Nashik is a city in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is a city of pilgrimage for many Hindus.
Nashik it is believed that the name was derived after the incident in Ramayan when
Lakshman (Sri Ram's brother)chopped off the nose of Surpanakha(Ravans sister).
The "Wine Capital of India", or the "Grape City", as it is popularly known, is located in
the Western Ghats, on the western edge of the Deccan peninsula on the banks of
the Godavari River. The city is known for its picturesque surroundings and pleasant
climate. The Godavari River flows through Nashik from its source, which lies to the
southwest of the city, in Trimbakeshwar. It is a rapidly developing city with a
population close to 1.4 million
Nasik is also important mythologically, historically, socially and culturally. Known for the temples on the banks of the Godavari, it has historically been one of the holy sites of the Hindu religion. It is one of the four cities that hosts the massive Sinhastha Kumbh Mela once every twelve years.
Legend dictates that the name "Nasik" is derived from the Hindu epic Ramayana. During the exile of Rama, Shoorpanakha the sister of the demon king Ravana tried to seduce Rama. Angered, Rama ordered Lakshmana to cut off Shoorpanakha's nose (nasika/nak). According to the Ramayana, Sita was abducted by Ravana from the area called Panchavati in the Western Ghats. It's a popular religious destination within the city limits, today.
The most striking historical structure in Nashik is the Trirashmi Caves also known
as the Pandav Caves. These were originally viharas of Buddhist monks carved in
stone in the mountain. There are extensive writings in Brahmi script that show that
the township of Nashik supported Bhikkhu Sangha from about a century BC to about
sixth century AD. One huge cave is a donation of Gautamiputra Shatkarni, the most
famous king of Shatkarni dynasty. Another one is made by a Greek (Yavan) father
and son who had apparently become monks.
PLACE TO VISIT
Sita Gufaa - Caves where Ram and Sita worshipped Lord Shiv during their exile. The shivlinga is still present at that same spot.
Pandavaleni - Pandav Caves. located on Nasik Mumbai highway
Phalke Smarak - Great landscape, Musical Fountain, Video songs, Water Park. located on foot of Pandav Caves hill
Jain Mandir - has a 12 ton Panchdhatu idol of Bhagwan Mahavir. located at Vilholi on Nasik - Mumbai highway
Chambharlena - Temple of Bhagwan Mahavir on a hillock inside a cave. located on Dindori road
Someshwar - temples, picnic spot, boating,waterfall. located on gangapur road.
Sula Wines - Winery offers tour and wine tasting
Nawsha Ganpati - A temple situated on banks of Godavari River, very sceinic
views
HOW TO REACH
Nashik is 180 kms from Bombay. There are frequent buses to Nasik from Dadar in
Bombay. It takes 4 to 5 hours by road. If you are not around Dadar then you can take
suburban railway (CR) to Kasara. Once at Kasara, there are loads of connecting
buses to Nashik and many other places along with ample number of taxis. (Kindly
note there is no taxi service available in the night. You can end held up after reaching
Kasara Railway Station till the time untill the next morning)
A train called 'Panchavati' express also plies 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.
Air Deccan, the country's low-cost airline started daily flights between Bombay and
Nashik. It flies to Nasik Ozar airport from the Chatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport.
(Flights have been suspended due to very low traffic.)
