Nashik

Nashik (Marathi: नाशिक Nāśik) is a city in the state of Maharashtra with a population of about 2.3 million people (2023). This is an ancient holy city, also known as the Wine Capital of India, part of the Mumbai - Pune - Nashik so-called "golden triangle of Maharashtra". It is a city of pilgrimage for many Hindus, important for Hindu rituals for the afterlife offerings, and also one of the four locations of the Kumbha Mela festival.

Understand

Nashik is one of the world's holiest Hindu cities. Kumbhmela is held here once in 12 years along with four other cities in India. Lord Rama along with Lakshmana and Sita spent 14 years of his exile at Tapovan near Nashik. The city came under the rule of Mughal in 16th century and was renamed Gulshanabad. Then it comes under Peshwa of Maratha Empire in 1818. City is also noted for its participation in freedom struggle. Freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar and Anant Laxman Kanhere were born in Nashik.

For a long time, the name of the city has changed according to different rulers. Some believe the name "Nashik" was derived after the incident in Ramayana when Lakshman (Sri Ram's brother) chopped off the nose of Surpanakha (Ravan's sister). Another school of thought states that Nashik is a combination of nava shikha - nine summits. It was also named as Gulshnabad by Muslim rulers which was immediately disputed by the residents. It was spelled incorrectly by the British administration, as Nasik but eventually changed to the current Nashik.

Cultural and social

Nashik is well known in India as a gateway city to travel to Shirdi and Trambakeshwar which hosts one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

It is believed that in antiquity, during transport, the drops of Amrit fell into the Brahma-Kund at Trambakeshwar. This makes it one of the most popular religious travel destinations of India. Nashik is also known as a transit station for devotees going to Shirdi, the residence of Sai Baba (90 km (56 mi) from Nashik).

Living

Nashik is fairly cosmopolitan city. Marathi is the official language of the city. This is the most common language spoken on the streets, most people may partial understand Hindi and English.

Attitudes in Nashik are liberal. The city used to be very traditional and conservative, but now is an open-minded culture and is gradually developing city.

Read and watch

Nashik is known for its art and literature contribution. Nashik has one of the biggest public libraries.

Movie

  • Shri Dadasaheb Phalke - the founder of the Indian film industry comes from Nashik. He started movie making in India with the mythological character “Raja Harishchandra” in 1913. This was the first movie in India. He made 95 movies and 26 short films in the span of 19 years, till 1932 in Nashik.

Music

  • Pt. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar was from Nashik, wrote books on classical Indian music. He reinvented notation system suitable to Indian classical music. He also composed notations for the national song of India, Vande Mataram.

Literature

  • Bahinabai Chaudhary was a poetess who made poems in spoken Marathi. It was a flawless creation in ample. Once her son realised the value of her poems he started writing it down. Her poems is an invaluable treasure of Marathi literature. The poems reflect real day-to-day life in a rural setting describing the beautiful effects of nature on her life. She also state the philosophy of life in simple humble words.
  • V V Shirwadkar alias “Kusumagraj” in a career spanning five decades starting in pre-independence era, he wrote 16 volumes of poems, three novels, eight volumes of short stories, seven volumes of essays, 18 plays and six one-act plays.
  • Vasant Kanetkar was a stage drama writer in Marathi language. He wrote 40 three-act plays, all of which were performed on the professional stage. Many of his plays became commercial successes. He has been credited with rejuvenating the Marathi theatre when it was in decline, the age of Sangeet Natak --stage musicals—having had come to an end.
  • Vinayak Damodar Savarkar re-wrote Indian history from a patriotic point of view. His works are in Marathi language, Saha Soneri Pane (Six golden pages in the History of Hindu Nation) - explaining six Indian empires and their extent. He wrote two books in English named "Hindutwa" and "Hindupadapadshahi" on the history of Marathas. Two of his poems famous are Sagara Pran Talamalala and Jayostute sung by Lata Mangeshkar.

Climate

The climate of Nashik is very pleasant. Nashik has three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Summers are typically hot with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 42°C. The warmest month in Nashik is generally April as compared to the rest of the Deccan Plateau where it is May. November is normally a very pleasant month.

