About Nasik
With fascinating forts and beautiful temples Nasik is a splendid mix of
past and present. Situated in Maharashtra, Nasik is well known for Kumbh
Mela (held every 12 years), Shirdi (122 km) and Sai Baba (a monk). Besides,
Lord Rama passed 14 years of exile in the forests of this land.
Nasik district is full of natural beauties-hills, forests, rivers and vivid
wildlife. Vani, Chandwad and Kalsubhai are known hills in this district. The
western part of the Nasik district is full of forests with timber woods
(Sisoo and Teak). Shrubs (Anjan, Agave and Bamboo) are also part of it.
Godavari, a major river in India, runs by Nasik. Girni, another river is
also a part of Nasik. The Trimbakeshwar temple, the Sundarnarayan Temple,
the Kalaram Mandir, Pandu Lena (8 km), Someshwar, the Museum of Sarvajanika
Vachanalaya and the Regional Museum are places of interest to the tourists.
Nasik is famous for the Kumbh mela where crores of Hindu devotees gather.
It is believed that during the fight between demons and Garuda (Lord
Krishna's carrier) a few drops of the precious nectar of immortality fell in
four places including Nasik (Allahabad, Ujjain and Haridwar are others).
Thus this place id held high in the minds of religious devotees and to
celebrate the sacredness the Maha Kumbh is held every 12 Yrs.
Panchavati – Panchavati has a religious importance as it was
the place where lord shri Ram and Sita along with his brother Laxman stayed
for a while. The place is called Panchavati beacuse of five banayan trees.
Near by is a cave where it is beleived that Sita stayed for a while.
Tapovan- Tapovan is a place for meditation and penance. The place is
cool and astonishingly calm. The sages used to meditate in the neighborhood
of lush green nature.The place has a captivating beauty with Godavari’s
silently gurgling sound, long strech of green woods and closeness to jungle’s
flora and fauna. Alongside of Godavari there are eleven rocky cavernous
spaces where yogis do the sacraments.
Shri Kailash Math - Nasik has many temples and holy places but one
of the main attractions for visitors are the various vedic schools. One of
the famous vedic schools is shri Kailash Math. The institute was established
in 1920 by swami Ridhayanand maharaj. Earlier it was a math but later on it
was transformed into a temple. Vedas education is restricted to Brahmins in
the math. Education is free of charge with accomodation and meal.
Not To Overlook-Excursions From Nasik
Nandur Madhameshwar Bird Sanctuary- The sanctuary houses more than
220 species of birds and several species of aquatic animals. The plce is at
the confluence of Godavari and Kadwa dam, spread over the area of 10000
hectares. Large amount of migratory birds assemble in season.
Shirdi- It is located 97 kilometers from Nasik city and a holy place
renowned for mystic saint Sai Baba. The place famous for pilgrimages around
the country to pay reverance in the Sai Baba temple. The place has a eathy
beauty and people from all sects and religions pay their respect here.
Chamber Caves - The famous chamber caves located on the top of a
small hill that is only 400 feet tall. On the top a samll temple whose
staircase was built in black stone. From there one can see the barren
panoramic view. The place is serene and ideal for meditation.
Vipassana International Academy- The academy was established in 1976
and aimed to conduct Vipassana course(one type of meditation). The place is
situated in Igatpuri, 40 kilometers away from Nasik city. The place is
renowned all over world offers various meditation techniques that relieve
mental stress and promote inner peace. One can experience a 10 days
residential course at the center, which is free of charge.
Location- Nasik is in the Northwetsren part of Maharashtra, 200km
from both Mumbai (the capital) and Pune. It lies between 19-degree north
latitude and 75 degree east longitude. Aurangabad, another famous district
of Maharashtra is in the east of Nasik while the state of Gujarat is in the
west.
Climate- The climate of Nasik sees extremity of temperatures in both
summers and winters. However the weather remains pleasant. Maximum
temperature could reach 42.4 degree Celsius while the minimum could be as
low as 0.6 degree Celsius. The western parts of the district suffer heavy
rainfall while others remain usually dry.
How To Reach?
By Air- Nearest airport is at Mumbai, which is 185 kilometer away
from the city. Mumbai is well connected with the world and other Indian
states.
By Rail- Nasik is one of the major railways stations in the country
therefore, well connected with all the states.
By Road- Nasik is well connected with Mumbai and also with Pune.
Pune nasik highway is 220 kilometer away from the city. There are several
state as well as private buses available for commutation.
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