Cities in India

Nasik

Best time to visit Nasik : October to February.

Set against the River Godavari, Nasik delightfully reflects its ancient past in its relics and majestic temples. The foundation of the city is built on legends and myths. The city has its trademark spires and domes towering over conventional industrial estates and residential areas. The hustle and bustle of Nasik is best seen and experienced at the riverside market with rows of shops.

Places of Interest
Nasik is abounding with temples, some of which are over 200 years old. The ornamental Sunder Narayan Temple is rich in carvings and domed porticoes. During the equinoxes, the rays of the early morning sun fall at the feet of Lord Narayana's idol placed 50 ft from the outer wall. The lamp burning in the shrine can be seen from the Kampaleshwar Temple, a distance away. The Kampaleshwar Temple is known for the peculiarity of Lord Shiva's Linga (phallic symbol) wearing a skull. The Nandi (bull), Shiva's carrier and constant companion is missing.

The Rameshwar or Naro Shankar Temple with its white marble structure is the richest and the most elaborate. The Sita Gupha is the cave where Sita hid from Ravana. The Balaji Temple built on the confluence of the Godavari and the Saraswati (a mythical river that flows underground) houses copper images of Balaji, Ramadevi and Laxmi bedecked with valuable jewelry. Nearby, is the Kala Ram Temple, the city's holiest temple with black stone deities of Rama, Sita and Lakshman and has a huge bell that can be heard far away.

Another attraction is the Ram Kund (pool) said to have been used by Rama and Sita during their exile. Its holy water is believed to provide moksha (liberation of the soul). More interestingly, the water has the ability to dissolve bones and the remains of famous Indians have ended up here.

HOW TO REACH
By Air
There is only one daily flight to and from Nasik. The other airport is in Mumbai, 187 kms away.

By Rail
Nasik is an important junction on the central railway route and is linked directly with most cities in India.

By Road
A bus service connects Nasik with neighboring towns. A frequent bus and taxi service connects Nasik with Mumbai.