In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Nashik. Nashik is a historic city in the Indian state of Maharashtra, located in the northwest region of the state. It is renowned for its spiritual significance, rich cultural heritage, and thriving wine industry, often earning it the nickname “Wine Capital of India.
| About: | Nashik is a city in the northern region of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated on the banks of the river Godavari. The population of Nashik city is around 2.2 million and is emerging as one of the fastest-growing cities in India. Nashik is located about 165 kilometers (103 mi) northeast of the state capital, Mumbai, and about 210 kilometers (130 mi) north of Pune. Mumbai-Pune-Nashik is called the Golden Triangle of Maharashtra. Due to its high agricultural production, Nashik is referred to as the Napa Valley of India and the “Wine Capital of India”, since over 50% of wineries and vineyards in India are located here. Approximately 90% of the wine produced in India comes from the Nashik Valley. Nashik is one of the 4 Hindu pilgrimage sites of the Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years. |
| History: | Nashik was known as Panchavati before Ramayana period. Nashik has mythological, historical, social and cultural importance. The city is situated on the banks of the Godavari River, making it one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the world. Nashik has a rich historical past, as the mythology has it that Lord Rama, the King of Ayodhya, made Nashik his abode during his 14 years in exile. At the same place Lord Laxman, by the wish of Lord Rama, cut the nose of “Shurpnakha” and thus this city was named as “Nashik”. After the fall of the Satavahana empire, the Abhiras or Ahirs ruled in the north east and the Chutus in Maharashtra and Kuntala. The Puranas state that ten Abhiras ruled for, 67 years. The Nasik inscription speaks of king Madhuriputra Ishvarasena, the Abhir and a son of Shivadatla. This dynasty originated in A. D. 249-50, an era called Kalachuri or Chedi in later times. In Kritayuga, Nashik was ‘Trikantak’, ‘Janasthana’ in Dwaparyuga and later in Kuliyuga it became ‘Navashikh’ or ‘Nashik’. Classical Sanskrit poets like Valmiki, Kalidasa and Bhavabhuti have paid rich tributes here. In 150 BC Nashik was the country’s largest market place. From 1487 A.D, the province came under the rule of Mughals and was known as Gulshanabad. It was also home of Emperor Akbar who wrote at length about Nashik in Ein-e-Akbari. It was also known as the ‘Land of the Brave’ during the regime of Shivaji. The most important historical significance is that Kumbh Mela is conducted at Nashik once every twelve years, out of 4 places in India. |
| Geography: | Nashik is the third largest city of Maharashtra after Mumbai & Pune. Nashik lies in the northern part of Maharashtra state at 700 m (2,300 ft) from the mean sea level which gives it ideal temperature variation, particularly in winters. Nashik has an elevation of 700m and has a lush and hilly environment. The Godavari River originates in the Brahmagiri Hills of Trimbakeshwar about 24 km from Nashik, and it flows through the area that used to be a residential section, now in the center of the city. Due to severe pollution caused by factories in close proximity to the city, the river suffered at a very alarming rate. Other than the Godavari River, the other important rivers in Nashik are the Vaitarana, Bhima, Girana, Kashyapi, and Darana rivers. Nashik is at the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, a volcanic formation. Trimbakeshwar, located 30 km from the city, is the origin of the Godavari River. The land area of the city is about 259.13 km2 (100.05 sq mi). Anjaneri, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, lies near Nashik. The city’s tropical position, combined with its high altitude, results in a relatively mild climate, which has characteristics of a tropical wet and dry climate. Temperatures rise slightly in October, but this is followed by the cool season from November to February. The cool season sees warm temperatures of around 28 °C during the day, but cool nights, with lows averaging 10 °C, and extremely dry air. |
| Country : | India |
| State: | Maharashtra |
| District: | Nashik |
| Language: | Marathi |
| Population: | Metropolis: 1,486,053 (2011) |
| Literacy rate: | Average literacy rate of Nashik city is 89.85 percent of which male and female literacy was 93.40 and 85.92 percent. |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | 1. Trimbakeshwar Temple 2. Sula Vineyards 3. Pandavleni Caves 4. Anjneri Hill 5. Kalaram Temple 6. Muktidham Temple 7. Saptashrungi Temple 8. Someshwar Waterfalls 9. Ramkund 10. Dugarwadi Waterfalls 11. York Winery and Tasting Room 12. Gangapur Dam 13. Coin Museum 14. Dadasaheb Phalke Memorial 15. Harihar Fort |