Exploring The Holy City of Maharashtra

Nasik isn’t on the list of many travellers, but during monsoons, this city exhibits its beautiful form and the blooming flowers, lush green surroundings and the gushing river are a treat to the eyes.

Trimbakeshwar

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things to do Nasik

It is around 34 km away from Nasik city and is one of the 12 jyotirlings located across India. The shivling here is unique one with three stones denoting Shiva, Vishnu and Godavari. And thus the Name, Trambakeshwar. The was renovated during the rule of Peshwas. The architecture has the influence of Maratha Style of Architecture.

If you are staying in the city of have reached early morning, you can take a sharing auto from highway (where most of the private travels drop you) till the city bust stand which is just at a 3 km distance. It would cost you onlt Rs. 15 till the bus stand.

The first bus plies as early as 4:30 am. It is advisable to take the first bus itself as the temple becomes very much crowded at any time during the day. The temple is at 2 minutes distance from the bus stop in Tramkeshwar.  The temple opens at 5:30 am when you can peacefully enter the temple without any rush and ask the pandit a few questions about the temple. The security is not so strict at such an early time and thus you might also get lucky to click a few pictures which is not allowed otherwise. But be aware of the cameras around.

The temple is a beautiful construction in black stone just like other jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. There is an unusual construction of a huge turtle in the outer sanctum. The shivlinga is inside a pit and is hardly visible directly from the place from where you are supposed to pray the God. The linga can be seen properly in the mirror located at the top of it.

Dadasaheb Falke Memorial

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It is located beside a water park which opens by 10 am. But it is advisable to visit this place early.

The memorial showcases the old iconic photos of the films of Dadasaheb Falke, the founder of bollywood film industry. If you are not a great movie lover then you can just skip this place

Buddha Smarak:

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things to do Nasik

At the entrance of the Dadasaheb Memorial is a small prayer hall inside which is a tall statue of Lord Buddha which must not be missed. The statue is one of its kind as it is made up of five elements (Panch Mahabhoota). The statue is a mixture of a few alloys and also contains gold.  It is really peaceful to be at this place. The echo of any noise inside the hall will leave the vibrations in your ear drums for a very long time.

Pandav Leni: (Pandava Caves)

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things to do Nasik

It supposed to have occupied by Pandavas during their exile in disguise. The caves are visible from the Buddh Smarak. It is around an 45 minutes climb to reach the caves. There isn’t much carving in the caves as it was purely used for a stay purpose. Due to some illegal activities inside the caves , it has been locked by the local police. The visitors have to see through the grills / doors. If you are not much interested in it, this place can be skipped as it consumes much of your time.

Panchvati:

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This place has a series of temple through the lane. It is said that Ram, Laxman and Seeta stayed in a cottage in Panchvati, the region of five banyan trees.

Kaala Ram Temple:

The journey starts with the first temple, i.e. Kaala Ram Temple. The temple is named so, as all the idols in this temple are made from the black stones derived from Ramshej Hill, where Lord Ram is supposed to have stayed.  Opposite to the three idols of Ram, Sita and Laxman across the Hall of 40 pillars is the idol of Lord Hanuman facing the three idols. The construction of the temple was completed in duration of 42 years. Just beside the Kaala Ram Temple is a small temple of Sitala Mata and behind it, a chariot is placed which is used during processions.

Sita Gumpha (cave):

It is a narrow underground gauge where Sita mata used to live and pray. You need to crawl and enter the cave where the idols of Ram, Laxman and Sita are kept. Further ahead in the cave is also a Shivling which is placed recently by the devotees.

The Five Banyan Trees: (Panch Vat)

Out side the Sita Gumpha you will see the five banyan trees which are said to have been planted by Lord Ram. The real trees might have been cut as the current trees seem to have been planted very recently. The trees are also numbered.

Maarich vadh room:

Opposite Sita Gumpha is the dramatic presentation of the killing of the demon named Marich by Lord Ram.

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things to do Nasik

Kapaleshwar Temple:

It is a temple of Lord Shiva ( The lord of skulls) and  is believed to be a sub-jyotirlinga. This makes the temple important for the devotees.

Ramkund:

At the end of the lane, in the river bed of Godavari, was the bathing place of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita. Thus, this place became auspicious and the remains of the dead people are flowed here for the peace of the dead’s soul. The kund has been recently renovated for better bathing. It is not advisable to take bath here unless you have faith in the story and the God, as the water is quite unhygienic with so many people bathing in still water.

Bhaktidham:

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things to do Nasik

It is a small temple with the idols of Pashupatinath (Lord Shiva), Nar-NArayan, Virat Darshan and and a Shivlinga. The entrance of the temple is quite interesting with the sculptures of chariot of the Sun God,  Saptashringi Maata and Lord Ganesh.

The Ved School: Kailash Math

Right beside Bhaktidham temple is a unique school where the children learn the ancient text of Vedas. If you are keen to get more knowledge, you can go inside for some inquiry and if allowed, you can also converse with children studying mainly ‘Yajurved’, the one which contains shlokas for rituals.

Tapovan:

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things to do Nasik

Further you can move to Tapovan, the place where Lakshman meditated on the bank of river Godavari. It is the same place where, attracted by the beauty and charm of Lakshman, Surpankha (the sister id Ravan) proposed Lakshman. On refusal of the proposal  Surpankha tried to attack Ram-Lakshman out of anger. But, Lakshman punished her by cutting her nose (Nasika in Sanskrit). And, thus the city derived its name ‘Nasik’ after this mythological incident.

The temple of Lord Lakshman is rarely found in India. Thus, this temple is a rare one where you can see Lakshman in Meditating pose.

In front of the temple is a beautiful ghaat on the bank of the river Godavri which looks very beautiful during monsoons, with the river flowing from over the bridges.

Someshwar Temple:

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things to do Nasik

It is more famous as a picnic spot among the locals. The place is quite cool with lush green tall trees on the bank of river Godavari. The water is a little deep and hence boating activity can be enjoyed here. Just sitting on the stairs to the bank gives you peace of mind.

There are a few ways by which you can explore the city:

  1. Government Bus:

The Government run Nashik Darshan bus is a good option for sightseeing. But the major drawback is you will have to stick to the timings specified by the bus driver. And you might be asked to skip 1-2 places depending on the availability of time. If there are only a few no. of people in the bus then the journey completes quite faster. If you are travelling solo or a couple then the bus is a cheaper option for you. The bus plies everyday  from old Nasik Bus Stop.

Time: Reporting and ticket – 7:30 am , leaves by 8:00 am

Ticket: 180 per person

  1. Sharing taxi/auto:

Sharing taxis and autos are available from the bus stop. It is the best option if you are in a large group. After bargaining for a decent price you can choose to hire an auto or a cab for the whole day.

Minimum charge: 800-1000 for all the mentioned places (They might also charge per person)

  1. Private taxi/auto:

If you do not mind spending a little more, you can opt for a private cab/auto, which would take you to the places of your choice.

Enjoy your trip to this holy city, the city of temples. You can also plan a visit to Shani Singlapur, Shirdi or Sula Vineyards from here. Otherwise Maharshtra is famous for its trekking trails in the beautiful hills of Sahayadris.

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