One of the favoured weekend getaways near Mumbai, Nashik is the largest city in Northern Maharashtra and the third largest district in the state. It is situated on the banks of the River Godavari and is the highest producer of onions and grapes in the country.
The city has been ranked as the fourth fastest growing city in the country and the sixteenth fastest growing city in the world. It also has bagged the title for being the Most Tourist Friendly City in India and hence attracts innumerable tourists from all over the country and the world.
According to mythology, Lord Rama had made Nashik his abode during the 14 years of exile. His brother Lakshmana had cut off the nose of Ravana’s sister Soorpanakha here and hence the city is called Nashik.
The place also made significant contributions to the Indian independence struggle. A lot of martyrs and freedom fighters were born in this city who risked their lives for the freedom of the country. One of the significant events that marks Nashik’s contribution to the freedom struggle was the Nashik Satyagraha which was initiated under the leadership of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar to fight for the rights of Dalits.
Distance from major places
Distance from Mumbai to Nashik: 167 kms
Distance from Pune to Nashik: 285 kms
Distance from Shridi to Nashik: 88 kms
Sightseeing places in Nashik
Scenic vineyards and orchards are the prominent attractions of this picturesque city of Nashik.
If you are interested in history then a visit to 2000 years old Pandavleni Caves is must. Built by the Jain kings, the caves are situated on a tableland on top of Trivashmi Hill and are just 8kms from Nashik.
Another interesting place is Sita Gupha or Sita Cave, which is located near the five Banyan Trees in Panchvati – a small village situated in the northern part of Nashik. The place is popular because Lord Rama had spent 14 years in exile here.
some interesting museums like Coin Museum and Gargoti Museum, which is a world renowned museum for zeolites. A zeolite is an ethereal creation of breathtaking colour and fragile structure formed as the result of a process in which a group of silicate minerals expel water when heated.
The best time to visit Nashik
The best time to visit Nashik is from October to February when the weather is pleasant with temperature varying between 8°C and 32°C – an ideal time for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities such as fishing and boating.
During the summer season, from March to May, it is unbearably hot with the level of mercury shooting above 42°C.
From June to September, the city experiences medium rainfall. At this time, although the temperature goes down, outdoor activities and sightseeing are not possible hence avoid visiting Nashik during the summer season.