Nashik does not get very hot. Even during the peak of summer, the air is cool and standing under a tree can give respite form the heat. However, as sunlight can be intense leading to skin tan and sun-burn, be sure to carry and use sunscreens (above SPF-30).

The nights in Nashik are significantly cooler than most other parts in this region owing to its high altitude.

The average rainfall is approx 550 mm. The city often receives local and heavy thunder showers with heavy downpours in June, which brings down the temperature. The rainy season can sometimes be gloomy, with cloud cover for days together.

Winters are generally dry and day temperatures can be as low as 24°C and temperatures at night as low as 5°C.

Get in

By plane

  • 🌍 Nashik Airport (ISK  IATA).

By bus

Nashik is 180 km (110 mi) from Mumbai (Bombay). There are frequent buses to Nashik from Dadar in Mumbai. It takes 4 to 5 hours by road. If you are not around Dadar, you can still take buses from Borivali (a key place on Western Railway Line) or Thane (a key place on Central Railway Line). Also, a suburban railway (CR) to Kasara can be taken from few suburban railway stations beyond Dadar (like Kurla, Thane or even beyond). Once at Kasara, there are loads of connecting buses to Nashik and many other places, along with ample number of share-taxis (₹50-60 per adult passenger, but with cramped sitting). (There is no taxi service available in the late night. You can get held up after reaching Kasara Railway Station till the next morning.)

🌍 Nashik New C B S Bus Stand (at Trimbak/Old Agra Roads crossing).

By train

Trains called 'Panchavati Express' and 'Godavari Express' also ply daily between Mumbai and Nashik. Nashik is on Central Railway line and Dadar Station is a sort of junction place for Central Railway and Western Railway, so make sure that you are at right side of the station (that is, east-side for Central Railway). There is also a daily train service between Pune and Nashik.

  • 🌍 Nasik Road Railway Station (about 10 km (6.2 mi) away from the main city).)

There are sufficiently frequent services of buses, auto-rickshaws, shared-taxis etc. are available at fairly low fares.

You can also go by local from Kasara.

By car

You can reach Nashik by road through Mumbai-Nashik Expressway (NH 3) , 167 km (104 mi) approx.

Get around

A rented car is the best option to move around the city. There is also a Nashik Darshan bus every day which shows you around the important tourist attractions in Nashik otherwise regional public transport service is also quite nice. Get the ticket for Nashik Darshan bus a day in advance to avoid inconvenience. You can akso take cheap and good auto rikshaws.

See

  • Anjaneri Parvat. Located near Trambakeshwar, it is well known for waterfalls during monsoon season.
  • Nashik Flower Park.
  • College Road. A happening place in Nasik. Malls, restaurants, shopping, multiplex, Bliss Juice Bar, McDonald's, Cafe Coffee Day.
  • Deolali Camp Cantonment Board. Artillery centre - Deolali camp's, Lahawit market is for shopping, Deolali South has Khandoba temple hill, golf course, sun rise & set point as well.
  • The Someshwar Fall (near Gangapur Dam).
  • The Gangapur Dam. always crowded with youngsters.
  • Nandur-Madhmeshwar. A bird sanctuary near Niphad. It is a mesmerizing place for nature and bird lovers alike.
  • Panchavati. A sacred place where five sacred Banyan trees are still present. All important temples are in this area.
  • Phalke Smaarak. Excellent views, landscape, musical fountain, video songs, Buddha smaarak, water park. located on foot of Pandav Caves hill. A reliable place where most of the people in Nasik spend their weekend evenings.
  • Ramshej Fort. Located near Ashewadi village on Peath Road. 7 km (4.3 mi) from Nashik. Good for a small trekking experience. The fort provides a good view of the whole city from the mountaintop.

