Nasik Tourism
Location : 185-km Away From
Mumbai, On The Northwestern Part of Maharashtra
Area : 5850 sq. m.
Attractions : Kumbh Mela, Panchwati, Ramkund
Ideal Time to Visit : October to February
¤ Nasik, The Holy City
Nasik, also known as Nashik, is situated in the northwestern part of
Maharashtra State. The city of Nasik is a major Hindu pilgrimage
center with rich culture and tradition. It is situated on the banks of
sacred Godavari River at an altitude of 565 m above the sea level.
There are many beautiful ghats situated on the banks of Godavari
river. The major part of the town lies on the right (south) bank of
the river, while Panchavati, a quarter on the left bank has several
temples.
The holy and picturesque city of Nasik becomes very crowded during
the festival season. Nasik tourism also highlights its bustling
markets on the river banks, the ringing temple bells and sadhus
meditating.
¤ Legend
According to a legend Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana epic,
stayed here for some time with his wife Sita and his brother
Lakshmana, while they were on exile.
¤ History
Nasik was the capital of the powerful Satavahana (also spelt as
Satvahans) dynasty. It was an important trading port to the west. The
city of Nasik was called as "Gulshanabad" during Mughal
period. Later, it was again given its old name when Peshwas took over
in 1751, but they lost Nasik to the British in 1818.
In the year 1864, Nasik Municipality was formed and in 1869, it was
made a full-fledged district with its present 13 'Talukas' (regions).
Nashik also played a major role in the freedom struggle of India. The
non-cooperation movement started by Mahatma Gandhi was a rage here.
The temple entry movement to finish untouchability started by Dr.
Ambedkar and the mass movement was also organized in Nasik in the year
1932.
¤ Attractions In Nasik
Nasik is a holy city, where one can find many beautiful temples and
ghats. Apart from these, the fairs and festivals celebrated here, also
attract a number of tourists.
Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela, is said to be the largest religious gathering on the
earth,well promoted by the Maharashtra tourism. It is a major
attraction of the city, visited by innumerable devotees. The
pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years, once at each of four
holy sites of India. These sites are Nasik, Allahabad, Ujjain and
Haridwar. The Allahabad Kumbh Mela is the largest and the holiest of
them. The Mela is famous for the huge number of Hindu holy men, who
gather here during this time.
During this fair millions of devotees' dip into the river Godavari.
It is believed that this holy dip will cleanse their souls leading to
salvation. One of the major event of the festival is a ritual bath
taken at a predetermined time. The annual festival of Shivratri is
also celebrated with great excitement and enthusiasm inviting
thousands of pilgrims.
Special arrangements are made by the state government for the
devotees coming here. There are many guest houses and Dharamshala's
here for the visitors and pilgrims to stay. Ghats are cleaned and
security measures are taken. Thus, the government tries its best to
make the Kumbh Mela, a peaceful and serene experience.
Panchavati
Panchwati is situated in the northern part of Nashik. According to a
legend Lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Lakshman (also spelt as
Laxman) stayed at Panchavati for some time. Thus, it is a significant
place. Panchavati derives its name from the five Banyan ('Vad') trees
present here.
Sita Gumpha
The literal meaning of Gumpha is a cave, the Sita Gumpha is located
near the five Banyan trees in Panchavati. It is one of the major
attractions of Nasik. There is a narrow staircase used to enter the
cave. In the cave one can see idols of Shree Ram, Laxman and Sita. It
is believed that Ravan kidnapped Sita from the same place.
Sundarnarayan Temple
This temple is situated at the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar Bridge in
Nasik. Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud built it in the year 1756. The
worshiped deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu, who is also known as
Sundarnarayan.
Modakeshwar Ganesh Temple
The Modakeshwar Ganesh Temple is another famous temple of Nasik. The
idol in the temple is believed to be self emerged and is also known as
'Swaymbhu'. The temple derives its name from the 'Modak' a special
Maharastrian dish made of coconut and jaggery. This dish is considered
to be Lord Ganesh's favorite.
Ramkund
The Ramkund in the river Godavari, attracts innumerable pilgrims.
Here devotees take a holy dip. The Ramkund is considered the 'Ganges
of the south'. It is the spot from where the river Godavari turns to
right at an angle of 90 degrees. It is said that Lord Rama took a bath
here, during his stay at Nasik. Thus, it is a significant place.
Kalaram Temple
The Kalaram temple is one of the most important temples located in
the Panchavati area of Nasik. This temple was built in 1794 by
Gopikabai Peshwa. The architecture of this temple is outstanding with
the motif similar to that of the Trimbakeshwar Temple. The unique
feature of this temple is that it was built with black stones.
¤ Excursions
The city of Nasik extends its glory to its nearby areas also. Having
their own charm these destinations are worth visiting.
Shirdi
Shiridi is a small village, located in Kopargam Taluk, in Ahmadnagar
district of the Maharastra State. Shirdi holds an important place on
the pilgrimage map of India. It is about 285-kms and 6 hours' drive
away from Mumbai (Bombay). This small village has a shrine of an old
sage called Sai Baba, who lived in this village. This sage was the
mentor and prophet of the villager's and was famous for his miraculous
wonders.
Kapaleshwar Mandir
The Kapaleshwar Temple, situated at Nashik is one of the oldest
temples here. It is situated on the banks of river Godavari near
Ramkund. Usually, every Shiva temple has a Nandi but it is not present
in this temple, which is its unique feature. Definitely, a worth
visiting temple.
Someshwar
The Someshwar temple is one of the oldest temples dedicated to
Mahadeva (Someshwar). This temple is situated on the Gangapur Road,
about 6-km away from Nasik city. It lies along the banks of river
Godavari.
Wani
At Wani, there is a temple of Sapatashrungi Mata situated on
Saptashruga hill near the village Nanduri. It is about 52-Kms from
Nasik City and is situated on top of a hill. This temple is the venue
of a major fair held in the month of April every year.
Events and Festivals
In Nasik different festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and
excitement. Some of the important festivals celebrated are the Shravan
Pornima and Maha Parva - Shravan Amavasya (new moon), in the month of
August and the Bhadrapad Amavasya (new moon) in the month of
September. Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Diwali and Holi are the other
festivals celebrated here with equal pomp and gaiety.
The Kirti Kala Mandir in the town celebrates the Krishna Jayanti
Mohotsav (a Hindu festival) every year which offers wonderful
performances by renowned artists. Painting and sketching exhibitions
are regularly held at the Mahatma Phule art gallery in the town.
¤ Reach Nasik
By Air : Nearest airport
from Nashik is at Mumbai , which is 185-km away from the city. From
the airport you can take a taxi to reach the bus stand.
By Rail : Nashik is one the major stations on the Central
Railway and there are a number of convenient trains that connect
Nashik to other cities and towns. The fastest train to Mumbai is the
Panchvati Express, which does the trip in 4 ½ hours.
By Road : Nashik is 185-kms from Mumbai and is well connected
by road. Pune-Nashik highway is 220-kms away from the city. There are
also several private and state buses available between Mumbai/Thane
and Nashik.
Local Transport : Visitors can use taxis, tourist cars,
auto-rickshaws and vans, which are easily available and ideal for
families and groups.
Major Circuits
Major Tour Packages To Maharashtra
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