Nashik

Overview:

Due to its mythological, historical, social and cultural importance, having a personality of its own, Nashik is a city located in Maharashtra, India. It is amongst the fastest growing cities in the world. Located on the banks of the Godavari River, on the western edge of the Deccan peninsula, in the Western Ghats, it is the Wine Capital of India or ‘India’s Napa Valley’. One among the four historic cities where holy pilgrimage Kumbh Mela takes place, it features landmarks integral to Hindu mythology and the freedom struggle giving birth to Indian freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar and Anant Laxman Kanhere. The well-planned city is surrounded by nine hills and a number of lakes, as well as the Godavari and Girna Rivers. Nashik is an actively vibrant city on the industrial, educational, healthcare, political, social and cultural fronts; homing various industries, temples, bathing ghats, educational and health care institues; a currency mint and a large military centre. Hindu mythology dictates that Rama, the king of Ayodhya, made Nashik his temporary abode during the 14 years of his exile, during which Shoorpanakha the sister of the demon king ‘Ravana’, tried to seduce Rama; angered by Shoorpanakha, Lord Ram ordered his younger brother Lakshmana to cut off Shoorpanakha's nose (‘nasika’ from the Sanskrit word), hence, the name "Nashik" was derived. It is also noted in the Ramayana, that Sita (wife of Lord Ram) was abducted by Ravana from the Sita Gumpha caves in the area of Panchavati, in the Western Ghats. Numerous other references to the Ramayana can be found in Nashik. A long tryst with India's sacred past, and proximity to many holy temples and sites has made Nashik a confluence for the spiritually enlightened. The braggadocio town of Nashik with its rich historical and cultural background is also, the center of attraction because of its beautiful surroundings and all year round conducive climate. Nashik is 171 kilometers from Mumbai via the Mumbai - Agra Highway NH-3, and is a 4 hour ride; it is 210 kilometers from Pune via the Nashik - Pune Highway NH-50. Other major cities like Aurangabad are also connected to Nashik via state highways. Renting a car from Mumbai to Nashik or Pune to Nashik taxi services for sightseeing, ensures a comfortable journey while travelling between tourist spots and various other places of tourist interest in and around, by avoiding packed buses and trains and without the added hassle of asking for directions, as the drivers are well aware of all the routes. Car rentals are also popular as travelling by car is both fast and comfortable.

Places to Visit:

Situated on a tableland atop Trivashmi Hill are the Pandavleni Caves. Constructed by Jain kings these Caves are dated to be around 2000 years old. These caves were home to Jain saints such as Tirthankara Vrishabdeo, Veer Manibhadraji, and Ambikadevi. There are some twenty four Caves. These rock cut caves boast of beautiful sculptures of the Buddha and bodhisattvas as well. Believed to be the meeting place of disciples and areas of preaching sermons, the cave complex consists of large Caves with strikingly carved doorways. Chiseled into the rock are several water tanks.

Analogous to the architectural design to the nearby Trimbakeshwar Temple, The Kalaram Temple was built by Gopikabai Peshwa in 1794. The imposing structure was constructed with black stone from the mines of Ramsej Hill and is seventy feet in height. Lavishly adorned with adornments, the presiding deities of the temple are Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The edifice has a beautiful gold-plated copper dome, and stunning sculptures that display its sheer structural brilliance. The Kalaram Temple is encompassed by several smaller temples such as the Maruti Temple, Vithal Temple and Ganapati Temple.

Located in the scenic surroundings of Anjneri Hill, The Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies was established here in 1980. The institute is the only one of its kind, throughout Asia. The history of Indian numismatics is documented and recorded in detail by the museum, through various mediums, such as line drawings, replicas, photographs, articles and real coins. The various currency systems existing in India since time immemorial can be studied here. Nearly one hundred thousand cardexes have been preserved and extensively archived, for easy reference. Workshops to promote coin collecting in India are also held by the museum. Credited to its tryst with destiny, Anjneri has had a glorious historical past being ruled by many great rulers including the Bahmanis, Marathas, Mughals and Kolis. Maha Kumbh is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

Things To Do:

There is never a paucity of things to do in Nashik. The religiously inclined can spend days here going on various temple tours and engage and participate in the various festivals that are celebrated with vivacity and ardor. The city comes alive with Vinayak Chaturthi celebrations in September. The festival of Holi is also a very celebrated occassion; however the most important festival in Nasik is Kumbha Mela.

The festival of Kumbh mela or Maha Kumbh is celebrated once in every twelve year. Haridwar and Allahabad, host the Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela every six years. The Purna (complete) Kumbh takes place every twelve years, at four places Allahabad, Ujjain, Haridwar and Nashik. The last kumbh mela was celebrated in the year 2003. The next Kumbh mela is scheduled between August 15 to September 13 in 2015.

Preferentially one can fancy a trip to vineyards and orchards. Exploring the vineyards and orchards of the city, or just relaxing at one of the vineyards as you sip some delectable wine is among the popular activities in Nashik. Partisans can enroll in the various courses to learn more about appreciating various wines.

Tourist may even cotton to a picnic lunch at various lakes in the city, proffering relaxing activities like  Fishing, swimming, boating with friends and family.

Main Road in the heart of the city is where all the popular shopping centres in Nashik are situated. Renowned for its silverware craftsmanship, visitors interested in silverware and ornaments should head to Saraf Bazaar. Mahatma Gandhi Marg and Canada Corner are among the other popular shopping destinations in Nashik.

Globalisation, has the city is brimming with multi-cuisine restaurants, chic cafes and casual eating joints, that tantalize the taste-buds of food connoisseurs. ‘Pav bhaji’ and authentic Maharashtrian cuisine are served by various restaurants. Spread across the city.