Hey there, Welcome to TripLoveria, where we’re all about exploring the best destinations. Today, we’re hitting the 5 Must-Visit Stops on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway, uncovering five awesome spots you just can’t miss. From stunning vineyards to ancient temples and breathtaking scenery, get ready for an unforgettable journey. So, grab your snacks and let’s dive into the adventure along the Mumbai-Nashik Highway.
Note for travelers: Please be aware that while these spots are must-visit attractions along the Mumbai-Nashik Highway, some of them may require a short detour or additional travel from the main highway. Be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly and allow extra time for exploration off the beaten path.
Kanheri Caves:
Step into a world of ancient wonder right in the heart of bustling Mumbai! Tucked away within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali, you’ll discover the enchanting Kanheri Caves. These 118 monolithic Buddhist caves, dating back to the 1st century BC, are a true marvel.
Imagine monks seeking shelter from the elements, finding solace within these caves. They’re called Kanheri, which means “Krishna’s home” in Hindi, owing to the dark basalt rock they’re carved from.
Initially, these caves were a refuge for monks, a place to study, meditate, and escape the rain. But over time, they became centers of learning, much like the famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Abandoned centuries ago, the caves were rediscovered by Japanese monks, sparking a revival of Buddhism. Today, exploring these caves is like stepping back in time. You’ll find a grand prayer hall, intricate Buddhist shrines adorned with paintings and carvings, and even an ingenious water harvesting system.
Despite being in the midst of Mumbai’s chaos, the Kanheri Caves maintain a serene atmosphere. And with their cool interiors providing relief from the city’s heat, they’re the perfect retreat for a peaceful escape. So why not delve into history and tranquility all in one visit? The Kanheri Caves await your discovery.
Distance from Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH60): 26-30 km
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Soma Vineyards:
Looking for a getaway from Mumbai that’s both serene and luxurious? Look no further than Soma Vine Village in Nashik! A short four-hour drive from the city leads you to this stunning winery, surrounded by vineyards and the regal Regenta hotel.
As someone who’s explored vineyards in Vienna, I was excited to discover this Indian gem. Soma Vine Village, often dubbed India’s Napa Valley, boasts perfect conditions for growing premium wine grapes, thanks to Nashik’s ideal climate and soil.
Stepping into the vineyard, we were greeted by sweeping green vistas from our balcony. And no trip to Nashik’s vineyards is complete without a wine tour and tasting. Led by a friendly sommelier, we learned about the fascinating process of winemaking, from vine to bottle.
Inside the barrel room, oakwood barrels lined the walls, each one adding unique flavors to the wines as they matured. Spread across 25 acres, Soma Vine Village offers breathtaking views of vine-covered landscapes.
Planning a visit? The best time is during the harvest months of January to March, when the vines are heavy with grapes. And for a small fee, you can enjoy a tasting session and even take home your favorite bottles.
So whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Soma Vine Village promises an unforgettable experience, blending luxury, nature, and of course, delicious wine.
Distance from Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH60): 35-40 km
Trimbakeshwar Temple:
Trimbakeshwar Temple holds a special place in Hindu beliefs as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It’s said that visiting this temple can bring spiritual salvation. Many consider it sacred because it’s where the Godavari River starts and where important rituals like Narayan Nagbali are performed.
The temple was built between 1755 and 1786 by Shri Nana Saheb Peshwa using black stone. Inside, there’s a naturally-formed Shivlingam, and what’s unique is that there are three lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, all in one place.
As you enter the temple, you’ll see a smaller temple dedicated to Nandi, the bull who is Lord Shiva’s vehicle. Inside, there’s a large hall with a domed roof leading to the main sanctum, where the Shivlingam and the three lingas are kept.
Outside the temple, you might even see some cows munching on grass, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the place.
Distance from Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH60): 30-35 km
Kushavarta:
Just a short walk away from the main temple, there’s a special pond called “Kushavarta.” It’s believed to be where the River Ganga starts her journey through India. People say that taking a dip in this sacred water can wash away all your sins. Legend has it that a wise sage named Gautam once made the River Ganga stop here so he could cleanse himself of a sin he had committed.
The temple surrounding this pond was built by a man named Sheemant Rao Sahib Parnekar. Inside, the walls are decorated with idols, and there are small temples in every corner. What’s really interesting about this pond is that it’s where the Kumbh Mela, a huge religious gathering, begins every twelve years.
During the Kumbh Mela, saints from all over the world come here to take a holy bath. The government has set specific times for different groups of saints to bathe, to keep things organized. The senior saints from the Vaishnav sect bathe in the Godavari River at Ram Kund, Panchavati, while those from the Shaiva sect bathe here at Kushavarta. This system was put in place after a sad incident during a previous Kumbh Mela when there was a fight between the two groups, and many people got hurt.
Distance from Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH60): 30 km
Dharmachakra Tirth Goshala:
Nestled across 13 acres near Vilholi village, you’ll find a majestic pilgrimage site called Shree Dharmachakra Prabhav Tirth in Nashik. As soon as you step foot inside, you’ll feel your spirit lifted by the serene atmosphere.
Just a short 12 km drive from Nashik on the Nashik-Mumbai Expressway, this special place houses its main temple, known as Jinalaya, deep within its grounds. Inside, you’ll discover three floors representing different realms and towering sculptures depicting sacred pilgrim sites like Siddhachal, Abuu, Girnar, and Samet Shikhar, each symbolizing a cardinal direction. Downstairs, a striking 12-foot statue of Lord Mahavir, surrounded by four Peshawnath idols, greets visitors with a sense of reverence. And atop the temple, the Ashtapada Mahatirth and a divine Yantra of Shri Mantradhiraj Stotra radiate positive energy.
Shree Dharmachakra Prabhav Tirth offers a wealth of experiences for visitors. Whether you’re participating in rituals honoring Lord Mahavir or indulging in delicious Gujarati cuisine amidst the scenic greenery, there’s something for everyone. But perhaps the most remarkable feature is the expansive Gaushala, spanning 7 acres and caring for around 400 cows, supported by donations from devotees. This place holds a special significance for countless pilgrims who have made the journey here.
The preservation of spirituality here is truly remarkable, bringing peace and solace to all who visit. With the continuous chants of the messengers of the Gods echoing throughout the day, visitors can truly connect with the divine presence.
For a peaceful weekend getaway with your family, we highly recommend a visit to Shree Dharmachakra Prabhav Tirth. The accommodations are top-notch, ensuring a comfortable and auspicious stay amidst the tranquil surroundings and uplifting hymns.
Distance from Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH60): 500m -1km
