Nashik is a city in the state of Maharashtra in Western India. This is an ancient holy city. Some archaeological sites state early human settling evidence from at least five years. It is a city of pilgrimage for many Hindus. The place is important for Hindu rituals for the afterlife offerings. It is also one of the four locations of the Kumbha Mela festival.
Nashik is one of the world's holiest Hindu cities. Kumbhmela is held here once in 12 years along with four other cities in India. Lord Rama along with Lakshmana and Sita spent 14 years of his exile at Tapovan near Nashik. The city came under the rule of Mughal in 16th century and was renamed Gulshanabad. Then it comes under Peshwa of Maratha Empire in 1818. City is also noted for its participation in freedom struggle. Freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar and Anant Laxman Kanhere were born in Nashik.
About
The name of the Nashik has been changing since long time as per different rulers. It is believed the name "Nashik" was derived after the incident in Ramayana when Lakshman (Sri Ram's brother) chopped off the nose of Surpanakha (Ravan's sister). One school of thoughts states that Nashik is combination of nava shikha - nine summits. It was also named as Gulshnabad by Muslim rulers which is immediately revolted by the residents. It was spelled incorrectly by British administration, as Nasik but eventually changed to Nashik as present.
Nashik is also known in India as a landing city for travelling to Shirdi and Trambakeshwar which hosts one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is believed that during ancient times, during transportation, the drops of Amrit fell into the Brahma-Kund at Trambakeshwar. This makes it one of the most popular religious travel destinations of India. Nashik is also known as a transit station for devotees going to Shirdi, residence of Sai Baba (90 Kilometres from Nashik).
Nashik is fairly cosmopolitan city. Marathi is the official language of the city. This is the most common language spoken on the streets, most people may partial understand Hindi and English. Attitudes in Nashik are liberal. The city used to be very traditional and conservative, but now is an open-minded culture and is gradually developing city.
Nashik is known for it's art and literature contribution. Nashik has one of the biggest public libraries.
The climate of Nashik is very pleasant. Nashik has three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Summers are typically hot with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 42°C. The warmest month in Nashik is generally April as compared to the rest of the Deccan Plateau where it is May. November is normally a very pleasant month.
Nashik does not get very hot. Even during the peak of summer, the air is cool and standing under a tree can give respite form the heat. However, as sunlight can be intense leading to skin tan and sun-burn, be sure to carry and use sunscreens (above SPF-30).
The nights in Nashik are significantly cooler than most other parts in this region owing to its high altitude.
The average rainfall is approx 550 mm. The city often receives local and heavy thundershowers with heavy downpours in June, which brings down the temperature. The rainy season can sometimes be gloomy, with cloud cover for days together.
Winters are generally dry and day temperatures can be as low as 24 - 28°C and temperatures at night as low as 5 - 8°C.
How to Reach
Nashik is 180 Kilometres from Mumbai (Bombay). There are frequent buses to Nashik from Dadar in Mumbai. It takes 4 to 5 hours by road. If you are not around Dadar, you can still take buses from Borivali (a key place on Western Railway Line) OR Thane (a key place on Central Railway Line). Also, a suburban railway (CR) to Kasara can be taken from few suburban railway stations beyond Dadar (like Kurla, Thane or even beyond). Once at Kasara, there are loads of connecting buses to Nashik and many other places, along with ample number of share-taxis (INR 50-60 per adult passenger, but with cramped sitting). (Kindly note there is no taxi service available in the late night. You can get held up after reaching Kasara Railway Station till the next morning)
Trains called 'Panchavati Express' and 'Godavari Express' also ply daily between Mumbai and Nashik. Word of caution, Nashik is on Central Railway line and Dadar Station is a sort of junction place for Central Railway and Western Railway, so make sure that you are at right side of the station (that is, East-side for Central Railway). There is also a daily train service between Pune and Nashik. It may be noted that the Railway Station (called "Nasik Road") is about 10 Kilometres away from the main city. However, there are sufficiently frequent services of buses, auto-rickshaws, shared-taxis etc are available at fairly low fares.
You can also go by local from kasara.
Get around
A rented car is the best option to move around the city. There is also a Nashik Darshan bus every day which shows you around the important tourist attractions in Nashik otherwise regional public transport service is also quite nice. Get the ticket for Nashik Darshan bus a day in advance to avoid inconvenience. Alternately you can take cheap and good auto rikshaws.
