Nashik is a pilgrimage city in the north western part of Maharashtra. The place is known for many Hindu temples, for its wine orchards, and also for the famous jyotirlinga of Shiva in Trimbakeshwar. The city is 180km away from Bombay and 218 km away from Aurangabad. About the city It is said that Lord Rama cut Shurpanakhas nose here in Nashik and spent his 14 years of exile period in and around Nashik. Therefore we find many places connected to the Ramayana story here. Peshwa dynasty has ruled over Nashik for a decade till the British occupation. Nashik has hosted sparks of freedom struggle during the British rule. Nashik is located on the Deccan plateau. Hindus come here to accomplish the last rites of their ancestors on the bank of Godavari River. They give ablutions in the river; take a dip during specific days of their ancestors. Nashik hosts Kumbha Mela once in twelve years. Nashik is a developing city of Maharashtra. The city has seen drastic growth since a decade.
Places to Visit:
» Trimbakeshwar: People visit Nashik for the purpose of visiting the famous Jyotirlinga of Shiva at Trimbakeshwar. The place is also known as the birth place of Godavari River. The jyotirlinga had a blue diamond on its crown which was lost during the British rule. The place is a significant pilgrimage center for Hindus. They come here to perform various rituals like, -the Shraddha ritual, to give ablutions to their forefathers, rituals for the betterment etc. It is believed that rituals performed at the bank of river Godavari could lead one to the salvation. Trimbakeshwar is around 28 km away from Nashik. Here, the climate is pleasant almost all the time.
» Saptashringi: It is around 54km away from Nashik. The place is known for Renuka Mata mandir.
» Bhandardhara Falls: It is 69km away from Nashik. The place is an ideal picnic spot with dams and waterfalls.
» Anjaneri: It is located around 25 km away from Nashik. It is believed that Hanuman was born in this place.
» Coin Museum: It is situated on the way to Trimbakeshwar. It is one of the rarest museums of India that has a huge collection of currencies from all the historical periods.
» Igatpuri: This is known for the Vipasana meditation center managed by R.L.Goyenka. The place is located around 40km away from Nashik, on the way to Mumbai. These are the few important places of tourist attraction.
Apart from these there are quite many temples and places related to the story of Ramayana. These places are closer to the city of Nashik.
» Panchavati: Bhagvaan Ram spent few years of exile here.
» Seetha Gufa: Rams wife Seetha stayed in this cave during their vanavasa.
» Ramkunda: Rama and Seetha used to take bath here.
» Tapovan: It is said that Ravana took away Seetha from this place.
» Pandav leni: The place is known for rock cut caves.
Nashik provides link to all the major cities of Maharashtra. The city connects Mumbai and Agra through NH-3 (expressway) which passes through Nashik. Nashik is linked to Pune via NH-50. The city is a major junction connecting Surat, Ahmad Nagar, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Pune by road and railway. Connecting trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkotta, Hyderabad, Agra, Madgaon, Jammu and Mangalore pass through Nashik junction. Kingfisher Airlines have started their service connecting Nashik and Mumbai.
To travel in and around Nashik rented taxi is a better option. Nashik is known for silver craft. So the visitors can buy varieties of silverwares either at the purana shopping center, or, at the Saraf Bazar. Nashik has many good hotels accommodating your budget. The tourists can taste the traditional Maratha food at any local joints here. Dont miss to eat the special Missal (a mixture of lentil and curry) in Nashik!
