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Brief -
  
 
With nature at its bountiful and beautiful best, the land of exquisite grandeur, Nasik, in Maharashtra, has a personality of its own, due to its mythological, historical, social and cultural importance. It has become the center of attraction, because of its beautiful surroundings and cool and pleasant climate. The city, vibrant and active on the industrial, political, social and cultural fronts, is a classic mélange of the past and the present. The core of commerce and trade, it has also influenced the lives of many a great personalities. Paving the way, to many fascinating forts, ghats and graceful temples that possess an aura of exuberance, Nasik is one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the World.
  
 
 
 
History -
 
 

Nasik finds mention, even in the Stone Age and the mythological era. It is said that Agastya, the renowned sage and later Lord Ram, settled down at Panchavati. It is from here, that Sita was abducted by Ravan to Lanka. Nasik was included in the mighty Empire of Ashok. Later during the era of the Satavahana, it became very prosperous. The city was named Gulshanabad, during the Mughal reign, but was restored, when the Peshvas took over in 1751. By 1818, Nasik was a big town, with two palaces, magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens.

  
 
 
 
Culture -
 
 
A classic mélange of the past and the present, this land of exquisite grandeur, had Lord Rama, spend his years of exile here. Sage Agastya was the first Aryan to settle here and spread the importance of Vedas - the soul of the ancient Indian culture and wisdom. To preserve this Indian culture and popularze it, Nashik has schools where the Vedas are taught. In Indian culture, music is regarded as a path, leading towards God. The tunes are called Naadbrahma. Nashik Brahmin community, being mostly Yajurvedi,worship the Brahma or Universe through this form.
  
 
 
 
Climate & Geographical Location -
 
 
The summer is hot and dry, but the winter is cool and pleasant. Lying at the head of the main pass through the dark eroded hills of the Western Ghats, Nasik is equidistant of 200 km from Mumbai, as well as Pune. Jalgaon binds Nasik on the east, Surat on the west, Dhule on the north and Ahmednagar on the south.
  
 
 
 
How to Reach -
  
 
Air, rail and road connect Nasik. By air, Nasik is well connected to Mumbai and other parts of the country. By rail, the Nasik road station ,is located about 8 kms on the outskirts of Nasik town and is well connected to Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, Kolkata and other important cities of the country. Nasik is connected by road ,to all important cities, towns and other districts of Maharashtra. Private buses run on daily bases to and fro between Nasik and Pune, Shirdi, Aurangabad and Mumbai. The Maharashtra State Transport buses also connect Nasik to nearby and distant places. Daily Taxi service is also available between Nasik and Mumbai.
  
 
 
 
: T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :
  
 
 
 
Kumbh Mela -
  
 
Aeons ago, the gods and demons fought a great battle for the Kumbh, drinking the contents of which, would bring immortality. After a struggle lasting for 12 days, the gods, eventually defeated the demons and drank the nectar. During the fight for the pitchers possession, four drops of nectar split on the earth at Allahabad, Hardwar, Nasik and Ujjain. Among the four cities, the Kumbh Mela is held in Nashik after every 12 years. The Godavari Temple built by Gopikabai Peshwa in 1760, is open to devotees only during the period of Kumbhamela (once in 12 years) for 13 months. It is also called the Ganga Temple.
  
 
 
 
Panchavati -
  
 
The Godavari flows through Nashik and its northern part is called Panchavati. There are five Banyan (Vad) trees and hence, the area is called Panchavati. It is said, that Lord Shri Ram and Sita, along with Laxman stayed at Panchavati for some time. Thus Panchavati has gained holy importance. Nearby is the Sita Gumpha (cave), where Sita is said to have stayed for some time. One can enter the cave with the help of a very narrow staircase. The cave has the idol of Shree Ram, Laxman and Sita. To the left, one can enter into the cave, having the Shiva Linga. Mythology says that Ravan kidnapped Sita from here.
  
 
 
 
Muktidham -
  
 
Muktidham temple, is situated on the Nashik Road. Built by Late Shri Jayrambhai Bytco, it is a magnificient peice of architecture, made with marble from Makran in Rajastan, and by Rajastani scluptors. Unique to this temple, is eighteen chapters of the Geeta written on the walls. You can also see the replicas, of all the twelve Jyotirlingas over here and also, the icons of all major Hindu Gods and Godesses. After visiting this temple, every Hindu feels that he has visited all the four Dhams in India.
  
 
 
 
Trimbakeshwar -
  
 
One of the holy places, of not only Maharashtra, but also the whole of India is near Nasik. Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. One of the sacred places, it's a popular belief, that anybody who visits Trimbakeshwar attains salvation. It is considered sacred, as the Godavari river, originates from this place, on a steep hill and dribbles into a bathing tank Kushavarth, whose waters are reputed to wash all sins. This is also considered, as the most auspicious and the holiest of places, to perform the Shraddha (The Final rites after death) ceremony. Nirnaya Sindhu, a religious book of Hindus, mentions that this place, where the Sahyadri mountain and Godavari river exist, is very purifying on the whole earth and is therefore very important for performing the Shraddha ceremony.
  
 
 
 
Shirdi -
  
 
A holy place, which is famous for the mystic saint Sai ,who spent his life and attained salvation here. Worshipped with great reverence, among all sects and religions of India, Sai Baba's teachings were, in leading a simple life and in the oneness of God. His saying, " Sabka Malik Ek" means there is only one God. The place where he attained salvation, is called Samadhisthan. Eternal Dhuni (fireplace), and the Dwarkabai Mosque are considered as a holy place. The Sai Baba Sansthan, takes care of the temple and worship arrangements. They also provide, accommodation and food for the visitors at Dharmashala and at Bhakta Niwas. Fairs are held on Ramnavami, Guru Poornima and Dashara.
  
 
 
 
Others -
  
 
 
 
GONDESHWAR TEMPLE - The Gondeshwar temple, is a very beautiful temple, built in the Hemadpanthi style of Architechture and still in good shape. During the Adilshahi rule in Maharastra, one of his pradhans (minister) Hemadpanth, popularised a typical style.
  
 
 
 
KALARAM MANDIR - Kala Ram was built by the Peshwas, with black stones, while the apex of the temple is made up of 32 tons of gold. In 1930, Dr. Ambedkar performed Satyagraha, to allow the entry of Harijans, into the temple.
  
 
 
 
MODAKESHWAR GANESH TEMPLE - The idol is believed to have self emerged (Swayambhu), and that, wishes of the devotees are fulfilled. It is named so, as stones of Modak shapes are found surrounding the temple. The modak is a special Maharastrian sweet and Lord Ganesha's favourite.
  
 
 
 
NAROSHANKAR TEMPLE - Fondly called Anga by Nasikites, the architectural style of the Naroshankar Temple, is done in Maya style. An exquisite piece of temple architecture, of the 18th century, the main temple is on a platform.
  
 
 
 
RAMKUND / GANDHI MEMORIAL - The most important place in Panchavati, is Ramkund. It is so called so, because Lord Rama is believed to have taken a bath there. Mortal remains (Asthi) immersed in this kunda, are immediately absorbed in the water.
 
 
 
 
SUNDARNARAYAN TEMPLE - The Sundarnarayan temple is built, at such an angle that on 21st March, rays of the rising sun, first fall exactly upon the idols. The two small Mandaps, have an attractive architecture with the round dome made of ornamental cordons in Mughal style.