Temples and religious sites

  • 🌍 Bhaktidham. A temple on Peth Naka.
  • 🌍 Chambhar Leni, Dindori Road. Temple of Bhagwan Mahavir on a hillock inside a cave.
  • Dharmachakra Jain Mandir. It has a 12 ton Panchdhatu idol of Bhagwan Mahavir. It's at Vilholi on Nashik- Mumbai highway.
  • 🌍 Ganga Ghat. Ramkunda, Panchavati
  • Goda Ghat (Godavari river edge). A popular place to visit.
  • 🌍 Kalaram Temple. An important temple and landmark in Panchavati area.
  • 🌍 Muktidham, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Gayakhe Colony, Nashik Road. A big marble temple and picnic spot at Nashik Road.
  • 🌍 Nashik Caves (Pandav Leni). Buddhist and Jain Caves dating back to 2nd century BCE on Nashik- Mumbai highway near Pathardi phata. They are on top of a hill. The view of the surrounding countryside including the city of Nashik is worth climbing up for.
  • 🌍 Shree Navashya Ganpati Mandir, Peshwe Colony, Anandwalli. A temple on banks of Godavari River, very scenic views.
  • 🌍 Sita Gufaa. Caves where Lord Ram and Sita worshipped Lord Shiva during their exile. The shivlinga is still present at that same spot. It is believed that Ravana kidnapped Sita from this place. It is always visited by devotees and tourists.
  • 🌍 Someshwar. Temples, picnic spot, boating, and waterfall on Gangapur road.
  • 🌍 Sundarnarayan Temple.
  • 🌍 Tapovan. Tapobhumi, Shurpanakha's nose fell here, Tasty Guavas, try them out. Once upon a time, it was a part of the sacred Dandakaranya forest. Tapovan is a picturesque place, also contains a close connection with the epic Ramayana.
  • 🌍 Shri Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (श्री त्र्यंबकेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग मंदिर). One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and is the most sacred place in Nashik. Nearby is also Brahma giri where lord Shiva performed the tandava dance.
  • Veda Mandir, Trimbak road.

Museums

  • 🌍 Mineral Museum (Gargoti Sangrahalaya), MIDC, Malegaon, Sinnar, +91 98906 55592. It displays very precious stones.
  • 🌍 Tarangan (Trimbak Road). This planetarium is named after late shri Yashwantrao Chavan and was inaugurated by President Mrs Pratibha Patil. Daily 3 shows are conducted at 1:30PM in English, 3:30PM in Hindi and 5:30PM in Marathi.

Do

  • Trek in the hills near to Nashik.
  • Visit a Stone Age Site - several kilometres from Gangapur village.
  • 🌍 MFL's Zonkers Adventure Park, Opposite Beyond Resort by Sula, Gangapur-Savargaon Rd (near the backwaters of Gangapur Dam), +91 98905 54880, . M-F 11AM-10PM, Sa Su 11AM-9PM. Features go karting, artificial rock climbing, rope activities, archery and various other activities. Ranging between ₹100 and ₹500 per person per activity.

Buy

Nashik is famous for its silverware craftsmanship. The old shopping centre of the city lies in the heart of the city at Main Road. If gas a lot of upscale shops. Saraf Bazar is place for silverware and ornaments. Canada corner is always crowded with college going youngsters. Mahatma Gandhi Marg is the hot shopping destination. You'll get brands like Lee Cooper, RBK, Adidas, Woodlands, Van Heusen, Proline, Pepe Jeans, D&G, Levis, Provogue, Biba, Fabindia, Spyker and many more .

Malls

And chain stores like Reliance Fresh, Spencer's, Spinach, Subhiksha, more are present all over the city.

Jewellers

  • Adgaonkar Saraf, Saraf Bazar, Nashik
  • A K Gems - Agni, Nashik Road
  • Bafna Jewellers, Tilakwadi, Nashik
  • Chnaya Jewellers Prop. Jitendra Mutha, Mob. 9850046531, Old agra road, pimpalgaon baswant.
  • Diamond Galaxy - Tanishq, Canada Corner, Nashik
  • Govind Dande & Sons, Nashik Road
  • Maind Saraf, Saraf Bajar Nashik.
  • Mayur Alankar, Saraf Bazar, Gangapur Road, Nashik.
  • Mirajkar Jwellers, Saraf Bazar, Trimurti Chowk, Madhli holi Nashik.
  • Parekh Jewels, College Road, Nashik
  • P.R. Vaishampayan & Sons working under the brand name Sonchafa.
  • Rajmal Lakhichand Jewllers, Nashik
  • Significant Moments, Nashik
  • Surana Jewellers, Canada Corner, Nashik.
  • Takle Bandhu, Saraf Bazar, Nashik
  • Tanishq Showroom, Samarth Nagar, Nashik.
  • Waman Vishnu Throat, Saraf Bazar, Nashik.

