Nasik, as a place defined as a holy city, has enough legend
attached to it. Nasik, the holy city, located in state of Maharashtra is
home to the place where Laxmana (brother of Lord Rama), chopped of the nose
of Ravana's sister, Shupranakha and it is believed to be the same place from
where Ravana kidnapped Sita (wife of Lord Rama). Set against the River
Godavari, Nasik delightfully displays its ancient past in its relics and
magnificent temples. The Kumbh Mela is held at twelve different places and
one of them is Nasik too. The foundation of the city is built on legends and
myths. The city has its trademark spires and domes rising over conventional
industrial estates and residential areas. The busy life of Nasik is best
observed and experienced at the riverside market with rows of shops.
Today, Nasik is India's biggest grape-growing region. Nestled in the
Western Ghats of India, Nasik has a climate perfect for wine grapes and it
is on par with winegrowing regions in Spain, California and Australia.
Nasik Attractions
» Ramkund : Built in 1695, Ramkund is a holy tank.
Chitrarao Khatarkar got it constructed 27mts. by 12 mts. It is believed
that, Lord Rama and his consort Sita used this tank for bathing during the
years of exile. There is a common belief that if the ashes are immersed in
the holy waters of this kund, salvation or moksha is easily achieved.
» The Muktidham Temple : Situated close to the
station, around 7 km from the city, the Muktidham Temple has been built with
pure white makrana marble tiles, making it an outstanding piece of
architecture. The unique feature found here is that, 18 chapters of the
Bhagwad Geeta are written on the walls of the temple.
» The Coin Museum : The Coin Museum is located
against the backdrop of the beautiful Ajneri Hill. The Indian Institute of
Research in Numismatic Studies was established in 1980 and is the only of
its kind in Asia. The museum has a fine collection of researched and
well-documented history of Indian currency. Also included in 6the
collections are photographs, articles, line drawings, replica, real coins
and also a detailed analysis of the various currency systems that existed in
the India from centuries together. The Institute has now begun workshops to
encourage the hobby of coin collection in the Indians.
» The Kalaram Temple : Built in 1794 by
Gopikabai Peshwa, the Kalaram Temple, is another architectural marvel, with
the motif, pretty much analogous to that of the Trimbakeshwar Temple.
» Sai Baba Temple : Shirdi, the temple dedicated to
Sai Baba is situated at a distance of about 122 kms from this place. Nearby
is the Dwarkamani mosque, where the Baba is believed to have meditated and
slept on alternate nights. Just next to the mosque is a long corridor. Here,
the eternal flame burns day and night.
» Trimbakeshwar : Trimbakeshwar is one of the 12
Jyotirlinga sites in India. Trimbakeshwar is situated in the heart of the
village Trimbak at a distance of 36 kms from Nasik. It forms the source of
the Godavari River. The Trimbakeshwar temple here is a very famous and is
visited by thousands of pilgrims each day. It is believed that bathing in
the waters of the Godavari is an easy way to attain salvation.
» Dudhsagar Waterfalls : Dudhsagar Waterfalls is the
favourite haunt of the youngsters and the teens. Situated at Someshwar, the
waterfalls are 10 metres long and the water is milky white. The rock has
steps chiseled on it for easy reach and the place is a major attraction
especially just after the rains.
Getting There
» By Air : There is one daily flight to and from
Bombay (187 km) operated by Indian Airlines.
» By Rail : Nasik is an important junction on the
central Railway. It is linked directly with most cities in India. Visitors
from south India can travel to Nasik either via Manmad or via Bombay.
» By Road : A network of national highways
links it to the other cities of Maharashtra. A well maintained and frequent
us service connects all the towns. There is a round the clock bus and taxi
service which connects Nasik with Bombay.
