scenic escape from the busy parts of Nashik. Located about 10–15 minutes from the main city, this spot is ideal for a peaceful afternoon. Here, you can rent a paddle boat or a rowboat and glide over calm, clear waters with the Sahyadri hills in the background. The area is especially beautiful during the monsoon and winter seasons when the surroundings are lush and green. The sunset here is magical, reflecting orange and pink hues over the water.

Exploring Ancient Caves at Pandav Leni

Pandav Leni, also known as the Pandav Caves, is a set of 24 ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves carved between the 1st century BC and 3rd century AD. Located on a hill about 8 kilometres from Nashik city centre, these caves offer a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and light adventure. The hike to the top takes around 30-45 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass stone steps and get fantastic aerial views of the city. At the top, the caves greet you with intricate carvings, prayer halls (chaityas), and meditation chambers (viharas). 

Take a Day Trip to Deolali Camp

The best part of your Nashik Itinerary is about 30 minutes from Nashik city lies Deolali Camp, one of the oldest military cantonments in India, Established by the British in the 1860s, Deolali Camp is one of the oldest military cantonments in India. This town has a distinct colonial charm with wide roads, old bungalows, and large open grounds. You can visit the Deolali Market, famous for its vintage feel and locally made snacks. Don’t miss the Artillery Museum, which showcases a fascinating collection of old weapons, tanks, and Indian Army history. There's also Temple Hill (also known as Bhagur), which offers a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy hilltop views. Deolali is a great escape for those who enjoy calm, slow-paced travel. 

Best Places to Stay 
Hotel Palms Residency

Hotel Palms Residency is located centrally in Nashik, offering clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities. It’s known for friendly staff and good service, making it a reliable budget option. The hotel is close to popular spots like Kalaram Temple and the main city market. Average room rates are around Rs. 1,200 to  Rs. 1,500 per night.

Ibis Nashik Hotel

Ibis Nashik is a modern, well-maintained hotel offering spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, and an in-house restaurant. It’s conveniently located near Sula Vineyards and other key attractions. The hotel provides a good balance of comfort and affordability, making it popular with both business and leisure travellers. Average room rates range between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 3,800 per night.

Teerth Villa

Teerth Villa is a cosy homestay known for its warm hospitality and home-cooked meals. Guests appreciate the clean, comfortable rooms and the chance to experience local life in a peaceful setting. It’s ideal for travellers who want a personal touch and a quieter stay away from hotel crowds. The average price per night is around Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000. This homestay also has a villa on its premises. If you are a larger group, looking for a pocket-friendly place, the Teerth Villa should be on your Nashik Itinerary. 

Things to Buy
Yeola Paithani Sarees

Yeola, a town near Nashik, is famous for its beautiful Paithani sarees, which are an important part of the Maharashtrian tradition. These sarees are made from pure silk and decorated with intricate zari work featuring traditional designs like peacocks, parrots, and lotus flowers. Known for their vibrant colours and reversible borders, Paithani sarees are prized for weddings and festive occasions. Prices vary widely depending on the craftsmanship, typically ranging from Rs. 5,000 to over Rs. 50,000 or at times, more. 

Types of Wine

Nashik is called the “Wine Capital of India” because of its extensive vineyards and excellent grape production. Buying fresh, juicy grapes during harvest season is a great way to taste the region’s best produce. You can also purchase locally made wine directly from the vineyards, which are known for their quality and variety. 

Handcrafted Rosary Beads (Mala)

Nashik is a spiritual city, and handcrafted rosary beads (malas) made from rudraksha, tulsi, sandalwood, and other materials are popular items to buy. These malas are used in meditation and prayer, and local artisans carefully craft them with precision. They are meaningful souvenirs that capture the spiritual essence of the region.