Shree Dattatreya Temple, Nil Parvat
Ancient Meditation Temple of Lord Dattatreya
Abou the Shree Dattatreya Temple
Located on the sacred Nil Parvat near Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, the ancient Dattatreya Temple is a spiritually important temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya — the divine combined form of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). Surrounded by peaceful hills, forests, caves, and meditation spots, the temple is believed to be a powerful spiritual destination where sages, Nath yogis, and saints once performed deep meditation and tapasya.
According to local spiritual traditions, Nil Parvat has long been associated with yogic practices and divine energy connected with Lord Dattatreya. Devotees believe the calm atmosphere and natural surroundings of the hill make it an ideal place for meditation, spiritual learning, and inner peace. Many pilgrims visit the temple seeking blessings for wisdom, spiritual growth, and protection from negative energies.
The temple offers beautiful panoramic views of Nashik’s sacred landscapes and nearby river regions. During early morning and monsoon season, the mist-covered hills and peaceful atmosphere create a deeply spiritual experience for devotees, trekkers, and seekers exploring the hidden spiritual heritage of Nashik.
How to Reach Shree Dattatreya Temple
Nashik Road Railway Station (NK)
Distance & Time: ~35 km (1 to 1.5 hours)
How to Reach & Important Alerts 
:
Best Option (Bus | ₹45–₹60): Catch a direct MSRTC bus from the station or Thakkar Bazar (every 15–30 mins). It drops you just a 30 minute from the Dattatreya Temple.
Shared Taxis (~₹100): Available outside, but avoid negotiating with private cab drivers at the main exit as they frequently overcharge, upsell, and argue.
Ola/Uber Issues: App cabs cannot pick you up inside the station. You can book them, but you must walk 5 to 7 minutes outside to the Ambedkar Statue (near the petrol pump) to actually get in your cab. Note: Do not rely completely on this, as local drivers often harass app drivers and force cancellations.
Nearest Bus Stand: Trimbakeshwar Bus Stand
Distance to Dattatreya Temple : Approx. 200 steps (30-minute walk)
How to Reach by Bus:
From Nashik: Catch a direct MSRTC government bus from Thakkar Bazar.
Frequency: Buses depart frequently, every 15 to 30 minutes.
Ticket Cost: Approx. ₹45 – ₹60 per person.
Arrival: The bus will drop you right in town. From the stand, it is a very easy, straight walk & 200 Steps climb to Dattatreya Temple.
The temple is located on Neel Parvat hill, so visitors need to walk and climb hill steps/trails to reach the shrine.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Approx. Climb Time: 20–40 minutes (~200 Steps)
- Best Time for Trek:
- Early morning
- Monsoon & winter season
The route offers:
- Forest scenery
- Hilltop spiritual atmosphere
- Panoramic views of Trimbakeshwar region
Best Visiting Time
- July to February
- Early Morning for peaceful darshan
- During Shravan month and Mahashivratri for spiritual significance
Insider Parking Guide (Ground Reality) Traffic near the main gate can be heavy. Use these local routes instead:
Jawhar Road Trick (Heavy Traffic)
Route: At the main gate traffic, turn right onto Jawhar Road. Drive 500m, turn left at the “Welcome to Trimbakeshwar” board, and go straight for 200m.
Parking & Walk: Multiple lots available (₹30–₹80). The Dattatreya Temple, Nil Parvat is only (200 Steps climb) a 30-minute walk from here!
- Parking (Normal Days): On normal, non-busy days, you will easily get free parking space right near the top of the hill.
- Parking (Busy Days): On crowded days, it is safer to park at the bottom of the hill. The parking charge at the bottom is usually ₹50 to ₹80 for 4-wheelers and ₹20 to ₹30 for 2-wheelers.
- Kumbh Mela & Peak Days: During the Simhastha Kumbh Mela (specifically 5 days before and after the Shahi Snan), you cannot bring your vehicle near the hill. You must park outside the city limits and use government buses.
- Photography: Allowed! This is not a heavily commercialized temple. You can visit anytime during the day and take beautiful pictures of the scenery and the temple exterior.
- Bags & Luggage: Allowed. You can comfortably carry backpacks. However, there are no lockers, so never leave your bags unattended—always keep a close eye on your belongings.
- Footwear: You must remove your shoes and slippers before stepping onto the holy platform near the idol and the inner sanctum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dattatrey Mandir
Dattatreya Temple is located on Nil Parvat, Trimbak Nashik.
The temple is famous as an ancient meditation place dedicated to Lord Dattatreya where sages and Nath yogis are believed to have performed tapasya and spiritual practices.
To reach the temple, you must first travel to Trimbakeshwar town. From the base of Nil Parvat, it requires a short 20 to 40-minute trek climbing approximately 200 steps to reach the temple at the top.
The temple is generally open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM for darshan and meditation.
Yes, visitors usually need to climb a short hill route or steps to reach the temple on Nil Parvat.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the open hill and temple surroundings.