Geography : Nashik is a city in India's Maharashtra state. Nashik is in the northwest of Maharashtra, 180 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune. Nashik is the administrative headquarters of Nashik District and Nashik Division. The "Wine Capital of India", or the "Grape City", as it is popularly known in recent times, is located in the Western Ghats, on the western edge of the Deccan peninsula on the banks of the Godavari River. Climate: Nashik has a pleasant climate, warm in summer and slightly humid during the rainy season.

With warm summers, the best time to come to Nashik is the winters.

Nashik History: It is the place where the great Maratha warrior prince Shivaji was born. Extensive archeological research has been conducted in the Nashik area, and it has indicated that Nashik has been a cradle of civilization dating back to periods before the Stone Age. Its documented history establishes it as being the capital of the powerful Satvahans dynasty, dating back two-thousand years. When the Mughals came to power in India, they were in awe of the city's beauty and they named the city Gulshanabad, which means city of scenic beauty. The Mughal emperor Akbar himself was highly impressed by the city's beauty and spent many years in the city. Once the Mughals were ousted by the mighty Peshwas, they renamed the city to Nasik. In the year 1818, after a long and treacherous battle, the British captured Nashik. Under the British rule, Nashik was turned into a district. Nashik, however, was always in the centre for the battle of independence. This city is famous for : Nashik is a famous pilgrim place and famous for Kumbh Mela. This place is considered as the Western Kashi of India. Nashik is also famous for its delicious fruits like grapes and strawberries that it exports. It is also a major exporter of roses. The city is also famous for its growing wine industry, so much so that Nashik is often called the 'Wine Capital of India'.

Trimbakeshwar : From a spring high on a steep hill above the village Trimbak, 33km west of Nasik, the source of the Godavari River dribbles into the Ganga-sagar bathing tank whose waters are reputed to wash away sins. From this tiny start the Godavari eventually flows down to the Bay of Bengal, clearly across India. Also in Trimbak is the Trimbakeshwar Temple, Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India and the place is hardly 6 to 8 km from Nashik. Wani : The temple of Sapatashrungi Mata is on Saptashruga hill in the village Wani is very famous. It is about 52-Kms from Nashik City. The temple is atop a hill and there are 450 steps to climb. In April of every year, a major fair is held over here.

Nashik is in the northwest of Maharashtra, 180 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune. It is located in the Western Ghats, on the western edge of the Deccan peninsula on the banks of the Godavari River.

Nashik is located at a distance of approximately 180 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune and is easily accessible by road from both of the cities. You can easily find State Transport as well as private buses for all the cities in Maharashtra and the neighboring states from here. Taxis are also easily available.

Nashik is one of 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 Panchavati Express, which does the trip in 4 1/2 hours.

Nashik city does not have an airport of its own. The airport that falls nearest from its periphery is the Chhatrapati Shivaji international Airport of Mumbai.It is approximately 180 km from the Nashik city and is serviced by almost all the national as well as international airlines. The next nearest airport is that of Pune, a domestic one.

Kumbh Mela: Nashik is most famous for the Kumbh Mela, which is held once every twelve years. The Kumbh Mela is a religious festival, and results in the largest gatherings of humans in the world. Nashik is one of the four cities chosen to host it. Millions of tourists from within India as well as all over the world come to see this event.

The city of Nasik is a major Hindu pilgrimage center with rich culture and tradition. Nasik, a bustling and vibrant city is considered to be a blend between the past and the present. Nasik is replete with a number of popular forts and graceful temples. The city is dotted with a number of industries which accounts for the inflow of a number of corporate travelers.

Most of Nasik's temples date to the 18th century. The Kala Rama Temple, east of Ramkund, is built in black stone with a 25-m (82-ft) high shikhara. It supposedly marks the spot where Sita was abducted by Ravana. Godavari Temple : The Godavari Temple was built by Elder Madhavrao Peshwa's mother, Gopikabai in 1760. This temple is open for devotees only during the period of Kumbhamela (once in 12 years) for 13 months. It is also called Ganga Temple. Trimbakeshwar Temple : The sacred Trimbakeshwar Temple, 33 km (21 miles) west of Nasik, is built on the site of one of Shiva's 12 naturally occurring jyotirlingas (lingas of light). It is surrounded by a large paved platform and has a carved shikhara. Though closed to non-Hindus, visitors can still get a good view of the courtyard and the shrine leading off it. Hanuman Temple: There is a beautiful Hanuman temple surrounded with greenery on the bank of river Nandini or Nasardi. Shiridi : About 65 km (40 miles) south of Nasik is Shiridi, the temple complex of the first Sai Baba, Maharashtra's most popular saint, who died in 1918. Church: You can travel down the Nashik-Pune highway to see the Infant Jesus Shrine. A popular fair is held once a year in February at this church.

