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Nashik is a famous city in Maharashtra that has been well-known as the center of trade and commerce since the historical times in India. Set on the bank of River Godavari, it is an old holy town. This city is home to many shrines and temples visited by travelers and devotees from different areas of the country. The temples in Nashik have detailed and traditional architecture. Moreover, many ghats are present in the city that makes the city one of the outstanding tourist places in Maharashtra. Except for the temples, this city is also famed for wine tasting tours and many vineyards. Thus, the city is also famous as the “Wine Capital of India.”
Nashik was initially known by many different names in diverse Yugas. During Krita Yuga, it was called “Padmanagar,” “Trikantak” during the Treta Yuga, “Janasthan” during the Dwapar Yuga, and Nashik in the Kali Yuga. It was also called “Gulshanabad” in the Mughal Period. According to Ramayana, the city of Nashik is located on the bank of River Godavari. It is the place where Lord Laxman cut down Dhurpanakha’s nose and hence, the city got its name – Nashik. In 1818, this city got its current name when Peshwas got the city’s control. However, the Peshwa rule didn’t last for a very long time. The British took control in the same year.
Nashik has a very rich past because Lord Rama made this place his abode during the 14 years of his exile. It was this place only that Lord Laxman, the brother of Lord Rama, cut Surpanakha’s nose. The Ahirs or Abhiras ruled the northeast after the Satavahana empire collapsed. Nearly 10 Abhira tribes ruled this place for almost 67 years. Nashik inscriptions state about King Madhuriputra Ishvarasena, son of Shivadatla, and the Abhir. This dynasty devised in 249-50 A.D., an era known as Kalachuri or Chedi.
According to the inscription that Dharma Maha Matra of Ashoka issued, Nashik was included in the Mauryan Kingdom. The Ashok’s rock edicts mention the Rashtrika-Petenikas and Bhoja-Petenikas. As per many scholars, the Petenikas were Pratishthana’s inhabitants, Bhojas held Vidarbha, and Rashtrikas ruled the place as Maharathis. Nearly 50 years after the death of King Ashoka, the Satavahana came into fame in the Western Maharastra. The Satavhana ruled it from 207 BC to 199 AD. Following the fall of Satavahanas, the Abhira Dynasty annexed this place. They ruled the whole northeast and Chutus in Maharashtra. According to the Puranas, the Abhiras ruled for nearly 67 years. Then the Traikutakas came here in 490 AD. After their downfall at the start of the sixth century AD, Madhavavarman I occupied this place who extended his supremacy a lot.
However, the Vishnukundins were exiled from here and King Krishnaraja of Kalachuri rose to great power in the 500 AD. Later, the Badami Chalukyas come into power in 543 AD. The Rashtrakutas succeeded the Chalukyas in 754 AD. They were living in Aurangabad district when they came into power. After the demise of Krishna III, the power of Rashtrakuta became weak. Suddenly, Taipap II came into prominence. He was the creator of the Later Chalukya dynasty. The very last Chalukya King, Tailap III was overthrown by Kalachuri Bijjala in 1157 AD. The Devagiri Yadavas came into prominence in the 12th century AD’s last quarter. They came to an end in the 1318 AD. The city of Nashik was then under the rule of Mughals until the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. Then it came under the Maratha Kingdom. Many temples were built during their rule. The British people conquered the Maratha Kingdom and then made Nashik a vital place as a division. Many protests were conducted against the British. Finally, it was in 1869 that the Nashik district was formed.
Nashik has a lot of places on the must-visit list. But the top attractions of Nashik include:
Wine Tasting Tours: One of the most famous vineyard in Nashik is the Sula Vineyard. You can embark on an unforgettable wine tour when in Nashik. You will get to find out about the importance of Sula, various wines produced here, the process of making them, and sample different wines.
Adventure Park: Nashik is home to many adventure parks for both kids and adults to enjoy. Some of the great activities that you can enjoy there include artificial rock climbing, rappelling, zip-lining, and more.
White Water Rafting: Water rafting is one of the best activities to do in Nashik as it offers the most wonderful experience. You should definitely give a try to this wonderful activity at least once.
Shopping: Shopping in Nashik is one of the most enthralling things you can enjoy in Nashik. The local markets of Nashik like the Saraf Bazaar allure both tourists and locals every day. It is famous for silver and gold utensils and jewelry.
Trekking: Nashik has many trekking spots for those adventure enthusiasts. These treks can be a bit tiring for some people. But you cannot just afford to miss the amazing climb with a magnificent view of the city.
Temples Visit: Nashik also houses many ancient and sacred temples to which pilgrims come from all around the world. Many of the temples are believed to fulfill all the wishes of the devoted pilgrims. Many of them offer boating experience as well.
Grape Stomping: If you want to experience some grape stomping in Nashik, visit the Soma Vine Village that is popular for its wide vineyard. Freshly plucked grapes can be stomped upon barefoot in big barrels. This activity promises to offer lots of laughter and fun.
Water Parks: Who does not like to spend some time in a water park? Nashik has many water parks to enjoy yourself. You can ride in tubes or enjoy other water activities like rain dance and do a lot more fun here. Some of the popular water parks in Nashik include Fun World waterpark, Shagun water park, and Blue Lagoon Waterpark.
Nashik is located nearly 190 km away from Mumbai. Nashik is well-connected to all the nearby cities and states by road. Nashik has its own airport known as the Nashik Airport and is located at Ozar. Nashik road railway station is the main railway station in the city.
Plan a vacay to Nashik in advance to make it a memorable one and to have loads of fun!