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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.
How to 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.
History of Nasik
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.
Places to visit in Nasik
Nasik is a holy city, where one can find many beautiful temples and
ghats. A part 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.
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.
Activities at Nasik
Nashik is famous for its grapes and the city is home to a large
number of wineries. A trip to the first winery of Nashik, Sula is an
interesting activity. The old bazaars along the river banks are a
good place to buy bronze statues and beaded jewellery.
Places to eat
in Nasik
Fine dining culture is still in its infancy in Nasik, so there are
very few good restaurants outside those attached to hotels. The best
are the two attached to the Taj Residency, including the 24-hr
Coffee Shop (buffets on weekends). Aamantran Restaurant at Hotel
Nataraj serves a special Rajasthani pure veg thali, apart from
Chinese, Continental, Mughlai, tandoori, South and fast food.
Gujarati thalis can be had at Pangat Thali, the restaurant attached
to Panchavati Yatri. For local Maharashtrian, make for Rangoli
Restaurant at the Kaveri, which also dishes up Chinese and
Continental.
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