Nashik: The Ramayana of an Ancient Yet Modern Town
Best places to visit in Nashik, sightseeing & tourist attractions in Nashik
The Panchavati/ Ramkund complex of shrines and temples sprawls out along the banks of River Godavari as it loops through the heart of the old city of Nashik, Maharashtra. This was where Ram, along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman, came to spend his time in exile. It is also the spot where the great Ramayana war between Ram and Ravan was first ignited. Of course the forests that once covered this riverbank have ceded the land to a bustling city. This city – Nashik takes pride in its ancient heritage while aspiring to be a modern city.
Map of Nashik:
Whats Famous Here: Top Tourism Places Nashik
History And Cultural Heritage: It all began when Ravan’s demon sister Surpanakha, who lived in the neighbouring forest of Tapovan, rushed in to kill Sita so that she could claim the handsome hero of the epic as her husband. However, Laxman intervened and stopped her mad charge by cutting off her nose. Ravan was infuriated when he learnt of what had happened to his sibling and took revenge by plotting the abduction of Sita.
Of course the forests that once covered this riverbank have ceded the land to a bustling city. But the five (panch) banyan trees (vadis) that survived gave the place the name by which it is known today – Panchavati. It is also known as Ramkund after the tank (kund) in which Ram would bathe each day
What to See: Places You Should Not Miss in Nashik
Trimbakeshwar: Throw in Trimbakeshwar, which is one of the four venue of the Kumbha Mela (held every three years in rotation), wineries, orchids, farmland, industrial units… and you have a sangam of different realities which all adds up to make it a city with a slightly confused identity. It’s urban in an agricultural setting. And though it does not fit the bill of a traditional hill station, it is surrounded by mountains.
Sita Gumpha: Not far from Panchavati is Sita Gumpha, where the abduction of Sita had been acted out.
Temples In Nashik: Not far from here stands Kalaram temple in which three jet-black, and richly bejewelled idols of Ram, Sita and Laxman are enshrined. Other important temples that dot the area are Sundar Narayan Temple which contains deities of Vishnu and Lakshmi; Kapileswara or God of Skulls Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Naro Shankar Temple, a Shiv temple with an enormous church bell that was captured from the Portuguese during the battle of Vasai (Bassein) in 1739.
Muktidham Temple: Muktidham Temple, near Nashik Road station, built in pure white Makrana marble has 18 chapters of the Bhagwad Gita etched on its walls. Visiting this shrine, they say, is the equivalent of doing the entire Jyotirlinga circuit as it has the images of the 12 Jyotirlingas around the country also engraved on its walls.
Tapovan: Tapovan, a riverbank site on the western outskirts of the city, is the sangam of two streams of the Godavari river. It is the spot where Laxman responded to the advances of Ravan’s sister by cutting off her nose.
Travel to Nashik: Tour package of Nashik sightseeing spots
Local Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English.
Best Time To Visit: October and March
How To Reach:
AIR: Though Nashik has an airport, the facility is not used by any of the scheduled airlines. The nearest airport is at Mumbai (185 km). The Mumbai airport is an important international and domestic hub. Mostly all airline operators such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and kingfisher Airlines have flights carrying passengers in and out of Mumbai airport
RAIL: Nashik Road station, on both the Mumbai-Delhi and Mumbai-Kolkata line of the Central Railway, is located 8 km away from the Old City.
ROAD: Semi-luxury Asiad buses ply at regular intervals throughout the day between Mumbai (Dadar TT) and Nashik (Mahamarga Bus Stand).
Excursions from Nashik: Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Nashik
Mumbai: is the financial capital of India. The cosmopolitan culture of the city attracts thousands to the city. The city is also home to famous film and serial industry called the Bollywood. Thousands of visitors come to Mumbai just to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars.
Shirdi: the pilgrim town that revolves around the saint Sai Baba, is a popular excursion out of Nashik.
Anjneri: On the road between Trimbakeshwar and Nashik is the village of Anjneri, the site of the only coin museum in Asia and the birthplace of Hanuman.
Pandavleni Caves: Some 8 km out of the city on the Mumbai-Agra Highway are the Pandavleni Caves – 24, 1st century AD Buddhist caves excavated into the slopes of the Trivashmi Hill. From up here one looks down at the Dadasab Phalke Smarak gardens. Named after the pioneering film producer Dadasab Phalke, it has musical fountains and two museums; one that highlights the work of the filmmaker and the other, the cultural heritage of the city.
Hotels and Resorts in Nashik: By way of accommodation, Nashik has a number of private lodges, hotels and resort. Most lodges and resorts will help arrange tourist guides and horses for their guests
Travel Packages to Nashik: Customize your travel. Write your requirements we will revert with a quote soon.
Flights to Nashik: Though Nashik has an airport, the facility is not used by any of the scheduled airlines. The nearest airport is at Mumbai (185 km). The Mumbai airport is an important international and domestic hub. Mostly all airline operators such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and kingfisher Airlines have flights carrying passengers in and out of Mumbai airport
Trains to Nashik: Nashik Road station, on both the Mumbai-Delhi and Mumbai-Kolkata line of the Central Railway, is located 8 km away from the Old City.
Buses to Nashik: Semi-luxury Asiad buses ply at regular intervals throughout the day between Mumbai (Dadar TT) and Nashik (Mahamarga Bus Stand).
Car Hire in Nashik: To experience Nashik at your own pace you can take a care hire. Hire a cab and get enchanted by the captivating locations of Nashik. You can also hire a cab for excursions from Nashik.
