NashikTravel Guide
General Information
Nasik city is located in India's state of Maharashtra . The city is in the north west of Maharashtra some 185 km from Mumbai and 202 km from Pune. This city popularly known as the 'wine capital of India' or the 'Grape city' is located in the Western Ghats, on the western edge of the Deccan Peninsula. Nasik is the administrative headquarters of both Nasik district and Nasik division. This city is famous for its picturesque surrounding and the pleasant climataure.
Known as the religious center of India, Nasik is one of the four most holiest places in India where the drops of nectar fell when demigods and demons fought over it. It is located on the banks of river Godavari encircled by nine hills- Durga, Ganesh, chitraghanta, Pandav, Dinger Ali Mhasarul, Jogwanda, Pathanpura, and Konkani. Nasik is one city which rose to name in the mythological era and has carried its aura to the present age withstanding the test of time. The greatest of all shows on the land of India, the world renowned Maha Kumbhmela also happens in this city. It happens every 12 years and attracts tourists from all over the world. The important aspect of Kumbh mela is the astonishing unity amidst diversity that occurs in this sacred occasion.
As the legend has it, one of the greatest hero of Indian epics, Lord Rama, along with wife Sita and brother Laxmana stayed here for a while during their 14 year exile. It is from here Ravana abducted Sita and took her to his palace on the island of Lanka, now known as Sri Lanka. It was here Laxman cut off the nak (nose) of Ravana's sister Surpanakha, thus was the the name Nasik arrived on. The temples, the ghats on the Godavari river have made Nasik the holiest place for Hindus. The holy events like the Namavali, Rath Yatra, Nagbali add many folds to the already large number of pilgrims visiting the Sacred land of Nasik. Nasik is a very lively city in industrial and social arena as well. This city has become a major attraction also due to the clean and green surroundings and the ever so pleasant climate.
How to reach Nashik
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By Air
Nashik city does not have an airport of its own. The airport that falls nearest from its periphery is the Chhatrapati Shivaji international Airport of Mumbai. It is approximately 180 km from the Nashik city and is serviced by almost all the national as well as international airlines. The next nearest airport is that of Pune, a domestic one.
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By Rail
The railway station at Nashik is counted amongst the major stations on the Central Railway. It is serviced by almost all the express and fast trains that go through the region. Reaching Nasik by rail is not at all difficult, since the railway station is connect with all the key cities of Maharashtra as well as India, through direct trains.
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By Road
Nashik is located at a distance of approximately 180 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune and is easily accessible by road from both of the cities. You can easily find State Transport as well as private buses for all the cities in Maharashtra and the neighboring states from here. Taxis are also easily available.
Weather Overview
The best period to visit Nashik is between October and February. Nashik has a pleasant climate, warm in summer and slightly humid during the rainy season. The maximum temperatures in summer may reach 42° C (min. 21.5° C) and in winter the temperatures could drop to a minimum of 6° C (max. 28° C).
Places Of Interest
- Coin Museum
- Kalaram Mandir
- Ramkund
- Muktidham Temple
- Pandavleni Caves
- Someshwar
- Deolali Camp
- Artillery Centre
- Takli
Coin Museum
Coin Museum
Coin Museum is one of the most popular tourist places in the Nashik city of Maharashtra. The museum was founded under the Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies, in the year 1980. The fact that adds to its attraction is that it is the only one of its kind museum in the whole of Asia. As the name suggests, Coin Museum displays a very rich collection of research and well-documented history of the Indian currency system.
The cool environment of the museum, a result of the scenic background of the Ajneri Hill, acts as a further draw. The main aim behind its establishment was to maintain records on the history of the currencies of India and let the general public have an idea about the Indian coins. The information on the Indian coinage, provided at the Coin Museum of Nasik, dates back from its initial years to the present day world.
The items displayed inside the museum comprise of coins, moulds, dyes, replicas, photographs, and concise write-ups. Here, you can get to see the processes of casting and machine striking, along with those of coin minting and coin manufacturing. The other items put on show inside the Coin Museum include numismatic material, along with bronze, terracotta's, copper-hoard objects, paintings and some historical artifacts.
The rich compilation of the museum is made up of nearly one hundred thousand cardexes, which have been preserved for the reference of researchers and others. Coin Museum also organizes workshops, on a regular basis, with the aim of promoting coin collecting in India. Whenever you are in Nashik, make sure to pay a visit to this museum and know about the various currency systems that has been there in the country since its existence.
Kalaram Mandir
Kalaram Mandir
Kalaram Mandir, one of the major attractions of the Nashik, is situated in the Panchavati area of the city. It is the biggest as well as the simplest amongst all the temples situated here and dates back to the year 1790, when it was constructed by Sardar Odhekar of Peshwa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, who has been enshrined inside the sanctum sanctorum in the form of a decked black stone idol. Since the image of the Lord is in black color, the temple came to be known as Kala Ram Temple (meaning the temple of the black Rama)
Besides the idol of Lord Rama, are those of Sita Mata and Lord Lakshmana, both of them sandy black and adorned with ornaments. The temple has been constructed completely out of black stones and four entrance doors, one each facing East, West, South and North. The summit of the Kalaram Mandir is made up of 32 tons of gold. Earlier, Harijans were not allowed inside the temple. It was only in the year 1930, after the Satyagraha of Dr. Ambedkar, that Harijans were allowed to enter its premises.
