Nasik also known as Nashik is a bustling township located in the Maharashtra state. It is the administrative capital of the Nashik district. This dainty little city situated on the banks of the sacred Godavari River is a beautiful potpourri of ancient civilization and modernization.
Nasik which is some 185 km from Mumbai is venerated as one of the most sacred pilgrim centres in the state and is home to a number of revered temples and Ghats. According to legends Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana epic, stayed here for some time with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana while on exile. Nestled in Western Ghats Nashik is popularly known as the 'wine capital of India' and is India’s top wine growing region. The region is also famous for its onions, tomatoes, strawberries and other fresh vegetables. Nashik is important centre of commerce and trade and is considered as one of the rapidly growing industrial city in Maharashtra. The world renowned Maha Kumbhmela also takes place in this city which is held once in twelve years. The Kumbh Mela is said to be the largest religious gathering on the earth and during this event thousands of devotees gather at Nasik from all over the world.
The city with its rich mythological, cultural and historical heritage attracts thousands of tourists from far and wide.
Ramkund
Ramkund, sacred bathing tank on the bank of river Godavari is believed to be the very place where Ram, along with his wife Sita used to take bath during the period of exile. Built by Chitrarao Khatarkar in 1696 this holy tank is 27 m by 12 m in area. Ramkund is flocked by the devotees who come here to take a holy dip. Moreover this holy place is also thronged by people who come here to immerse the ashes of their deceased relatives. It is a popular belief among people that by immersing the ashes in this holy tank the deceased souls will get salvation. Ashes of great personalities like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Y B Chavan were immersed here.
Ganga Ghat
Ganga Ghat on the banks of the holy river Godavari is one of the most bustling places in Nashik. It is believed that bathing in the river Godavari at Ganga Ghat washes all your sins away. Ganga Ghat looks incredibly beautiful after sunset when the waters of this holy river are illuminated with several oil lamps and hovers of flowers.
Kalaram Temple
Located in the Panchavati area of Nasik this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ram is completely built in black stone and the motif of the temple is similar to that of the Trimbakeshwar Temple. The temple derives its name from the black idol of Lord Ram placed in the sanctorum. The idol of lord Rama is flanked by Lakshman and Sita on both the sides. A number of smaller shrines are also present in this temple such as Ganapati Temple, Vithal Temple and a shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Muktidham Temple
Muktidham is just 7 km away from the city. The temple built with white makrana marble. This temple is famous for its magnificent architecture. The unique feature of this temple is that 18 chapters of the Gita have been inscribed on the walls of the temple. It is believed that a visit to the temple holds as much significance as visiting the Char dhams.
Someshwar
Someshwar is a small village situated approximately 10 kilometres from the city. This is a very scenic place known for its greenery and cool climate. One can also enjoy boating in the river. Apart from this Someshwar is also famous for the age old temple of Someshwar Mahadev present here. Temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu and Lord Hanuman are also present here.
Panchavati
It is amongst significant tourist places in Nasik. Panchavati derives its name from the five Banyan trees present here. Panchavati is believed to have been the shelter to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita during their exile.
Kapaleshwara Mahadev Temple
The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest temples in Nasik. The unique feature of this temple is that there is no Nandi bull seated in front of the shrine. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on the festive occasions of Shivratri and Shravani Somvar.
Sundarnarayan Temple
Sundarnarayan temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is flanked by Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati on both the sides. The temple is situated at the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar Bridge in Nashik. The temple was constructed by Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud in the year 1756. The east-facing temple is known for its architectural splendour. The temple is erected at such an angle that on a 21st march every year the rays of the rising sun directly fall upon the idol of the Lord Sundarnarayan.
Trimbakeshwara Temple
Trimbakeshwara Temple is 36 kilometres from Nasik. Trimbakeshwar which is the holy abode of Lord Shiva is one among the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Jyotirlinga located here has three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Situated at the foothills of Brahmagiri Mountain this temple was built in 1730 by Baji Rao Peshwa. Godavari River originates in this place. The temple is considered as the holiest place to perform Shraddha ceremony of the departed souls.
Naroshankar Temple
Naroshankara Temple is an 18th century temple dedicated to lord Sankara which is located on the banks of the river Godavari in the Panchavati area. Constructed in 1747 by Naroshankar Rajebahaddur this temple has very unique Mayan style architecture. The temple is adorned with delicate latticework and lacework and intricate carvings. The main attraction here is the Naroshankara Ghanta or Bell which is six feet in diameter and is made of bronze. The gigantic bell is installed within the 11 feet fortification that surrounds the temple.
Coin Museum
The coin museum, located in the campus of The Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies is about 20kms from the Nashik city. The Coin Museum was established in 1980 and it is the only one of its kind in Asia. Located on scenic background of the Ajneri Hill this museum has a very rich collection of well-documented history of the Indian numismatics. Coins, moulds, dyes, replicas, photographs, numismatic material, paintings, some historical artefacts etc. are on display here.
Anjaneri
Anjneri is a picturesque village located 15 kilometres from Nasik. This famous pilgrim centre is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. The place is named after ‘Anjani’ the mother of Lord Hanuman. The region is surrounded by hilly terrain and is a major tourist destination. Several Jain temples are also situated nearby.
Deolali Camp
Deolali Camp established in 1861 by the British is located about 20 kilometres from Nashik. It is one of the oldest military centres in India. Deolali houses several army establishments including the School of Artillery of Indian Army and the Air force station. The residential Barnes School and the Military psychiatric hospital are also located here. Khandobachi Tekadi Temple is a famous temple here visited by many devotees.
Pandavleni Caves or Pandu Lena Caves
Pandavleni caves are 2000-year-old rock cut caves located about 8kms from the city. This cluster of Hinayana Buddhist caves are located on the Trivashmi hills. The caves were believed to be built by the Jain rulers as homes for the Jain saints. The walls of the caves are full of intricate carvings and several idols of Lord Buddha, Bodhisatva and the images of Jain Teerthankaras like Vrishabhdeo, Ambikadevi and Veer Manibhadraji are seen inside the caves.
Tapovan
Tapovan of Nasik which was once a part of the Dandakaranya Forests is the place where Lakshmana cut off the nose of Ravana's sister Surpanakha. Tapovan literally means place reserved for meditation and penance. This scenic spot besieged with lush greenery has temples dedicated to Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman and Lord Hanuman.
Sita Gumpha
Sita Gumpha which is located near the five Banyan trees in Panchavati is believed to be the cave where Sita used to stay and meditate. It is also believed that this was the place from where Sita was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana The black rectangular stone on which Devi Sita used sit and the Shiva linga worshipped by her is also preserved here.
Shirdi
Shirdi is located about 90 kilometres from Nashik. This is one of the most famous pilgrim centres in the country. Shirdi is known for Sai Baba temple.
How to Reach Nashik
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai is the nearest airport which is located about 170 kilometres from here. Nashik railway station which is one of the major stations of the Central Railway is about 9 km away from Nashik city centre. Nasik is well connected to all neighbouring cities by a good network of roads. Government owned buses as well as Private buses are also available from Nashik to many cities in the State.
Accommodation
Nashik provides ample accommodation options to the tourists ranging from star hotels and mid-range hotels to guesthouses and dharamshalas.