See
- Sita Gufaa - Caves where Lord Ram and Sita worshipped Lord Shiva during their exile. The shivlinga is still present at that same spot. It is believed that Ravana kidnapped Sita from this place. It is always visited by devotees and tourists.
- Tapovan - Tapobhumi, Shurpanakha's nose fell here, Tasty Guavas, try them out. Once upon a time, it was a part of the sacred Dandakaranya forest. Tapovan is a picturesque place, also contains a close connection with the epic Ramayana.
- Panchavati - The most sacred place on Earth.The place where five sacred Banyan trees are still present. All important temples are located in this area.
- Kalaram Temple - An important temple and landmark in panchavati area.
- Ganga Ghat - Ramkunda, Panchavati
- Mineral Museum (Gargoti Sangrahalaya) - Sinnar , Nashik . very precious different types of stones you can see here .
- Pandav Leni - Buddhist Caves dating back to 2nd Century BCE. Located on Nashik- Mumbai highway near Pathardi phata, it is on top of a hill. The view of the surrounding countryside including the city of Nashik is worth climbing up for.
- Phalke Smaarak - Excellent views, landscape, musical fountain, video songs, Buddha smaarak, water park. located on foot of Pandav Caves hill. A reliable place where most of the people in nasik spend their weekend evenings.
- Jain Mandir - has a 12 ton Panchdhatu idol of Bhagwan Mahavir. located at Vilholi on Nashik- Mumbai highway.
- Veda Mandir - located on Trimbak road.
- Chambhar Leni - Temple of Bhagwan Mahavir on a hillock inside a cave. Located on Dindori Road.
- Muktidham - big temple, picnic spot located at Nashik Road
- Bhaktidham - a temple. located on Peth Naka
- Someshwar - temples, picnic spot, boating , waterfall. located on Gangapur road.
- Sundarnarayan Temple
- College Road - happening place in Nasik. Malls, Restaurants, Shopping, Multiplex, Bliss Juice Bar, McDonald's, Cafe Coffee Day.
- Sula Wines - Winery offers tour and wine tasting
- Navshya Ganpati - A temple situated on banks of Godavari River, very scenic views
- Deolali Camp Cantonment Board, Artillery centre - Deolali camp's, Lahawit market is for shopping, Deolali South has Khandoba temple hill, golf course, sun rise & set point as well.
- Tarangan , Trimbak Road . This planetarium is named after late shri Yashwantrao Chavan and was recently inaugurated by President Mrs Pratibha Patil. Daily 3 shows are conducted 13.30 in English, 15.30 in Hindi and 17.30 in Marathi.
- Visit Goda Ghat(Godavari river edge).
- Trek in hills near to Nashik .
- The Gangapur Dam - always crowded with youngsters.
- The Dudhsagar Fall - near Gangapur Dam.
- Stone Age Site - few km from Gangapur village.
- Anjaneri Parvat near Trambakeshwar is well known for waterfalls during monsoon season.
- Bird Sanctuary Nandur-Madhmeshwar near Niphad - a mesmerizing place for nature and bird lovers.
- Trambakeshwar (One of the 12 Jyotirlingas), straight ahead on Trimbak road. This is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and is the most sacred place in Nashik. Near by is also Brahma giri where lord Shiva performed tandav dance.
- Ramshej mountain - Near ashewadi village on Peath Road. 7 km from Nashik. Good for a small trekking experience. The fort provides a good view of whole city from the mountaintop.
Buy
Nashik is famous for its silverware craftsmanship. The old shopping centre of the city lies in the heart of the city at Main Road. Here you can get everything you need. A lot of upscale shops have mushroomed all over the city in recent years. Saraf Bazar is place for silverware and ornaments. Canada corner is always crowded with college going youngsters. Mahatma Gandhi Marg is the hot shopping destination. You'll get brands like Lee Cooper, RBK, Adidas, Woodlands, Van Heusen, Proline, Pepe Jeans, D&G, Levis, Provogue, Biba, Fabindia, Spyker and many more .
And chain stores like Reliance Fresh, Spencer's, Spinach, Subhiksha, more are present all over the city .
Eat
There are good restaurants all over the city. Coffee Shops/Cafes on College Road: Bliss Juice Bar , Cafe Bollywood , 12 to 12 , Friendship , Cafe Coffee Day. 12 to 12 is good restaurant for western cuisines.
Missal is a hot and tasty curry dish from Maharashtra. Missal literally means 'Mix'. It is served with Pav (Indian name for baked bread). There are lots of variations to the cooking and the way it is served. It is mostly hot in taste.
Reproduced from Wikipedia
