Among its many temples, waterfalls, and vineyards, Nashik’s dams and lakes are also top attractions. This blog is dedicated to introducing you to these spots.
However, keep in mind that timing is important. I recommend visiting these Nashik dams & lakes during the monsoon season, especially around sunrise or sunset.
On an important note: Nature is fun. Make sure you keep it that way. Keep clean & carry a trash bag to keep your litter in place.
Nashik Dams & Lakes
Under 25 km
1. Waldevi Dam
Distance from Nashik
20 Km approx.
Ideal For
Photography & Boating
Waldevi Dam is a proper picnic spot which attracts a lot of visitors in monsoon. The reservoir of the dam is about 35m deep with a huge water storage capacity.
This Nashik dam offers beautiful sightseeing, making it a perfect photoshoot spot. The earth fill dam also has boating facilities, although I think that’s only for the monsoons. It’s not so far from Nashik & so I’ve seen a lot of people going to the dam on cycles as well.
People also stay overnight at resorts near this place. Among many, Savana Lake Resort is one of the most famous in the area. The resort is located on the banks of the reservoir, offering rooms with a wonderful lake view.
2. Anjaneri Lake
Distance from Nashik
20 Km approx.
Ideal For
Hiking
Anjaneri lake is not your everyday family spot. The lake is on the Anjaneri hill, the birthplace of Mahaveer Hanuman. Thus it’s a very influential place, religiously speaking.
Legend has it that the lake itself is formed by the pressure of Hanumanji’s leg. You can see from further above the lake a proper footprint like structure holding the water.
Although to reach the lake you’ll have to hike. It took me around 4-5 hours for a complete trip. About 4000 feet above the sea level, the hill has absolutely stunning views from above. Read more
3. Gangapur Dam
Gangapur Dam is the closes water reservoir near Nashik. The whole place is under the government & is yet very well maintained. Previously a written permission was needed to go near the dam. Not so sure if that still persists.
The area is near MTDC boat club which as an absolutely chill place to spend time. Apart from boating you can also have a decent meal in the restaurant.
Although, this Nashik dam is tightly packed on holidays. So make sure to plan accordingly. Also, if you want to go for boating, check for pre-booking on the MTDC site.
4. Kashyapi Dam
Distance from Nashik
25 Km approx.
Ideal For
Photography, Sightseeing
Kashyapi Dam is a perfect alternative to Gangapur dam. It’s a very quiet place, except for the melody of overlapping water waves & chirping birds.
The thing I like about this Nashik dam is that you can go in the backwaters directly. It’s fun to take a dip in the water, but with caution.
The dam is extremely photogenic, especially if you time your visit right. You can hike a bit to the adjacent mountain to get a 360 degree view of the place. Plan your visit on weekdays, & if possible, around sunsets.
5. Goutam Talav
Distance from Nashik
25 Km approx.
Ideal When
Visiting Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Goutam Talav, named after Maharishi Gautam, is a small pond behind Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga. This place is a not for a special visit, although a must visit if you go to Trimbakeshwar.
The small pond is house to a number of fish. You can even buy some bread from the local vendors & feed the fish. But like I said, this place is best visited OTW to Trimbakeshwar.
Under 50 km
6. Mukane Reservoir
Distance from Nashik
30 Km approx.
Ideal For
Casual outing, Chilling
Mukane Dam is a famous spot near Igatpuri. The water reservoir of this dam is widely spread & thus has local spots on each end. You can sit & relax, have a timeout at multiple waterside spots of the reservoir.
This dam doesn’t offer accessibilities like Gangapur dam. Although The Blue Lake Resort is a famous spot where people like to spend the night. This resort is near the reservoir, with their rooms having lake facing views.
7. Upper Vaitarna Reservoir
Distance from Nashik
35 Km approx.
Ideal For
Boating, Family Picnic
Upper Vaitarna Reservoir is adjacent to the Mukane Dam. The fun part is that it’s even bigger than the latter, so it attracts a lot of visitors.
The view point of the dam is a famous spot to visit. With ample parking available you can easily take your vehicle with you. A bike ride especially is a great experience to have if you plan to visit the reservoir.
8. Waki Dam
Distance from Nashik
45 Km approx.
Ideal For
Camping
Waki Dam is the closest big waterbody near Igatpuri. This place is good if you wish to spend a night for camping. There is a special team of Elite Lake View Camping that arranges camps for you.
