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Anjaneri Hills near Nashik are believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and are home to the sacred Anjani Mata Temple.
A trekking spot with caves, lakes, and waterfalls, ideal for a two-day trip with Trimbakeshwar. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Not far from Nashik lies the spiritual village of Anjaneri, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Rising 4,264 feet above sea level, the Anjaneri Hills are not just a place of worship but also a favourite destination for trekkers and nature lovers. From waterfalls and caves to ancient temples and sweeping meadows, the journey up these hills feels like walking through mythology.
For devotees, Anjaneri is more than a trekking spot; it is a sacred landmark tied deeply to the Ramayana. And because of its proximity to the famous Trimbakeshwar temple, many pilgrims plan a two-day trip: offering prayers to Lord Shiva at Trimbakeshwar, and seeking Lord Hanuman’s blessings at Anjaneri.
Why Anjaneri is considered Lord Hanuman’s birthplace
The Anjaneri Hills carry immense mythological significance. Legends say that Goddess Anjana gave birth to Hanuman inside a cave here, which is why the hill is named after her. This makes Anjaneri one of the holiest sites for Hanuman devotees. Pilgrims often visit the Anjani Mata Temple, dedicated to Hanuman’s mother, before trekking further up to the Hanuman temple on the summit. Unlike most shrines, here Hanuman is uniquely worshipped in his child form.
The trek is a blend of faith and adventure
The Anjaneri trek is about 4 km long and usually takes 5 to 6 hours to complete. It is moderately challenging, but the scenic beauty along the way makes the effort worthwhile. As you climb, you will pass through meadows covered in colourful wildflowers, spot the rare Cape York Lily, and cross natural features like caves, streams, and waterfalls.
One of the highlights is the pond shaped like a giant footprint, which locals believe was formed by the left foot of Hanuman himself. Depending on your viewpoint, the outline becomes clearer as you gain height. The route also takes you past caves said to be linked with Sita, featuring age-old carvings on their walls.
What makes the Anjani Mata temple special
About 40 minutes into the trek, you reach the Anjani Mata Temple, a sacred stop dedicated to Lord Hanuman’s mother. This shrine is particularly unique because temples for Anjani Mata are extremely rare in India. From here, one route takes you towards the Sita cave, while another leads to the Anjaneri Fort, where a larger Anjani Mata Temple is located. Many trekkers choose to explore both paths before heading further up to the Hanuman temple.
The spiritual reward at the summit
At the very top of Anjaneri Hill lies the Hanuman temple, where the deity is worshipped in his childhood form. The setting is peaceful, with panoramic views of the Western Ghats all around. The climb may leave you tired, but the spiritual atmosphere at the summit makes it all worth it. Devotees believe the air here carries divine energy, leaving both body and mind refreshed.
The best time to experience Anjaneri Hills
Though the trek can be done throughout the year, October to March is considered the best season. During the post-monsoon months, the hills are covered in lush greenery and blooming flowers, making the landscapes even more beautiful. Summers, on the other hand, can get very hot, so early morning climbs are recommended. Trekkers are also advised to wear sturdy shoes, as some sections can get slippery, especially after rain.
How to reach Anjaneri from Mumbai or Nashik
Anjaneri village, the base of the trek, is located 20 km from Nashik and about 6 km from Trimbakeshwar. From Mumbai, the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours by road. You can either drive via the Mumbai-Agra highway (NH160) to Nashik and then head towards Trimbakeshwar, or take a train to Kasara/Nashik Road and continue by bus or jeep to Anjaneri village.
If you are coming directly from Trimbakeshwar, frequent buses and shared jeeps are available and take just about 15 minutes to reach the starting point. From the village, it is a short walk to the Forest Department area where the trek begins.
A perfect mix of devotion and nature
Anjaneri Hills offer the rare chance to combine spiritual devotion with the thrill of trekking. From the sacred caves where legends say Hanuman was born, to the peaceful Anjani Mata temple and the child-form Hanuman shrine at the top, every step feels connected to mythology. At the same time, the breathtaking scenery ensures that nature lovers are equally rewarded.
For devotees visiting Trimbakeshwar, extending the trip to Anjaneri makes for a memorable two-day spiritual journey, one day with Lord Shiva, the next with Lord Hanuman.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
