Introduction
Nashik or Nasik is located in the northwest region of Maharashtra, 200 km from Mumbai (Bombay) as well as Pune. Located in the Western Ghats, it has become a center of attraction because of its beautiful surroundings and salubrious climate. Nashik has peculiar significance due to its mythological, historical, social and cultural importance. The city has played a vibrant and active role on the industrial, political, social and cultural fronts, influencing the lives of many a great personalities. The Godavari River meanders through the city from its source to the northwest of the city. An important religious center, it is one of the four cities in India that hosts the massive Kumbh Mela. Nashik is also renowned for its grapes, and continuous efforts are being made to promote the growth of an export-oriented wine industry in the district.


Reaching There
» By Air : The nearest airport from Nashik is at Mumbai and is 185 km away.

» By Rail : Nashik is one the major stations on the Central Railway and there are a number of convenient trains that connect Nashik to other cities and towns. The fastest train to Mumbai is the Panchvati Express, which does the trip in 4 ½ hours

» By Road : Nashik is 185-kms from Mumbai and is well connected by road. Pune-Nashik highway is 220-kms away from the city. There are also several private and state buses available between Mumbai/Thane and Nashik.


Sightseeing in Nashik
» Someshwar : On the way to Gangapur dam lies the beautiful nature spot called "Someshwar". There is a temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman on the banks of the river Godavari and the area is covered with greenery all over, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Someshwar has been a favourite location for many a filmshootings. On the way to Someshwar, there is a village named Anandwalli and it is named so because Peshwas - Anandibai and Raghobadada, lived there for some time and also built the temple - Navasha Ganpati.

» Deolali Camp : An important Indian military center, it is one of the oldest center in India, located 16 km away from Nashik and was set up by the British in 1861. The area is surrounded with gardens, playgrounds and wide roads making the place scenic. An officer of the rank of Major General holds the position of the head of the Artillery school here. Temple Hill located nearby is worth visiting where on the hill is a famous temple of Lord Khandoba, hence the hill is popularly known as Khandobachi Tekadi. During British Rule, soldiers who collapsed under the stresses and strains of life in British India were sent to a military psychiatric hospital in the small Maharashtrian cantonment town of Deolali, near Nashik, to recover. Its name became synonymous with nervous breakdown; hence the English idiom "to go doolally", meaning to become insane or eccentric.

» Bhagur : Bhagur is situated 3 km away from Deolali Camp. Being the birth place of the freedom fighter, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar it has thus gained historical importance. There is also a beautiful temple of "Bhagur Devi" here which pulls devotees from far off places.

» Takli : Takli is the place of saint Samarth Ramdas who was the Guru (teacher) of Chatrapati Shivaji. Ramdas was a bramhachari (bachelor) all through his life and promoted the Hindu religion and preached the importance of simple living and high thinking. Ramdas ran away from his marriage procession and settled down at Takli where he meditated for 12 years. He was devotee of lord Ram and meditated with the words Shriram Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram for 13 crores times. Ramdas Swami's ashram is preserved in his memory at Takli. There is also a beautiful Hanuman temple encircled with greenery on the bank of river Nandini or Nasardi.


Shopping in Nashik
Several shops and stalls are present to offer a good items to the tourists as a large number of visitors travel here to see the nearby religious sites. Among the various items of purchase little brass statues and beaded necklaces are available easily. Nashik is also well known for its jewellery.


Accommodation in Nashik
Tourists must be rest assured as far as accommodation facilities are concerned as there is a large variety of of hotels available from budget to luxury category.
Some of the hotels in Nashik are mentioned below :
» The Taj (5 star)
» The Plaza ( 5 star)
» Hotel Crystal ( 5 star)
» Hotel Sai Palace