Having many temples and pilgrimage sites, Nashik is known to be a holy city for Hindus in India. Nashik has always been the centre of commerce and trade in India since historical past. Many historic events of the Indian freedom struggle too had been occurred in this place. Ramkund, Muktidham Temple, Coin Museum and Pandavleni Caves are some of the important tourist sites of Nashik.

Nashik is developing as a lively city with a blend of the ancient and the modern touches. The city has numerous forts, temples, historic sites as well as a home for industries. Nashik is also popular for fruit and vegetable productions. Grapes, strawberries and onions are amongst the highest in the country.

Tourists can also organize trips to Shirdi, Trimbakeshwar, Dudhasagar Waterfalls, Saptashringi Devi Temple, Nandurmadhmeshwar, Bhandardara Jawhar and Nandur Madhameshwar Bird Sanctuary, which are not so far the city.

Reaching Nashik too is so easy as the Nashik railway station is one of the major stations of the Central Railway. Nashik is 220 km away from Pune. Nearest airport is Mumbai or Pune with a distance of 175 km.

Tourist Attractions

Ramkund
Chitrarao Khatarkar built Ramkund in 1696. This holy tank is 27 m by 12 m in area. It is believed that Rama and Sita used to bath in this tank during their exile. People bring ashes of their deceased relatives and immerse it in this holy tank. People of Hindu faith believe that the departed souls would attain moksha or liberation by doing so. Ashes of big personalities like Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Y B Chavan and others have been immersed at Ramkund.

Muktidham Temple
The temple is of pure white; the colour signifies holiness and peace. Muktidham is just 7 km away from the city. The Temple is built with white makrana marble. The architecture of this temple is known to be very unusual. 18 chapters of the Gita are inscribed on the walls, which is a very unique style of this temple. A visit to this temple by Hindus is considered as a visit to the 4 dhams or holy centres.

Coin Museum
The museum has a fine collection of research and well-documented history of Indian currencies. Coin Museum was established in 1980 under the Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies. This museum is the only museum of its kind in Asia. The environment of the museum is so cool, as it is located in the backdrop of the enthralling Ajneri Hill of Nashik.

Pandavleni Caves
Pandavleni caves are 2000-year-old, and it was built by the Jain Kings. It is a group of 24 Hinayana Buddhist Caves, which date back between 1st century BC and 2nd century AD. These caves are at a distance of 8 km from Nasik. Amongst all, cave number 3 and 10 are the best. Cave number 3 has a large Vihara with fascinating sculptures, cave number 10 is also a Vihara, but it is much older and finer than the cave number 3. It is believed to be as old as the Karla Cave near Lonavala.

Someshwar
There are temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman on the banks of the river Godavari at Someshwar. This is a very green place as well as the climate is so cool. One can also enjoy swimming and boating here. Because of its serene beauty, this place is favourite for film shootings. There is a village named Anandwalli on the way to Someshwar. There is Navasha Ganapati Temple in this village.

Deolali Camp
Deolali Camp was established in 1861, which is one of the oldest military centers in India. Deolali market is famous for shoppings inside the military centre. On the nearby hill, there is Khandobachi Tekadi Temple. Exhausted and mentally stressed armies were sent to this place for giving rest during British time. The area surrounded with gardens, playgrounds and wide roads proves its uniqueness.

Artillery Centre
It is situated behind the Pandav Caves. It is the biggest Artillery Center in Asia. The center had been shifted from Pakistan in 1947, and is now completing its 50th year. Officers and soldiers of Indian Army are trained here. Training for 'Bofors Gun' too is given here. The area is under military restriction.

Takli
Takli is connected to the Guru (teacher) of Chatrapati Shivaji, saint Samarth Ramdas. 'Simple living and high thinking' was the mantra what he was preaching. He also promoted the Hindu religion. Ramdas ran off from his marriage life and settled down at Takli for meditation. He was a devotee of lord Ram and meditated with the words Shriram Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram for 13 crores times in 12 years. Ramdas Swami's ashram is preserved in his memory at Takli. There is also a Hanuman Temple on the bank of river Nandini or Nasardi.

Entertainment

There are number of movie theatres in Nashik. Here, one can enjoy Hollywood, Bollywood and Marathi films. Marathi theatre is known to be one of the oldest and well established of regional theatres in India. So, one can enjoy the taste of Marathi theatre in Nashik as well. Tamasha is another form, which can give tourists a different taste.

Anuradha, Ashok, Chitramandir, Circle, Cathey Talkies, Hemlata Talkies, Madhukar, Sawai Hawaldar, Mamta Talkies, Mahalaxmi, Regimental, Vijay, Vijayanand and Vikas are the important theatres of Nashik.

How To Reach

Nearest airport is Mumbai or Pune with a distance of 175 km. Nashik railway station is one of the major stations of the Central Railway. There are a number of trains that connect Nashik to other cities and towns. Nashik is 185 km from Mumbai and can reach through NH-3 via Thane-Kasar-Igatpuri. Nashik is 220 km away from Pune. There are several private luxury video coach and state buses available between Nashik and cities like Pune, Shirdi, Aurangabad and Mumbai. Maharashtra State Transport buses connect Nashik to distant places of Maharashtra. Daily Taxi service is also available between Nashik and Mumbai.

Local Transport
Auto rickshaws are readily available in the city with reasonable fare. Taxis, sumos, public and private buses are also available in the city.

Quick Tips

Tourist can comfortably use taxis, tourist cars, auto-rickshaws and vans, which are ideal for local transport.

Weather

Temperatures during summer months are between 300C to 350C. Temperatures during winter months can be anywhere between 180C to 250C. October to February is the best time to visit Nashik.