Weekend getaway from Nashik · #8 of 10
Saptashrungi (Vani)
Cliff-face shrine of the 18-armed Devi set among seven Sahyadri peaks, reached by 510 steps or a funicular. One of Maharashtra's three-and-a-half Shakti Peethas; electric in Navratri, lush and waterfall-lined in monsoon.
Perched against a sheer cliff 60 km north of Nashik near Vani, Saptashrungi Gad is home to an 18-armed goddess carved right into the rock. As one of Maharashtra's holiest Devi shrines, it pairs big spiritual energy with a thrilling 510-step climb, a breezy funicular ride, and sweeping views across the seven peaks.
Getting there
Cruising down the rural highway to Vani is smooth sailing, but the steep switchbacks up to the temple bus stand will keep you on your toes. Take those hairpin bends nice and easy.
Day 1 - Saturday
Cliffside darshan and sweeping views across the seven peaks- 16:30 AMDrive
Drive Nashik to Saptashrungi gad
Roll past Dindori's lush vineyards and tomato patches before taking on the winding ghat. Keep your eyes peeled - you'll spot the dramatic cliff face holding the shrine from miles out.
Tip · Heading here on a weekend during Navratri or Chaitra? Beat the massive pilgrim rush by hitting the road at the crack of dawn.
- 28:30 AMActivity
Climb the 510 steps (or ride the funicular)
Tackle the historic 1710 pilgrim staircase carved with stone figures up the cliff, or hop into the funicular trolley (running since 2018) to zip straight to the top in just 3 breezy minutes.
📍 Saptashrungi Gad, Vani
Tip · Get an early start to dodge the afternoon sun and queues - the funicular line starts backing up fast after 10 AM.
- 39:30 AMSight
Saptashrungi Devi darshan
Stand before the awe-inspiring 8-foot, 18-armed Devi carved directly into the cliff and bathed in bright sindoor, each hand clutching a divine weapon. A truly powerful stop at one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
📍 Saptashrungi Devi Temple, Vani
- 411:30 AMSight
Markandeya hill viewpoint
Step onto the temple terrace and gaze across the dramatic ravine toward Markandeya hill, where the ancient sage is said to have penned the Devi Mahatmya while looking right back at the goddess.
📍 Markandeya Hill, Vani
- 51:00 PMFood
Bhojanalaya lunch at the base
Follow your nose down the approach road for steaming, no-nonsense prasad-style thalis and crunchy snacks. Nothing fancy here, just piping-hot, soul-satisfying fuel after your temple climb.
📍 Vani, Maharashtra
- 63:00 PMFood
Chai halt in Dindori country
Pull over for a hot cup of roadside chai surrounded by Dindori's grapevines and tomato fields. If you are traveling in season, grabbing fresh farmgate grapes right here is a must.
- 74:00 PMDrive
Drive back to Nashik
Coast back down the ghats and cruise across the scenic Dindori plains, wrapping up your return to Nashik in under two easy hours with normal traffic.
Where to eat
Dig into hearty, fixed-menu thalis at the base bhojanalayas - simple, satisfying, and deeply comforting.
Snag sun-ripened grapes, crunchy guavas, and farm-fresh tomatoes straight from roadside growers on your way home.
When to go
The cliffs burst into lush green with waterfalls cascading everywhere. Mist might wrap the peaks, but the drive is pure cinema.
Electric festival energy at its peak! Expect massive crowds of devotees and the iconic summit flag-hoisting ritual on the final days.
Crisp mountain air, clear skies, and calm temple courtyards make this the most pleasant window for unhurried darshan.
Good to know
- The temple trust operates the funicular until evening, but make sure to grab your ride early since final return trips get packed on festival dates.
- Traveling with elders? Drop them right at the upper bus stand to bypass most of the stairs and leave just a short final walk.
- Keep safety first - rockfall netting and protection work happens along the cliff, so strictly stick to open walkways and respect barricades on the parikrama path.