Multiplexes

  • Cinemax, City Centre Mall
  • PVR Cinemas, College Road
  • Cinemax Regimental, Nashik Road
  • Big Cinemas, New Nashik (Cidco)
  • INOX, Nashik Road
  • SRS Cinemas, Nashik Road

Eat

There are good restaurants all over the city. Coffee Shops/Cafes on College Road: Bliss Juice Bar , Cafe Bollywood , 12 to 12 , Friendship , Cafe Coffee Day. 12 to 12 is good restaurant for western cuisines.

  • The most amazing dining experiences at Nashik are at Emerald Park Hotel. Jharoka serves some amazing Indian food comparable to the best in the country, Dhruva is the roof top barbecue and grill and also has a 24-hour cafe.
  • 🌍 Agrawal Bros K Mithaiwala, 63, Shalimar, Next to IMA (Shalimar Chowk), +91 253 250 0603. 8AM-10PM. Hot snacks, sweets, cold drinks, ice-cream, samosas.
  • Bhagvati's Chat: A famous chat joint near Kulkarni Garden on Sharanpur Road
  • Brothers roll (near Akashwani Tower).
  • 🌍 Budha Halwai (near Bhadrakali Temple), +91 95277 88999. Pastry shop open 24 hours a day. "Keep Calm and eat Jelebi!" is their motto.
  • Bikaneri Bhujiawalla on College Road.
  • Bon Appétit Restaurant - Pathardi Phata, Nashik
  • 🌍 Cafe Bliss, 6, Rushiraj Tower, Gangapur Road (Opp. Talwalkar's Gym, near Jehan Circle), +91 253 234 4150. 11AM-11:30PM. Serves 80 types of coffee and tea, and sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, burgers and desserts.
  • 🌍 Cafe xpress, College Road (Opp BYK college), +91 9960790272. There is another branch on Nashik Road.
  • 🌍 Carnival, D'souza Colony. at College Road serves very good quality Chinese & Indian food.
  • 🌍 Chai Tapri, 2, Thatte Wadi Rd, Thatte Nagar, Karvan Society (Opp. Dominos, Model Colony, College Rd), +91 253 234 1114. 7:30AM-10PM. Loosely translated as "tea shack", Chai Tapri is one of the typical establishments in the area where you can sip tapri tea with locals.
  • 🌍 Chetana dining hall, Old Agra Rd (Opposite Old CBS Near District Court / 1st Floor Meghdut Shopping Center), +91 253 231 9783, +91 997 515 1555. 11AM-3PM & 6:30-10:30PM 30. Vega restaurant, traditional Thali meals.
  • 🌍 Domino's, College Road, Survey No. 712/2A, 2D/118, +91 253 231 5833. 11AM-11PM. Tasty pizza.
  • 🌍 Farmaish Teh Resto Bar, 118, College Road, D Souza Colony, +91 253 231 0335. 11AM-11PM.
  • 🌍 Goli Vada Pav, College Road, +91 93708 90999. Indian-style burgers. Other outlets at Sharanpur Road and Indira Nagar (opposite Raj Sarthi Society.)
  • 🌍 Hotel Samrat, Old Agra Rd (opposite State Bank of India, near Central Bus Stand), +91 253 257 7211. 24-hour restaurant serving Gujrathi Thali and pure veg Indian dishes
  • 🌍 Jalaram Sweets, College Road, +91 253 230 7150. Serves amazing chaats along with a range of sweets. One should not miss their Kachori, Samosa and Khajur/Imli Chutney.
