NASIK TRAVEL INDIA Location : 180 Kilometers from Mumbai World Famous Event : Kumbh Mela held after ever 12 years Famous Pilgrimage : Panchavati, Ramkund, Tapovan Major Attractions : Pandav Leni Caves, Dudhasagar Waterfalls

Nasik - Sacred City of Maharashtra

Kumbh Mela, Nasik

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Music and Dances Festivals Pilgrimage Monuments Heritage

The City located, on the western edges of the Deccan peninsula on the banks of river Godavari is one of the four holiest cities of Hindus. The most prime attraction of the Nasik city is none other than Sinhasta Kumbh Mela held after every 12 years. Every aspect of the city has its own importance right from the mythological to historical, social to cultural. But most prominent of all is the religious aspect of Nasik. The strategic position on the Deccan plateau and sitting comfortably amidst high Sahayadri hill with the pleasant climate and picturesque surroundings makes Nasik really an irresistible holiday destination. It will not be a boasting to say that this city has some thing on offer for every one from the devout ascetic to the flashy wine connoisseur. Famous for its exotic wine flavours, Nasik is also known as the wine capital of India or Grape city of Maharashtra.

As far as religion is concerned the city is no less important even to Allahabad. This city is home of one of the twelve Jyotrilingas possessing more power than any as it sprouts the sacred waters of the holy river Godavari. There is no denial to the fact that god has always lived here in different avatars (incarnations) it is up to you to recognize him.

Kumbh Mela - A Road to Heaven

Khumbh Mela - one of the most reversed event is held after every 12 years. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees from all over the world throng the banks of river Godavari to take a holy dip on its ghats during Kumbh Mela. The date and time of this fair is determined by the position of the sun moon and other planets and studied by the astrologers. It is said that the perfect combination of the planets turn the water of this river to nectar or elixir that had spilled from the pot when fight broke out between gods and demons. It is during Kumbh Mela when the dip is considered more auspicious than bathing 60,000 years in holy Ganga. Apart from washing away the sins of the devotees, bathing in the holy water during mela helps you to achieve spiritual Nirvana.

City of Gods and Their Temples

Nasik Temple

The Panchavati is the place where every visitor head first upon reaching Nasik. The area gets its name from five (Panch) Banyan trees (Vadis) that grow by the Godavari River and is believed to be the part of Dandakaranya Forest. In the holy epic Ramayana this forest was the abode for exiled Ram, Sita and Laxman and at the same place Sita was abducted by Ravana. Don't miss to see the devotees taking the holy dip in river Godavari and jump along as it is the only short cut to wash away your sins and reserve your seat in heaven but remember tirtha is the appropriate place where to plunge in the holy river. The other important points include the Golan, Runamochan, Koti and Chakra tiraths.

Ramkund is the other attraction for the pilgrimage, it is the place where Lord Rama used to bath in the sacred Kund, a large pond located in the Panchavati area. It is also believed that Ram has performed the last funeral rights of his father, Dashrath at the same place before immersing the ashes in the kund. At the end of ramkund the river takes the sharp turn and is considered the most sacred point where at the times of Kumbh pilgrims favor a dip. Take a plunge in this river and purify yourself from all past sins and move forward to Tapovan the place where the two streams of the river Godavari form sangam on the western outskirts of Nasik. You can see the statue of three deers spotted by lord Rama in Dandakaranaya where Ram performed penance. It is the place where you can also pay tribute to lord and ask for forgiveness and god will shower you with his blessings. Dont miss the important temples of Nasik like Naroshankar Temple, Kapleshwar Temple, Kalaram Temple, Sita Gumpa and Muktidham Temple. Most of all Anjneri, the birthplace of Hanuman.

Other Charms of the City

Visit are Pandav Leni caves, excavated in 1 AD and is a group of 24 Buddhist caves located on a wedge up in Trivashmi Hill some 8 kilometers from the city on Mumbai- Agra national highway. You can also visit the Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak, the sprawling gardens named after the noted Hindi film producer, the musical fountains, lawns and museum highlights the work of Dada and adds to the cultural heritage of the city. The other best picnic spot to be visited by you is the Dudhasagar Waterfalls, best time to visit is during monsoon season.

Find Your Way to Reach Nasik

Nasik is just 180 kilometers away from Mumbai and is well connected with all the important cities of the world. To reach this city there is a daily service of a direct train from Mumbai. Bus service is the most convenient and Nasik has the good road transport than other cities. The local mode of transport are the city buses to your convenience you can hire a taxi. The special Nasik Darshan bus service available for the tourists takes them to all the tourist attractions in the city and is the suitable for sight seeing.