The road north to Nashik
The Pune to Nashik tempo traveller route leaves Pune past Bhosari and Chakan, then runs north through Rajgurunagar, Narayangaon and Sangamner before reaching Sinnar and Nashik. It is a straightforward highway drive with a few ghat sections, and dhabas and restaurants along the way for breakfast and tea.
The stretch near Chakan has heavy industrial traffic on weekdays, so an early start helps. From Pimpri-Chinchwad, you join this highway even sooner.
Panchavati, where the Ramayana feels close
The heart of old Nashik is Panchavati, on the banks of the Godavari. This is where, according to the Ramayana, Shri Ram, Sita and Lakshman stayed during their exile. Ram Kund is the sacred bathing ghat on the river, and the area around it is full of small temples and ritual activity.
A short walk away, the black-stone Kalaram temple is one of the city’s best-known shrines. Sita Gufa is a narrow cave linked to the Ramayana story, and Kapaleshwar Mahadev temple stands across from Ram Kund. Plan to walk this area, since it is too congested for a large vehicle to move around.
Caves, vineyards and the softer side of Nashik
On the outskirts, Pandavleni caves are a group of old Buddhist rock-cut caves on a hillside, reached by a climb of steps, with a good view over the city.
Nashik is also India’s best-known wine region. Sula and several other vineyards around the city welcome visitors, and the landscape of vines with the hills behind is lovely at sunset. This makes Nashik a good choice for adult friend groups and corporate outings as well as temple trips.
Adding Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi
Trimbakeshwar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is about 30 km from Nashik near the source of the Godavari. Most families combine it with Nashik on a two-day trip. See our Pune to Trimbakeshwar tempo traveller page for more on that leg.
Shirdi is also within reach, so a circuit of Nashik, Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi is one of the most popular multi-day temple trips from Pune. Our Pune to Shirdi tempo traveller page covers that end.
One day or two?
A one-day Pune to Nashik tempo traveller trip is possible, but it is a long day with nearly ten hours on the road. It works best if you stick to Panchavati, Kalaram temple and perhaps Pandavleni, and leave Pune by 5:30 AM.
With a night in Nashik, the trip becomes far more relaxed. You can see the city on day one, visit Trimbakeshwar early the next morning before the crowds build, and still be home by evening. Add a third day and Shirdi fits in easily. For temple groups with elders, the two or three day plan is almost always the better choice.
Vehicle size and pricing
For a family temple circuit, a 14 seater gives room for elders and overnight bags. Pricing is per km with a daily minimum distance; toll, parking and driver allowance are usually extra. The price page has details.