  • 🌍 Kokni Darbar Restaurant, Doodh Bazar (Behind Rajjak Manzil). If you want to eat something really tasty visit Kokni Darbar for mughlai and North Indian food. The service is good.
  • Kondaji Chivda very famous from Nashik.
  • 🌍 Little Italy, Sula Road. Italian food at prices lowers than their other branches across the country.
  • Maharashtra Bhandar, Patil Lane No. 3, College Road, Nashik - 422005 (College Road), +91 253 2311010. Sa-Th 9:30AM-9:30PM. On College Road is a "Khau Ghar" offering all types of delicious, home-made snacks and sweetmeats, like Laddus, Chivda, Karanji, Shev, Chakli, Farsaan, pickles and sweets.
  • 🌍 Mamaj Pavbhaji, College Road, D'souza Colony. Mama's serves piping hot pav bhaaji and all kinds of chaat items.
  • 🌍 McDonalds, on College Road (just opposite Big Bazaar), +91 253 325 5976. 7AM-11PM. serves good burgers and is popular in the evenings.
  • 🌍 Mehfil, Yashica Plaza, Govind Nagar, Mumbai Agra road, +91 253 324 7555, +91 988 1181636. Fine ingredients, fresh meats, produce, herbs, delicate spices, an outstanding variety of traditional Indian dishes. Dishes are individually prepared mild, medium, spicy or hot.
  • Modern Cafe (formerly named as Parth) has good Marathi fare.
  • Nandan s. Pani Puri and other chat on college road.
  • Nesta Coffee Shop, Mumbai - Agra Road, Nashik.
  • 🌍 Pangat Thali, 430, MG Road, Chandak Vadi, Panchavati, +91 253 257 2291. Inside the hotel Panchavati Yatri. Traditional Thali dishes. Very popular with the locals too. Another popular vegetarian restaurant in this hotel is Sukh Sagar open 24 hours
  • Rim-zim Ice Gola (near Nehru Garden).
  • Rolls & Keema
  • Rolls Club (Near Bhosla Military School, towards the end of College Road.).
  • Sachin Foods, near Raviwar Karanja, famous for samosa and chat.
  • 🌍 Sagar Sweets, on College Road and Gangapur Road. Famous for sweets, namkeens, packaged food products, chat.
  • Salim's Tea at the corner of BYK Commerce College is a favourite hang-out of college students.
  • Sayantara. In Bhadrakali area, behind the fruit market. Famous for soft, tasty Sabudana vada.
  • 🌍 Shoukin bhel, at Nehru garden. 4:00 – 10:00 pm. yummy tasty bhel!
  • Smokin Joe (near RYK college , Bytco Point).
  • Subway, college road.
  • 🌍 Tadka Pure Veg. Family Restaurant, Jail Road, Dream Mini Market (Bytco Point), +91 96899 72713. 9AM-11PM.
  • 🌍 Talk of the Town, Trimbak Road (Opposite More Mall), +91 253 2571961. Good place where you can get yummy Punjabi food.
  • Three Sixty Degrees Coffee Shop, Talegaon, Nashik.
  • 🌍 Thunder Point Juice World, Gangapur Road, Thatte Nagar, +91 253 231 3338. Fast food.
  • Tulsa Snacks, Ravivar karanja chowk. Delicious Maharashtrian snacks pohe, upama and sabudana khichadi.
  • Viju s. Dabeli and sandwich