Surrounding the building of the Kalaram Mandir is a walled enclosed, which comprises of 96 pillars. The enclosure is entered from the eastern side, through an arched portal. The stones used in the construction of the temple were brought from Ramshej. 23 lakh rupees and efforts of 2000 workers went into the construction of the temple, which took approximately 12 years. Kalaram Temple is around 70 feet high and has a gold-plated peak. Situated near the sanctum sanctorum is Sita gumpha (cave).
It is the cave where Sita Mata is believed to have resided during her exile and comprises of a grove of large Banyan trees nearby. The temple is said to be quite similar in its appearance to the Trimbakeshwar Temple and has temples dedicated to Lord Vithala, Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman, surrounding its complex. The festivals of Ramnavami, Dussehra and Chaitra Padwa (Hindu new year day) are celebrated with much fanfare at the temple. During this time, Kala Ram Mandir is practically thronged by devotees, who come to catch a glimpse of the Lord.
Ramkund
Ramkund
Chitrarao Khatarkar built Ramkund in 1696. This holy tank is 27 m by 12 m in area. It is believed that Rama and Sita used to bath in this tank during their exile. People bring ashes of their deceased relatives and immerse it in this holy tank. People of Hindu faith believe that the departed souls would attain moksha or liberation by doing so. Ashes of big personalities like Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Y B Chavan and others have been immersed at Ramkund.
Muktidham Temple
Muktidham Temple
The temple is of pure white; the colour signifies holiness and peace. Muktidham is just 7 km away from the city. The Temple is built with white makrana marble. The architecture of this temple is known to be very unusual. 18 chapters of the Gita are inscribed on the walls, which is a very unique style of this temple. A visit to this temple by Hindus is considered as a visit to the 4 dhams or holy centres.
Pandavleni Caves
Pandavleni Caves
Pandavleni caves are 2000-year-old, and it was built by the Jain Kings. It is a group of 24 Hinayana Buddhist Caves, which date back between 1st century BC and 2nd century AD. These caves are at a distance of 8 km from Nasik. Amongst all, cave number 3 and 10 are the best. Cave number 3 has a large Vihara with fascinating sculptures, cave number 10 is also a Vihara, but it is much older and finer than the cave number 3. It is believed to be as old as the Karla Cave near Lonavala.
Someshwar
Someshwar
There are temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman on the banks of the river Godavari at Someshwar. This is a very green place as well as the climate is so cool. One can also enjoy swimming and boating here. Because of its serene beauty, this place is favourite for film shootings. There is a village named Anandwalli on the way to Someshwar. There is Navasha Ganapati Temple in this village.
Deolali Camp
Deolali Camp
Deolali Camp was established in 1861, which is one of the oldest military centers in India. Deolali market is famous for shoppings inside the military centre. On the nearby hill, there is Khandobachi Tekadi Temple. Exhausted and mentally stressed armies were sent to this place for giving rest during British time. The area surrounded with gardens, playgrounds and wide roads proves its uniqueness.
Artillery Centre
Artillery Centre
It is situated behind the Pandav Caves. It is the biggest Artillery Center in Asia. The center had been shifted from Pakistan in 1947, and is now completing its 50th year. Officers and soldiers of Indian Army are trained here. Training for 'Bofors Gun' too is given here. The area is under military restriction.
Takli
Takli
Takli is connected to the Guru (teacher) of Chatrapati Shivaji, saint Samarth Ramdas. 'Simple living and high thinking' was the mantra what he was preaching. He also promoted the Hindu religion. Ramdas ran off from his marriage life and settled down at Takli for meditation. He was a devotee of lord Ram and meditated with the words Shriram Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram for 13 crores times in 12 years. Ramdas Swami's ashram is preserved in his memory at Takli. There is also a Hanuman Temple on the bank of river Nandini or Nasardi.
Shopping
Nashik is known to be a religious city. Kumb Mela is organized here for every three years in the city. Little brass statues and beaded necklaces are available everywhere. Nashik is popular for its jewellery as well. Adgaonkar Bandhu, Adgaonkar Saraf, Adgaonkar Sons, Amruta Jewellery, Dhanvardhini Jewellers, Dusane and Sons, Gulawanchkar Jewellers, Heena Jewellery and J B Ankaikar Junnarkar Jewellers are some of the important jewellery shops of Nagpur.
Anybody who wishes to shop clothing and fashion apparels can go to Amarson Cloth Centre, Anil Cloth Stores, Shivaji Cloth Market Bhadrakali Nasik, Babubhai Cloth Store, Beauty Corner, Bombay Silk Stores, Deolali Cloth Stores, Ganpati Cloth Store, Gurunanak Cloth Stores and Harish Cloth Stores.
Eating Out
Nashik traditionally boasts of a Maharashtrian cuisine with influences from Khandesh, Rajasthan and Gujrat. The modern city however offers a range of restaurants with cuisines ranging from Punjabi, South Indian to Chinese and continental cuisines. The excellent hotels in Nashik city provide food ranges from Nashik's local spicy food to high class international food at various 5 star hotels to road side Restaurants