This Nashik dam, however, isn’t ideal for families. It’s more suited for a boys’ outing, especially with a bike ride to the spot.
9. Talegaon Kachurli Lake
Distance from Nashik
35 Km approx.
Ideal For
Chilling
Talegaon Kachurli Lake is an offbeat place best suited for taking a timeout. This lake is near Trimbak, though is doesn’t attract a lot of people.
People like to take their own camp setups & spend the night in the wild. A less risky option would be to book a night in the Stay Vista Meluha Villa.
There’s not a lot to visit in Kachurli, apart from the famous Harihar fort & Dugarwadi Waterfall.
10. Darna Dam
Distance from Nashik
30 Km approx.
Ideal For
Photography, Sightseeing
Darna Dam is one of the largest dam of Maharashtra. It is a 1.6 km long dam, standing strong right from the Britishers time.
The views are outstanding, especially in the monsoons. The dam also has a lot of flatland nearby, making it very convenient to camp waterside. The high volume of water that flows from its countless gates makes it an attraction in the monsoons.
11. Kadwa Dam
Distance from Nashik
40 Km approx.
Ideal For
Private outing
Kadwa Dam is located just across the road from Darna Dam. The reservoir is not so big & even the dam is not that famous. But the one good thing about this dam is its seclusion.
This isolated Nashik dam can be a good choice if you wish to stay off the grid and spend time away from the crowd.
12. Nandur-Madhyameshwar Dam
Distance from Nashik
45 Km approx.
Ideal For
Sightseeing, Birdwatching
Nandur-Madhyameshwar Dam is a popular tourist spot near the Madhmeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The high water flow during the monsoon season attracts a lot of visitors to the sanctuary.
The main attraction though is the sanctuary itself which is known for birdwatching. Read more
13. Amboli Dam
Distance from Nashik
35 Km approx.
Ideal For
Camping, Outing
Amboli Dam is a small dam near Trimbak. It’s proper picnic spot, considering the various hotels it has nearby. The reservoir of the dam gets dry pretty soon so it’s ideal to visit in or after monsoons.
The dam is also an ideal spot for camping, with many camping events already set-up. Another way to spend the night is by booking your stay in the Amboli Weekend Homes.
14. Tringalwadi Lake
Distance from Nashik
45 Km approx.
Ideal For
Photography, Sightseeing
Tringalwadi lake is a famous tourist spot, 10 km from Igatpuri. The lake is surrounded by mountains from all side, making it a very photogenic environment.
People confuse this to be a dam, although it is a natural dam with water getting naturally collected in monsoons. Also, the accessibility to the lake is only through your private vehicles.
Tringalwadi Fort is also a nearby spot to explore with a small hike. I’m not entirely sure how safe it is for a family outing, so it’s better to visit in a group.
Under 100 km
15. Bhandardara Dam
Distance from Nashik
70 Km approx.
Ideal For
Boating, Family Outing, Hiking
Bhandardara is one of the most famous spots of Nashik. The dam, AKA Wilson Dam is equally popular among the locals. It is one of the oldest dam in India, attracting a lot of visitors in monsoons.
This Nashik dam is an ideal spot for a 1 day outing, as there are good spots to visit near the dam as. The most famous spot of Bhandardara is the Vasundhara waterfall. It is one of the best waterfalls I’ve visited near Nashik, no cap.
The journey from Nashik can be a bit lengthy, but it is definitely worth the efforts.
16. Tansa Dam
Tansa dam is a weekend getaway spot for Mumbaikars. It comes under Tansa wildlife sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora & fauna.
The main attraction of the place though is not the destination but the journey. The road to Tansa is very beautiful, covered with greenery & long trees. Read more.
17. Bhatsa Dam
Distance from Nashik
90 Km approx.
Ideal For
1 Day Family Picnic
Bhatsa Dam is an important dam near Shahpur that provides water supply to Thane & Mumbai. The dam attracts a lot of people from Mumbai as well as Igatpuri, especially for a 1 day trip. There is also a government rest house if you wish to spend the night.
18. Karanjwan Dam
Distance from Nashik
55 Km approx.
Ideal For
Photography, Sightseeing
Karanjwan Dam is a electrical powerhouse near Dindori. originally built to provide for irrigation systems, this dam is a powerhouse.
I have not visited this place personally, although people really appreciate the scenic views of the place. It is an ideal photoshoot place, which is in reality not very famous or explored.
Feel free to explore our site & especially our dedicated page on Nashik.