Other

  • Chinese : Seble Hotel , Trimbak road, Carnival College Road, 21st century, Sharanpur Road
  • One Should not miss the famous Krushnai Vada Pav (an Indian burger served with chillies) at the Circle Cinema, The Shop located at Ashok Stumbh
  • Other Family Dining: Patang, and Purohit.
  • Missal: Vihar at Gangapur naka, A tapri near Raviwar Karanja (next to Pethe High School),Tushar on college road, Ambika near Panchvati Karanja, Sham-sundar Satpur MIDC (see below)
  • Other Thali Hotels: Purohit, Rajdhani
  • Traditional Marathi Cuisine: Saheba, Mumbai Naka

Famous Missal Joints

Missal is a hot and tasty curry dish from Maharashtra. Missal literally means 'Mix'. It is served with Pav (Indian name for baked bread). There are lots of variations to the cooking and the way it is served. It is mostly hot in taste.

  • Sadhana Restaurant - Chulivarachi Misal, Survey No 71, Gangapur-Satpur Link Road, Bardan Phata, Nashik,
  • 🌍 Ambica Missal, Panchavati. a distinct taste of Black garam Masala made in a very traditional way.
  • Hotel Bhagwati, Panchawati Karanja
  • Hotel Shamsunder, B Road, Satpur MIDC
  • Hotel Sheetal, Old taxi Stand, CBS
  • Hotel Sudarshan, Makhamalabad, Nashik.
  • Hotel Tuljai, Opp college, College Road.
  • Hotel Tushar, Malaria Stop, College Road.
  • Hotel Vihar, Near K.V.N.Naik College, Gangapur Naka.
  • Maharashtra Hotel, Bytco Point, Nashik Road.
  • Nehru Garden, Near Sarda School.
  • Om Tea House, Near Bhadrakali Karanja, Bhadrakali.
  • Raswanti Missal, Panchavati Karanja
  • Shelke Missal, Ravivar Karanja, opp Chandi Ganpati Mandir.
  • Pravin missal Panchvati Nashik.

Ice cream parlours

  • Cream Zone, College Road
  • 🌍 Dairy Don, 1/3, College Road, Patil Colony, Canada Corner, +91 253 230 6843, +91 253 230 6844.
  • 🌍 Dinshaw's Ice Cream Shop, College Road, D'souza Colony.
  • Eskimozs Pot Ice Cream, Canada corner
  • Pastongi, MG Road
  • Razzmatazz, College Road
  • S K Ice cream Parlour, nashik road

Drink

  • 🌍 21st Century Restaurand & Bar, Sharanpur Road, New Pandit Colony (near Kulkarni Garden). Noon-11:30PM. Small pub serving tandoor menu. Alcohol is priced
  • 🌍 Banjara, Mahatma Nagar, Parijat Nagar. Restaurant bar inside Hotel President Inn. Good service
  • 🌍 Samarth Juice Centre and Cafe, Raviwar Karanja, Panchavati, +91 253 250 6067.
  • 🌍 Sula Vineyards, Gat 36/2, Govardhan Village (off Gangapur-Savargaon Road), +91 99700 90010. 11AM-11PM.
  • Tiger hills, Nashik-Mumbai highway. Wine tasting & factory outlet.
  • 🌍 York Winery Tasting Room, Gangavarhe Village, Gangapur-Savargaon Road, Gate No. 15/2 (12 km (7.5 mi) from the City center), +91 96577 28070, +91 253-2230700. Noon–10PM. Very good but costly.

Sleep

Budget

(Inspect the room before you book)

Mid-range

Go next

  • Anjaneri - the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. located on Trimbak road, 25 km (16 mi) from Nashik.
  • Bhagur - Small village, important as the birthplace of Veer Savarkar, one of the famous freedom fighters, about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Nashik Road.
  • Igatpuri - On Nashik - Mumbai Highway. Located about 30 km (19 mi) from Nashik. There are multiple resorts available for a weekend getaway.
  • Nanduri - Saptashringi Goddess - located 75 km (47 mi) from Nashik.According to Hindu tradition, the goddess Saptashrungi Nivasini dwells within the seven mountain peaks. (Sapta means seven and shrung means peaks.) It is located in Nanduri, Tal:-Kalwan a small village near Nashik in India
  • Sangamner - About 65 km (40 mi) from Nashik, along the Nashik-Pune highway. Has an engineering college, a medical college, a well-developed market, and historical places to see.
  • Shirdi - Famous the world over for Sai Baba, but you have to have patience, as the queues can be infinitely long. About 90 km (56 mi) from Nashik. Frequent Volvo and MSRTC buses are available.
  • Sinnar - About 30 km (19 mi) from Nashik on the Nashik-Pune highway (NO 50). In the Yadava period (11 AD) Gondeshwar Shiva temple has interesting architecture and stone carvings.
  • Yeola: 65 km (40 mi) from Nashik, between Nashik and Aurangabad. Famous for hand-woven Patina saris (traditional sari), Yeola is a major handloom weaving centre and the silk saris, shalus and Paithanis woven here find a prominent place in Indian and foreign markets. It is also famous for gold and silver wire. Places of interest include the Muralidhar Temple and the Parshvanath Temple.
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