Nanded is a city on the banks of the Godavari in Maharashtra, and one of the Sikh Panj Takhts, Hazur Sahib, sits within it. That single fact shapes most visits: the city receives large numbers of religious pilgrims, and the rhythm of the day is built around the gurdwara and the river ghats rather than around a conventional sightseeing circuit.
For a visitor, the useful thing to know is that Nanded has two parts. Old Nanded occupies the north bank of the Godavari; New Nanded lies to the south of the river and includes Waghala and its neighbourhoods. The two are joined across the river, so your choice of base is essentially a choice between the historic north bank and the newer south bank. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Nanded
1. Old Nanded (north bank of the Godavari)
Old Nanded is the historic core, on the north bank of the river, and it is where the city's religious life is concentrated. Hazur Sahib, one of the Panj Takhts of Sikhi, is located in the city, and the ghats along the Godavari — Urvashi Ghat, Ram Ghat and Govardhan Ghat — are here, with Vedic rituals performed on them regularly. Nanded Fort, also known as Nandgiri Fort, sits on the riverbank with the Godavari encircling it on three sides.
This is the natural base for pilgrims and for first-time visitors who want to be close to what they came for. It suits travellers who would rather walk to the gurdwara and the river than commute to them. Expect the busiest, most traditional part of the city, with the noise and early starts that come with a major pilgrimage site.
2. New Nanded and Waghala (south bank of the Godavari)
New Nanded lies south of the river and encompasses Waghala and its neighbourhoods. It is the larger of the two halves of the city and the newer one, and it is where you find the city's more contemporary development, including the Treasure Bazaar area, where a star category hotel has been planned.
This side suits travellers who prefer newer accommodation and a less crowded setting, and it works well if you have your own transport or don't mind crossing the river to reach Hazur Sahib and the ghats. The trade-off is straightforward: you are separated from the main pilgrimage sites by the Godavari, so plan on a daily crossing rather than a short walk.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Expect the simplest rooms, concentrated in the older parts of the city and around the pilgrimage areas, where demand from pilgrims supports a large stock of inexpensive lodging.
- Mid-range: Comfortable, functional rooms in both halves of the city, with the newer south bank offering more recently built options.
- Splurge: The top end of Nanded's accommodation is limited. A star category hotel has been planned at Treasure Bazaar, which indicates where the city's higher-end capacity is heading.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in Old Nanded on the north bank. Hazur Sahib and the Godavari ghats are both there, so you can reach the city's principal sites on foot instead of arranging transport across the river each day. It is also the part of Nanded that gives you the clearest sense of why people come here.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the Godavari should I stay on?
Stay north in Old Nanded if proximity to Hazur Sahib and the ghats matters most to you. Stay south in New Nanded or Waghala if you prefer newer accommodation and don't mind crossing the river to reach the religious sites.
How do I get to Nanded?
Hazur Sahib Nanded railway station is on the Secunderabad–Manmad line, with around 48 trains arriving and departing daily; Maltekdi is a second station serving the city. Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport operates flights to Delhi (Ghaziabad), Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa and Hyderabad. By road, Nanded lies on NH 61, NH 361 and NH 161, with MSRTC buses linking it to cities across Maharashtra and TSRTC buses to parts of Telangana.
Is Nanded a good base for exploring the wider region?
It is a practical one. The district borders Latur, Parbhani and Hingoli to the west and Yavatmal to the north, and Telangana's Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Nirmal and Adilabad districts to the east, with Bidar district of Karnataka to the south. The city's road and rail links make it a workable starting point for the surrounding Marathwada region.
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