Nashik is situated on the banks of the holy Godavari River and has been home to
a large number of mythological incidents. It is said that Lord Rama lived in Panchvati
area of Nashik, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, during his 14 years of
exile. Another mythological story related to Nashik is that it was around this area
only that Agasti Rishi performed his continuous meditation of one year and pleased
the Lord.
Nashik a.k.a Nasik has become the center of attraction because of its beautiful
surroundings and cool and pleasant climate. Nashik, vibrant and active on the industrial,
political, social and cultural fronts, has influenced the lives of many great personalities.
The river Godavari flows through the city. Temples and ghats on the banks of Godavari
have made Nashik one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the World.
Proximity to many holy temples and sites including the famous pilgrimage centre
of Shirdi and a long tryst with India's sacred past, has made Nashik a confluence
for the spiritually enlightened. However, the fact that has mainly led to the emergence
of the city of the travel and tourism map of India is that it is the main base for
visiting Trimbakeshwar, the main one of the 12 Jyotirling’s of India.
A write up about Nashik would be incomplete with out a mention of the largest religious
festival of Hindus, Kumbh Mela. Nashik Kumbh Mela is conducted once in twelve years
coinciding with the Allahabad Kumbh Mela. It is believed that a holy dip in the
pre-determined time would wash away all the sins of the devotees.
Today, Nashik is a bustling township with a blend of the ancient and the modern.
Scattered across the city are numerous forts and majestic temples. The Security
Printing Press of the government, which prints the nation's currency, is located
here. Nashik is part of the green belt and is renowned for the various fruits and
vegetables it produces. In fact the yield of grapes, strawberries and onions in
Nashik is amongst the highest in India.
The climate of Nashik is very favorable to the growing of grapes as well as making
of wines. This, combined with the 'Grape Processing Industry Policy' of the Maharashtra
government made the hub of wine industry in India. This has resulted in it being
popularly known as the 'Wine Capital of India' or the 'Grape City of India'.
Nashik is a city with all the characteristics of modernity is getting delighted
in its ancient heritage. It's purely a city in rustic surroundings. Though Nashik
doesn't have the characteristics of an established hill station, it is located comfortably
in a basin formed by the high Sahyadri Hills. These varied facets of Nashik make
it an appealing holiday destination with something on offer for everyone from the
pious spartan to the gaudy wine buffs. The picturesque surroundings and pleasant