Situated on the banks of the sacred river Godavari, the city of Nashik, also known as Nasik, is a major Hindu pilgrimage centre. It is a bustling township with a blend of the ancient and the modern. Scattered across the city are numerous forts and majestic temples that vie for space with factories and other symbols of Modern India.

Steeped in rich cultural heritage, this city got its name from the great epic Ramayana. Nashik traditionally boasts of a Maharashtrian cuisine with influences from the region of Khandesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Being from the state of Maharashtra, the official language of the locals is Marathi. The Kumbh Mela is a major attraction of Nashik, occurring once every twelve years, when it draws innumerable devotees to the city. It is also India’s top wine growing region, well-known as the 'Wine Capital of India'.

Best time to visit:

Nashik experiences extreme weather; very hot summers and very cool winters. Best Season to visit Nashik is between October and March when the temperature is pleasant and perfect for outings and sight seeing.

Top five places to see:

Panchavati – Considered as one of the most holy spots, Panchavati is believed to have been the shelter for Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita during their exile. This sacred place gets its name from the five sacred Banyan trees that are still present along the riverside.

Pandav Leni Caves – A cluster of Buddhist rock cut caves dating back to the 1st Century BC, the Pandav Leni caves are remarkably carved doorways and sculptures that might have been used as a dwelling place for monks.

Sita Gufaa – This cave is believed to be the place where Sita was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana. Another significance of these caves is the Shivlinga in the temple, which is believed to be the same idol that was worshipped by Sita.

Kapileswara Temple – One of the oldest temples in Nasik, the Kapileswara Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. An architectural marvel, this fabulous shrine is located against the backdrop of the sacred river Godavri. All Shiva temples have an idol of the Nandi Bull, which overlooks its master’s sanctum; however, absence of the Nandi Bull Idol in this temple is a mystery.

Dudhsagar Falls – Located at a panoramic place, Dudhsagar Waterfalls are regarded as one amongst the best in the world. These cascading falls are a favourite picnic spot in the city, which offers picture book scenery. A remarkable fact about these lovely falls is its creamy white water, from where it got its name Dudhsagar – ‘Dudh’ meaning milk and ‘Sagar’ meaning water.