Panchavati, Kalaram Temple & Sita Gufa, Nashik

Panchavati is the ancient spiritual epicentre of Nashik mentioned prominently in the Ramayana. It takes its name from the five sacred banyan (Vata) trees that still stand majestically near Sita Gufa (the cave where Mother Sita stayed). A short walk away is the magnificent Kalaram Temple, constructed entirely of polished black basalt stone by Sardar Rangrao Odhekar in 1788. The sanctum holds the rare two-feet-tall black idol of Lord Rama. Nearby are the Lakshmana Temple, Kapaleshwar Mahadev Temple (the only Shiva temple without Nandi), and the vibrant heritage bazaars of Old Nashik.