Sita Gumpha : The Gumpha (i.e. Cave) is near the five Banyan trees in Panchavati. One can enter the cave with the help of a very narrow staircase. The cave has the idol of Shree Ram, Laxman and Sita. To the left, one can enter into the cave having the Shiva Linga. Devotees believe that Ravan kidnapped Sita from the same place. Takli : (Ramdas Swami Ashram) Takli is the place of saint Samarth Ramdas. He was the Guru (teacher) of Chatrapati Shivaji. Ramdas was a bramhachari (bachelor) all through his life. He promoted the Hindu religion and told people the importance of simple living and high thinking. Ramdas ran away from his marriage procession and settled down at Takli. He meditated here for 12 years. He was devotee of lord Ram and meditated with the words Shriram Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram for 13 crores times. After such a long devotion, he left. Ramdas Swami's ashram is preserved in his memory at Takli. There is also a beautiful Hanuman temple surrounded with greenery on the bank of river Nandini or Nasardi.

Bhandardara : This is a must see place for fun-loving trekkers, the place has a massive waterfall known as ' The Radha Falls'. The 'Wilson Dam' at a height of 150 metres is the largest earthen dam in the country, at the base of the dam is a circular garden and a swimming pool. The Ratnagadh fort is an interesting climb.

Nashik is a city of great religious importance to India, so there are very few pubs or nightclubs here.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls; Someshwar: Dudhsagar Waterfalls is the favourite spot of the youngsters and the teens, who come here often to liven up their spirits. Situated at Someshwar, the waterfalls are 10 metres long and the water is milky white.

The main visitors of this city are religious pilgrims, so the markets pay more attention to their needs. So, it is one of the best places to buy items of religious significance little bronze statues and beaded necklaces. The city is a good place for jewelry lovers, as the prices are reasonable.

The city has a number of multi-cuisine restaurants. Don't forget to try Chivda, a snack that is a speciality of Nashik. Nashik is famous for its delicious fruits like grapes and strawberries that it exports.

Coin Museum : Coin Museum is one of the most popular tourist places in the Nashik city of Maharashtra. The museum was founded under the Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies, in the year 1980. The fact that adds to its attraction is that it is the only one of its kind museum in the whole of Asia. As the name suggests, Coin Museum displays a very rich collection of research and well-documented history of the Indian currency system. Brahmagiri : It is located in Nashik. This is a mountain of 550m in height. Brahmagiri is the source of the Holy Godavari River. Godavari flows in three directions from the mountain - Godavari, Vaitarna, Chakra Tirth.

Nandur Madhameshwar Bird Sanctuary : This sanctuary which houses more than 220 species of birds, 400 species of vegetation, 24 species of fish and several smaller mammals came into existence along the Nandur Madhameshwar dam at the confluence of Godavari and Kadwa. Spread over the protected area of 10000 hectares, lies the core area of 1765 hectares, where the large variety of water birds,resident and migratory birds congregate in season.

Waterfalls near Someshwar : The Godavari flows serenly near Someshwar and some boating facility is available here. There is also a small waterfalls around a Kilometer ahead of Someshwar. The landscape around this place is very good. River Godavari : The places where a holy dip can be taken in the river Godavari are: Govardhan Tirtha, Pitru Tirtha, Golan Tirtha, Brahma Tirtha, Runamochan Tirtha, Krishna Tirtha, Papnashan Tirtha, Koti Tirtha, Agni Tirtha, Shukla Tirtha, Aruna Tirtha, Surya Tirtha, Chakra Tirtha, and Ashwini Tirtha. River Godavari Ghat : River Godavari flows through Nashik and its Northern part is known as Panchavati. Lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Laxman stayed at Panchavati during exile. There are five Banyan (Vad) trees and this is the reason it is called Panchavati. Nearby is Sita Gumpha (cave) where Sita stayed for some time.

Respect the tradition and culture of the place and leave the footwear before entering into the temples. Carry a route map for safety purpose. Don't forget to carry two sets of photocopies of important documents like Visa, Passport, ID Card, etc,. in case of loss or theft.

MTDC, T/1, Golf Club, Old Agra Road, Nasik 422 002 Tel no: 570 059

If you're into bird watching, you can always head to the Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary. With over 250 species of birds, this 10000 hectare sanctuary is a magnificent experience.

Always consult a tourist guide who carries ID card with him.