Nasik

State

Nashik is an important religious center and attracts thousands of pilgrims annually because of the sanctity of the Godavari River and because of the legend that Rama, the hero of the Ramayana epic, lived here for a time with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana. The city has developed on both the banks of Godavari which divides the city into almost equal halves. The main part of the town lies on the right (south) bank of the river, while Panchavati, a quarter on the left bank has several temples. The town's riverbanks are lined with ghats (bathing places with steps).

It is one of the four cities that hosts the massive Sinhastha Kumbh Mela once every twelve years.

Nasik today is a hub for industrial, political, social and cultural events.

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History

According to a legend Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana epic, stayed here for some time with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana, while they were on exile.

Nasik was the capital of the powerful Satavahana (also spelt as Satvahans) dynasty. It was an important trading port to the west. The city of Nasik was called as "Gulshanabad" during Mughal period. Later, it was again given its old name when Peshwas took over in 1751, but they lost Nasik to the British in 1818.

From archaeological excavations it is found that the territory around Nashik was occupied in the early Stone Age.Tools of trap rock characteristic of that time have been found buried in the riverbed at Gangavadi,16 Km North - West of Nashik. Agastya, the renowned sage was the first Aryan to cross the Vindhya mountains and live on the banks of the Godavari.Other sages followed Agastya and the cloister of hermitages of the bank of the Godavari was called "Janasthana".Lord Ram accompanied by Lakshman and Sita met Agastya,and he presented Ram with bow and two quivers presumable to fight the rakshasas.He also advised him to settle down at Panchavati,so called because of the five great banyan trees, which grew there.Panchavati was then at the fringe of the Dandakaranya forest.It is from here that Ravan of Lanka abducted Sita.Later on poets like Valmiki, Kalidas, the dramatist bhavbhuti discovered and found in "Padmapur" as Nashik was then known, great inspiration.

Accessibility

By Air: Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 180 km away from Nasik, is the nearest airport.

By Rail: Nasik Road railway station is about 9 km away from Nasik city center. This station is directly connected with Mumbai and regular train services are available from here to many cities in India.

By Road: Nasik is well connected to all neighboring cities by Government owned buses.

Accommodation

Nashik, the administrative headquarters of Nashik District, holds a significant place in the travel and tourism map of the country. Infact, it is counted amongst the important cities of Maharashtra and receives its fair share of travelers every year. There are a large number of temples and ghats in the city, which seem to be dotting the embankment of River Godavari that flows through its landscape. This has resulted in the city being practically being flooded by devotees every year. All the visitors who come here require places to stay and their need is met by the numerous hotels, guesthouses and dharamshalas dotting the city. Given below is information on accommodation in Nashik

Hotels

Taj Residency (Five-Star)
Taj Residency is a five star hotel, situated at a distance of only 14 km from the railway station and 7 km from the bus stand of Nashik. The facilities provided at the hotel comprise of Restaurant, Bar, Coffee Shop, Business Center, Conference Hall, Swimming Pool, Bookshop, Health Club, Jogging Park, Tennis Court, Steam, Jacuzzi, Travel Assistance, Car Hire Service, Currency Exchange, Doctor on Call, Hotel Safe, etc.

Clarion Westend (Four-Star)
Clarion Westend is a four star hotel, situated in Nashik (on the Mumbai-Agra Highway). The facilities provided at the hotel comprise of Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Bar, Coffee Shop, Conference Hall, Swimming Pool, Beauty Parlor, Gymnasium, Health Club, Garden Areas, Yoga Sessions & Therapies, Tennis and Badminton Court, Table Tennis Facilities, etc.

Hotel Emerald Park (Three-Star)
Hotel Emerald Park is a three star hotel, situated at a distance of only 8 km from the railway station and 2 km from the bus stand of Nashik. The facilities provided at the hotel comprise of Restaurant, Bar, Coffee Shop, Conference Hall, Banquet Hall, Sightseeing Tours, Indoor Games, Outdoor Games, Live Entertainment, Doctor on Call, etc.

Quality Inn Regency (Three-Star)
Quality Inn Regency is a three star hotel, situated in Nashik (on the Nashik-Shirdi Road). The facilities provided at the hotel comprise of Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Lounge, Bar, Conference Hall, Jogging Track, Badminton Court, Basketball Court, Golf Course, Health Club, Billiards Table, Pool Table, Swimming Pool, Sightseeing Tours, Doctor on Call, Travel Desk, etc.

Cosmo Hotel (Budget Hotel)
Cosmo Hotel is a budget hotel, situated on the Shivaji Road in Nashik. The facilities provided at the hotel comprise of Restaurant, Doctor on Call, Power Back Up, Safe Deposit, Travel Desk, Sightseeing Tours, etc.

District
Nasik
Location
185-km from Mumbai
STD Code
0253
Best time to visit
October to February