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Many, many moons ago a young woman approached the prince Rama of the Raghuvanshi clan, intent on winning him for herself. In response to her advances, Lakshman -brother of prince - sliced her nose (nasika) off as punishment. This was an event that would change the course of an epic story. An event, that gave this land its name – Nashik.
The story of the Ramayana is soaked in the soil of Nashik, making it a holy destination for all Indians. However, Nashik is not just a city of the past. It is a thriving land, where the streets bustle, where vineyards curl, hiding fat, wine rich grapes in their leafy embrace. It is a city that combines modern buildings with old sacred temples. The past and present lie close to each in this land – you will hear their gentle whispers at Nashik.
| Nashik Tourism: A Quick View of the City | |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Official Language | Marathi, Sanskrit, and English |
| Dial Code | 0253 |
| Population | 2.27 million (2018) |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
| Area | 264.2 square km |
The ringing of temple bells. The smell of incense. The almost quiet lap of holy water. These are just a few spiritual slices you’ll see at Nashik. The city had a huge role to play in the legendary epic Ramayana, and today is one of the pilgrimage sites of the massive Kumbh Mela (due to holy banks of the Godavari river). However, its not just the Kumbh Mela that draws believers to Nashik. There is plenty to worship here. Spend a day offering prayers at the Trimbakeshwar temple, located on the banks of the Godavari. This beloved temple, built between 1755-1786 AD, is rumoured to lie on top of the source of the Godavari river. Follow the spiritual trail in Nashik to temples like Modakeshwar Ganesh temple, Kalaram temple, Saptashringi Devi temple, Someshwar and more. Wash away your sins and invite blessings from the holy waters at Ramkund – a sacred bathing tank. Visit the nearby, holy shrine at Shirdi. There’s enough in Nashik to satisfy the spiritual appetite.
Where worship settles, history and heritage follow. Nashik is the land of many myths, many empires and possesses a rich history. You’ll see evidence of this at the gorgeous Coin Museum – a long and fascinating record of India’s currency. If it’s natural history that draws your interest, then head on over to the Gargoti Mineral Museum, which houses mineral specimens collected over 40 years. Both these museums are one of a kind and tell their own story through the magic of minerals and money. If royal history piques your interest, then take some time to explore the gorgeous forts of rulers long gone, such as Bhaskargad fort, Harihar Fort, Indrai Fort, Tringalwadi Fort, Patta Fort and more.
Nashik isn’t referred to as the "wine capital of India" for nothing. Here you’ll find vineyards aplenty, where you can enjoy wine tastings, take walking tours around the vineyards, enjoy workshops and buy bottles of beautiful wine. The most popular vineyard at Nashik has to be the Sula Vineyards. You can actually stay at the luxury resort at the vineyard, take a wine appreciation course, and of course participate in the Sula Fest – which brings some of the best musicians from around the world. If you’d like to avoid the Sula crowds, you can head over to York winery, where you can partake in a glass (or two) of dry or fruity wines. At Soma Vineyards, grab a glass of stunning Shiraz. Taste Italy in India, when you visit Fratelli wines, which specialises in three intense wine flavours, like Sette red reserve and Vitae Tre.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then Nashik will get your blood pumping. Trekking is extremely popular around the area, given that Nashik is ringed by 9 hills and is studded with stunning forts to explore. If you’re seeking a thrill ride, then plunge into the foaming swirls of the Vaitarana river, by signing up for white water rafting. If you’re looking to spend a fun day with your family, why not head to Zonkers Adventure park? You can indulge in go-karting, ziplining, rappelling, artificial rock climbing and more.
Food often tells a story. At Nashik, this story is a little spicy, a little sweet and incredibly delicious. Nashik stays true to its home state, honouring Marathi flavours and dishes like missal, silky soft puran poli, ukadiche modak - made of feathery coconut and jaggery, spicy and crispy potato bondas. For non-vegetarians, a mutton kolhapuri taambda rassa or chicken Maratha will really hit the spot. Don’t forget to take deep gulps of delicious (soup) dishes like solkadhi and kokam saar.
Nashik is the third largest city in Mahrashtra and is found in the northern part of the state. It lies 584 metres from the sea level, on the western wedge of the Deccan plateau. Powerful rivers sweep the length of the land, including the mighty Godavari, which slides silkily through the city. Godavari is joined by her kin – the rivers Vaitarana, Bhima and Girana, all which flow through Nashik. Despite its proximity to the rushing rivers, Nashik is tightly locked in the embrace of the land. It is bound by Dhule district in the north, Jalgaon in the east, Aurangabad in the southeast, Ahmadnagar in the south, Thane in the southwest, Valsad and Navasari in the west and the Dangs district in the northwest.
Click here to view Nashik on Google Map
Nashik’s weather is on its best behaviour during the winter – between October and February. This is when the temperature ranges from 32 degrees Celsius, to a chilly 12 degrees Celsius. The summers on the other hand, are rather unforgiving, with the sun warming up the city to scorching levels. Be prepared for temperatures that hover between a bearable 32 degrees Celsius to a sizzling 42 degrees Celsius. Nashik doesn’t do weather halfway – temperatures can swing between extremes and you’ll feel the difference in the seasons. Sandwiched between hot and cold is the monsoon season – one that brings moderate showers, relief from the heat and an emerald green freshness to the city.
By Road: If you’re choosing to reach Nashik by road, you can drive down from Mumbai via the NH3. If you choose not to take your own vehicle, then hop onto a state or private run bus. You’ll be spoilt for choice here, as daily and nightly buses run from Mumbai, Pune, Shirdi and Aurangabad.
By Rail: Numerous trains run from Mumbai to Nashik, and back, on a daily basis. All you need to do is hop off at Nashik Railway Station. You can catch a train from multiple cities across the country, to come to Nashik. Try the Devagiri Express, Howrah Mail, Pune Manmad Express, Tulsi Express and more.
By Air: The closest international airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai – which is roughly 3 and a half hours away from Nashik. Both the international and domestic airports are well connected to the rest of the country and the world. Both international and local carriers fly daily to Mumbai, so connectivity is not a problem. You’ll need to board a bus, taxi or drive down to Nashik from the airport.
Legend has it, that when Lord Rama was in exile, he made Nashik his home. In the years after, Nashik saw the rise and fall of many empires – Mauryas, Satavahanas, Traikutakes, Vishnukundins, Kalachuris, Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas. It was ruled by the Chedi dynasty. In 1487 AD, the Mughals took over rechristening the city as Gulshanabad. Warrior king Shivaji titled the city “the land of the brave”. In 1818, the city was named Nashik under the rule of the Peshwas. Within a year of their rule, the British captured Nashik.
In 1964, after the fight for Independence, the Nashik Municipality was formed. In 1969 it was designated as a full-form district, with 13 talukas. However, there was some confusion over the name – as the district and the city was referred to as Nasik. In 1982, when the population of Nashik crossed 1.2 million, it became a corporation. Since then, the city has been referred to as Nashik City.
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