Nashik, A beautiful city with rich religious and cultural importance. The city is a mix of the old and the new. It has religious importance because of Ramayan. It is one of the four places where the Kumbh Mela is held after every 12 years. Nashik has intricate stone-carved temples to the finest vineyards in India. The city is a good balance of historical events and is developing to match with the top-tier cities. One can experience it all in one place, from temples to soothing views of the mountains and the waterfalls to the best wineries in India. A traveling architect would get to know how places like the Ram Kund were designed which have high religious values and at the same time caters to millions of people during the Kumbh Mela. Nashik is a haven from the busy roads and concrete jungle. The city is a good balance between grey and green. Here is the list of 15 amazing places to visit in Nashik:
Pandavleni Caves | Places to Visit in Nashik
The Caves located on Trirasmi hill date back to the 2nd Century BC. The group of 24 caves has inscriptions of the Buddhist teachings carved between the 3rd Century BC and 2nd Century AD. These caves represent Hinayana Buddhism and were built by rulers like Satavahanas and Kshaharatas for Buddhist monks. The Major frontage of the caves faced in the north direction, which has helped preserve the carvings from the harsh sun and southwest rains for the past 1500-2000 years. When looking from afar, one can only see the columns but as and when one approaches nearby, the caves unravel themselves most organically.
Nashik is considered one of the Pilgrimage cities of India. The Famous Kumbh Mela is held in the city at Panchvati. Panchvati is located on the left bank of the Godavari River, here one can find different temples and the Ramkund. People from all over the country come here as these places hold high significance in religious belief.
Ramkund.
The Ramkund, according to the mythology is a place where Lord Ram had taken a bath during his exile. Due to this, it is considered a sacred Kund. The legend says, Lord Ram performed his father’s funeral rites in this Kund. These beliefs have given character to the place. Millions of people take a bath here during the Kumbh Mela.
Sita Gufa And Kalaram Mandir | Places to Visit in Nashik
In the vicinity of Panchvati Sita Caves or Sita, Gufa is located, it is believed to be a place where Goddess Sita used to worship Lord Shiva. Another belief is that Lord Ram, Sita, and Laxman used to stay in the cave. The cave has to be entered through a narrow staircase leading inside The Sita cave. As Sita was a Shiva devotee, there is a cave with A Shiva Idol. During their exile, ‘Laxman Rekha’ drawn by Lakshman is located at a distance of 1km from the caves. Inside the cave, one can find a stone-carved room with a stone block cut, that appears to be a bed, along with that there are carvings on the walls.
The Kalaram Temple has a black statue of Lord Ram. The temple has an idol of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. It is located in the vicinity of Panchvati.
Anjaneri Mountain
Anjaneri Mountain is famous for its picturesque views and is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Around 108 Jain caves are found here that belonged to the 11th-12th Century. While trekking one comes across a cave that is filled with inscriptions that are as old as 1000 years.
Trimbakeshwar Temple | Places to Visit in Nashik
Trimbakeshwar temple is significantly important because it is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is famous not only for its spiritual aspect but also architecture. The temple is intricate stone carvings, they are carved out in a symmetrical fashion which is seen throughout the Vimana of the temple. This temple is surrounded by scenic beauty because it nestles between 3 hills, Nilgiri, Brahmagiri, and Kalahari.
Brahmagiri Mountain
Brahmagiri Mountain is a Mountain range in the Western Ghats. Godavari River, the second longest river in India originates near Trimbakeshwar at The Brahmagiri hills. It flows for 1,465 kilometers. First, it flows across the Deccan Plateau then enters the West and East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, further, it splits into two watercourses that widen into the River delta and flow into the Bay of Bengal.
Tringalwadi Lake
Tringalwadi Lake is known for its calmness and its picturesque views. The lake is surrounded by lush green mountains on all sides. One can find different species of birds here if inquisitive about bird watching. the wonder of the lake is enhanced as one can see the clear reflection of the sky in the lake which creates the illusion of the mountains are balanced between the skies.
Someshwar falls/ Dudhsagar falls | Places to Visit in Nashik
The falls are a beloved spot by the people of Nasik. the peak of the waterfall is 10 m. Unlike other waterfalls, this one is often seen between rocks. there’s a Balaji Temple located nearby. The breathtaking falls are on the outskirts of Nashik.
Dugarwadi Falls
Dugarwadi Falls in the Vicinity of Trimbakeshwar is another place where one can enjoy nature to its fullest. The water falling appears to be falling from the center of the hills is soothing, and is surrounded by foliage on all sides.
Artillery Museum | Places to Visit in Nashik
The Artillery Museum is the biggest in Asia as it was relocated to India During the India-Pakistan partition. The museum has 2 floors and features a huge collection of vintage and modern weaponry and aircraft. The museum houses military agreements, pictures of events that made history, and paintings.
Harihar Fort
For trekking enthusiasts, the trek to Harihar fort would be a retreat amidst nature. the trail to Harihar fort has everything, the joys, and suspense of what comes next. the trail starts with entering a trail in the forest till it reaches an open ridge that is connected to the fort. The steps leading there have highs and lows within the levels. Lastly when climbing up the fort, one gets to enjoy the elongated plateau and a calm and soothing environment. All of those factors make it one of the best treks.
Ramshej Fort
The Ramshej Fort features a mythological and historical significance. The mythology part focuses on the Ramayan, it’s believed that Lord Ram stayed here during his exile. That belief has given its name to the fort. Ramshej translates to Lord ram’s bedstead. The history here is of great importance because this fort witnessed war for 65 months between the Marathas and therefore the Mughals. The war proved, what proportion strength the forts have which was an iconic event in the books of history.
Nashik is thought for its Wine, all across India. There are around 40 wineries within the region. the town has over 50% wineries from India. Sula Wines was the primary winery and since then one can notice Nashik’s transformation into India’s wine capital.
Sula Wines | Places to Visit in Nashik
Sula Vineyards was the primary winery to be established in India. it’s India’s first heritage winery resort. the whole plot of Sula wines has a country vibe to it. it’s the largest wine producer in India. The Sula wines are located amidst the hills which overlook the Gangapur Dam. they need
wine tasting and one can indulge in the Wine making process which was started in India in the 1990s.
Soma Wines
Soma Wines is another Winery located only some Kilometers away from Sula wines. One can enjoy the wine-tasting lessons and have an entire country experience. Soma wines have the primary barrel house in India which is a must-watch.
Vallonne Vineyards | Places to Visit in Nashik
Vallonné Vineyards is a boutique wine estate in Igatpuri. Near Nasik. It houses a winery that produces premium French-Styled wines. They offer wine-tasting sessions and winery tours. It is nestled between beautiful mountains.
Conclusion: Though Nashik is a comparatively small city, it has diversity in the places. The city has a great climate and environment which leaves an impression that one would carry throughout life. Exploring Nashik is a thing a traveling architect must visit because the simplicity of the place defines its people and the culture.
References:
www. Justnashik.com
www.vallonnevineyards.com
www.somavinevillage.com
www.tourtravelworld.com
www.trawell.in
