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Nasik is one of the most important cities of Northern
Maharashtra. It is a classic mélange of
the past and the present, and has become a centre of
tourist attraction because of its beautiful surroundings
and cool and pleasant climate. The city has a personality
of its own due to its mythological, historical,
social and cultural importance, and is active on
the industrial, political, social and cultural fronts.
Nasik is home to many fascinating forts and graceful
temples. This land of exquisite grandeur witnessed 14
years of exile suffered by Lord Rama. According to Hindu
mythology, the Lord spent his years of exile in the
forests of this land.
The city plays abode to most of the industries located
in Maharashtra, including the Security Printing Press
of the government, the nation's currency printer. The
core of commerce and trade, it was earlier the country's
largest market arena. Widely held as the land that
produces the maximum varieties of fruits and vegetables,
Nasik is rightly labelled as the green belt area. It
lodges a great diversity of tourist attractions, religious
domains and the nature at its bountiful and beautiful
best.
Trimbakeshwar- Trimbakeshwar temple
is situated 30 km from Nasik. It is famous all over
the country since it is the abode of one of the 12 Jyotirlings
(Shiva Lings) of India.
Ramkund- Ramkund is a sacred tank.
The aborigines state that Lord Rama and his wife Sita
used this tank for bathing during the years of exile.
It is a common belief that if the ashes are immersed
in the holy waters of this kund, salvation or moksha
is achieved.
Muktidham Temple- Muktiham temple
is located near the station, around 7 kms. from the
city. The temple has been built with pure white makrana
marble, making it a unique piece of architecture. What
makes this temple unique is that eighteen chapters of
the Bhagwad Gita are written on the walls of this temple.
Coin Museum- It is positioned against
the backdrop of the Ajneri Hill. The museum houses a
fine collection of researched and well-documented history
of Indian currency. Also included in the collection
are photographs, articles, line drawings, replica, real
coins and also a detailed analysis of the various currency
systems that existed in the India.
Kalaram Temple- Built in 1794 by Gopikabai Peshwa, this
temple is another architectural gem. This 70 feet
high structure has been built with black stone. The
copper peak of the temple is gold-plated and looks beautiful
by day and night. The idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana
are sandy black and decked with ornaments.
Pandavleni caves- These 2000-yr-old
caves, built by the Jain kings, are located on a tableland
atop the Trivashmi Hill. There are around 24 caves
situated here that once formed abode to the Jain saints.
The caves lodge idols of Buddha, Jain Teerthankara Vrishabhdeo,
Veer Manibhadraji and Ambikadevi and the icons of Bodhisatva.
Someshwar- On the way to Gangapur dam, tourists are
fascinated by the beautiful nature spot called "Someshwar".
There is a temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman
on the banks of the river Godavari. The area is covered
with greenery all over, with a pleasant climate. Tourists
can take pleasure of swimming and boating in the river.
Artillery Centre- Behind the Pandav
Caves is the biggest Artillery Center in Asia. This artillery
center was shifted from Pakistan in 1947, and is now
completing its 50th year. The Indian army's officers
and soldiers are trained here. Training for 'Bofors
Gun' is given here. The area is under military and is
restricted for civilians.
Kumbh Mela- Nasik is one of the four
venues for the world famous Kumbh Mela which is held
once every twelve years, and the Ardh Kumbh, which is
held once every six years.
Seasons to Visit
The weather in Nasik is pleasant throughout the year.
Getting There
Air: Nasik airport is 39 kms from
the city.
Road: Nasik is well connected
by road with Mumbai (185 kms), Pune (202 kms)
Rail: Nasik Road railway station
is 44 kms from the city. It is one of the major stations
on Central Railway (Mumbai - Nasik 188 kms).
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