Nashik city is located in the state of Maharashtra at a distance of 170 km from Mumbai and 210 km from Pune. It is the third largest city of Maharashtra situated on the bank of river Godavari of Maharashtra. Nashik is also a tourist place frequented by large number of tourist from all over the world. It is blessed with wonderful climate throughout year along with beautiful landscape and picturesque scenery.
Nashik is one of four significant places of India where Kumbh fair is held such as Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. Kumbh mela is one of the largest religious congregation of Hindus celebrated in every six years as Ardha Kumbh (Half Kumbh)and at tweleve yeas as Purna Kumbh (Complete Kumbh). Nashik is going to host next Maha Kumbh from 15th August to 13th September 2015.
Nashik got its name from the Hindu's epic Ramayana where Lakshmana cut off the nose o Surpanakha, hence called Nashik from Sanskrit word 'Nashika means nose'. It is also home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas Trimbakeshwar thronged by thousands of pilgrims every year. City is dotted with templs, forst and industries. Nashik is also the largest producers of grapes making it fine wine growing place in India.
Places to see in Nashik: Main attractions
Panchvati
Panchvati said to have been Lorad Rama's home for 14 years of exile. All religious acticities revolve around the holy river Godavari on its northern banks. People come here in large number to take holy dip that is believed to cleanse their sins.
Pandav Leni Caves:
Located on Trivashmi hills dating back to the 1st century BC known for outstanding sculptures were used as the dwelling places of monks. Pandavkeni caves are worth visiting when you are in Nashik. It houses idols of Buddha, Jain Teerthankara Vrishabhdeo, Veer Manibhadraji and Bodhisattva.
Dushsagar Falls:
Best time to visit these falls during monsoon season when cascade displays plenty of water in it. Dudhsagar Waterfalls is listed amongst the best water falls in India surrounded by picturesque landscape. It is a popular picnic spot for cities near Nashik. This water falls got its name 'Dudhsagar' from its white water.
Ganga Ghat:
One of the Ghats of river along side various temples look stunning in twilight, when river is illuminated with floating oil lamps with flowers. To take a holy dip in the river on this ghat is belived to cleanse the sins.
Jain Mandir :
Jain Mandir is made of white marble and red sand stone, located at Vilhouli Nashik. It is a newly built three-storied temple shrine complex dedicated to Jain saints also known as Shree Dharamachakra Prabhav Tirth. Ground floor is a Pravachan Hall, first floor is dedicated to Choumukhiji and third floor is for Ashtapadji.
Kalaram Temple:
It was built by Sardar Odhekar of Peshwa in 1782, made of black stone dedicated to Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. It is a prominent temple in this vicinity, which is thronged by people during Ramnavami and Dushera. Temple comlex houses small shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha and Lord Vithla.
Kapileswara Temple:
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is flocked by large number of devotees especially on occasions such as Shivratri and Shravani Somvar. It is the oldest temples of Nashik located against the backdrop of holy river Godavari. Uniqe feature of the temple is the absence of an idol of Nandi Bull.
Ramkund:
Ramkund is the holy river Godavari often called as Ganges of south. Lord Rama said to have taken bath here at some point of his exile. This site is frequented by large number of devotees due to its religious significance to take a holy dip and for other Hindu rituals.
How to Get There:
By Road:
Nishik is well connected by road from all the major cities of western states of India. Other states also offer a great connectivity to Nashik by road. Getting Nashik from nearest hub like Mumbai and Pune is very easy via Mumbai - Agra Highway NH-3 and Nashik -Pune Highway NH-50.
By Train:
Nashik has train station called Nashik Road Railway station located on Mumbai -Manmad route of the Central Railways that serve trains to and from cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkota, Nagpur etc.
By Air:
Airport in Nashik is located at a distance of 24 km from the city. A new passenger terminal is at under construction by the name of Ozar Airport. It will operate passenger flights soon but airport for Indian military is located at Deolali Cantt
