Nasik
The city of Nasik situated on the banks of Godavari River, at an altitude of 565m above the level of sea. Nasik is situated in the northwestern part of Maharashtra state, India. Nasik is the major Hindu pilgrimage center with rich culture and tradition. However, there are number of beautiful ghats located on the banks of the Godavari River. Moreover, the major part of Nasik lies on the right bank of the river Godavari. Panchavati, the left bank also has several temples on its side. During the festival season, Nasik becomes very crowded. Well, Kumbha Mela is the largest religious gathering in India. It is believed that, a holy dip in the Godavari River in a predetermined time may wash away all the sins of devotees.
Nasik is also well known as the Grapes city. Grapes are the major production of fruit in Nasik. Day by day, the wine companies are increasing in Nasik, so it is also known to be a wine city. The city houses to near about 20 lac peoples. Nasik is the city, which is interspersed by forts, wineries, temples, and industrial units. The important temples in Nasik city are Kalaram Mandir, Sundar Narayan Mandir, Kapaleshwar, Someshwar, Trimbakeshwar, Sita Gunfa, Tapovan, Bhaktidham, Muktidham, Kalika Mandir, Navashya Ganpati, Modakeshwar Mandir, Ichhamani Ganpati, Ved Mandir, and Ekmukhi Datta Mandir.
The term Nasik is derived from the word Nashik. It is based on the Indian mythology of Laxmana (brother of Lord Rama) who cuts off the nose of Shurpnakha; during the period of their exile, from this story the word Nashik is derived. In Sanskrit, nose is referred as 'Nasika', hence known as Nasik. Sita Gumpha caves, where the Lord Rama, Sita, and Laxmana had stayed is still here. This is the place from where the Sita (wife of Lord Rama) was abducted by the demon King, Ravana.
The history records of Nasik dates back to the 150 BC. Earlier, Nasik was also known as one of the most important trade centers of India. During the Mughal period, city was also known to be as Gulshanabad. However, later under the rule of Peshwas gave the present name to city as Nashik, when they had taken the control of city in the year 1818. When the rule of peshwas under set and soon the glorious city went in the hands of British Raj. Till 1947, Nasik remained under the influence of colonial rule of Britishers.
During the British Raj, the major events in the history of Nasik include the establishment of the first modern libraries of Mahabharata in the year 1864. In the year 1869, Nasik was made as a district. However, Nasik is the city, which is also well known for the exceptional bravery shown by a teenage, named as Anand Kanhere at the time of freedom struggle movement of India. In the later years, the city has again seen the movement launched by Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar. This movement was for the abolition of untouchability and elevation of the Dalit people status in the social fabrics of contemporary India.
After independence, the Government established several plans to boost the industrial development of Nasik. Because of which, Nasik also emerged as a prominent place on the Map of India. In recent years, Nasik has become a well-balanced modern city with excellent infrastructural facilities for agriculture as well as IT based industries. The growing pattern of the city has attracted many investors from and across the country to invest in Nasik properties.
However, Nasik does not have the characteristics of an established hill station, but the location in which it is situated makes it an appealing holiday destination.