Nashik – Most Sacred City in Maharashtra

Nashik during Kumbh Mela [source]

Nashik needs to be explored and absorbed to be a truly enlightening experience.

Rising beside one of India’s most holy rivers is Nashik, the kind of town where you cannot turn for discovery of some new treasure, whether it is a stunning temple or bathing Ghat it is an absolutely amazing place to be. So let this gem along the Godavari River intertwine with you and steal your heart.

Nashik, also known as Nasik has many associations with the Hindu epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama and his wife Sita are exiled here to Nashik, it is also where Lakshmana hacked of the nose or Nasika of Ravana sister and this is how Nashik got its name.

Pilgrim Travels

Nashik has long served as a base for pilgrims on their travels, especially those travelling to Trimbak and Shirdi which is the birth place of the original Sai Baba. Every 12 years Nashik is also the host of the Kumbha Mela, which is by all accounts the largest religious gathering on earth. The next Kumbha Mela to be held in Nashik is in 2019 however there is a smaller gathering known as the Ardha Mela that is held every six years.

Modern Nashik

Nashik is considered a fairly modern cosmopolitan center. Marathi is the official language here however despite it being the most common language spoken on the streets here many also speak Hindi or English. The people of Nashik are fairly liberal, which is an attitude more recently acquired over its previously traditional and conservative image.

Climate in Nashik

For much of the year Nashik has a mild to moderate climate. The summers are hot and last from March to mid June when the monsoon season takes over. Winters in Nashik are mild and somewhat dry.

Cityscape of Nashik

The old quarters are characterized by wadas which are somewhat like courtyard houses in narrow winding streets. There are many public courtyards and vibrant bazaars and markets can be found here.  Streets can often be identified by what they are selling.

There has been over the immediate past the development of single residences and apartments which lend a sprawling aspect to the city of Nashik. Much of this can be found it the newly developed outer areas of the city and several prominent educational institutions can be found in these areas along with modern restaurants, coffee shops and hang outs for younger people. Almost all the malls and modern retail areas of the city can also be found in the newer areas of town.

Rahad- A unique way of celebrating Rangpanchmi in Nashik [source]

Tourist attractions of Nashik

The rock cut caves known as the Pandavleni caves can be found about 10km from the city center.  Stunningly beautiful it is believed the caves were carved out between the first and third century. These caves are a stunning ode to Buddhism. Chambhar Leni is a location about 8km from the city centers that hold examples of Jain rock cut caves near Mhasrul.

The temples of Nashik draw many tourists and pilgrims in per year and the city is home to literally hundreds of temples and shrines, most notable near to the Ghats by Ramkund. Most significant for their architecture are The Kalaram temple, the Naroshankar temple and the Sundernarayan Temple which were all built using black basalt stone.

Facts:

• Area: 264.23 km sq
• Population: 1585444
• Altitude: 565 m
• Geographical Location: 20.02°N 73.50°E
• Climate: dry with a monsoon season
• Rainfall: 1056.5mm
• Primary Rainy season: June-September
• Temperatures: 3-45c
• Language: Marathi, Hindi and English