Nashik Maha Kumbh
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The picturesque city of Nashik is located in the north-western part of Maharashtra. It is lauded as the significant abode of Lord Rama during the 14 years of his exile. Nestled tranquilly on the banks of the sacred river Godavari which originates from the holy town of Trimbakeshwar, Nashik has its own religious and mythological personality. The legendary character of Nashik gets further enhanced with the fact that Lord Lakshman had cut the nose of Suparnakha here in Nashik. More than 100 sacred temples are located at Nashik. Few of the important ones are Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple and Kalaram Temple.
Every once is 12 years, Kumbh Mela is celebrated in Nashik. Its location to other spiritual centres like Shirdi and religious temples have made Nashik as a sacred confluence for the spiritual masses. The rich blending of ancient and the modern in Nashik endows it a special aura. Thus, it is also fondly called as 'the Benaras of South India.'
Bathing Ghats
Ram Kund is the holiest ghat in Nashik. The final cremation rites also take place in this Ghat as it endows salvation. It is considered very auspicious to take a holy dip in the sacred water of Ram Kund during Kumbh Mela. This is the reason why the followers of the 'Vaishnav Panth' consider it as a revered spot.
Taking into consideration the massive crowd of pilgrims which accumulates to observe Kumbh Mela, seven new ghats would be established in Nashik. The following ghats would cater to the pilgrims from the respective locations.
Ramkund
This holy ghat was built by Chitrarao Khatarkar in 1696. According to the mythological legends, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita used to take bath in the ghat during their 14 years of exile. Cremation activites also take place here. Ashes of Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi and other important leaders have also been bestowed here.
Muktidham Temple
Built in pure white Makrana marble, the Muktidham temple signifies tranquility and purity. Located 7 km away from the city, the temple flaunts 18 chapters of the Gita, inscribed on the walls. A visit to the temple is considered as visiting the 'Char Dharms'.
Coin Museum
Established in 1980, the museum houses a fine collection of research as well as well documented history of Indian currencies. It is one of its kind of museum in Asia, situated in the backdrop of Ajneri Hill of Nashik.
Pandavleni Caves
Built by the Jain Kings, Pandavleni caves approximately 2000 years old. It houses a group of 24 Hinayana Buddhist caves, dating back to 1st century BC and 2nd century AD. The caves are famous for their fascinating sculptures.
Deolali Camp
Established in 1861, Deolali Camp is among the oldest military centres in India. Deolali market is also known for shopping inside the military centre. There is another temple of Khandobachi Tekadi that lies on the nearby hill. Exhausted armies were sent to the spot to relax during British time. Surrounded with gardens and playgrounds, the camp proves its uniqueness.
Takli
Takli is associated to the Guru (teacher) of Chatrapati Shivaji, saint Samarth Ramdas. He promoted the Hindu religion by preaching the mantra of “Simple living and high thinking.” This is the place where Ramdas settled down for meditation. Ramdas Swami's ashram is still preserved in his memory at Takli.
Travellers can explore the near-by locations to Nashik, such as Nandur Madhmeshwar (60 km), Shirdi(85 km) and Dudhasagar Waterfalls (85 km).
Shirdi
Shirdi is a small village in Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra. Highly regarded as a pilgrimage place in India, Shirdi houses the mortal remains of Sai Baba, a famous saint who respected all religions.
Nandur Madhmeshwar
Located around 60 km from Nashik, Nandur Madhmeshwar is known as the Maharashtra's Bharatpur. It houses a bird sanctuary due to which the place is called as bird-lover's heaven.
Dudhasagar Waterfalls
Situated at Someshwar, Dudhasagar Waterfall is a favourite spot for youngsters. It is around 10m long and the water is milky white, creating a beautiful sight for tourists.
As a pilgrimage holy city, Nashik receives a large crowd. Therefore, Nashik has the good ranges of hotels. A range of good accommodation is available to small local Dharamshalas (guest house) in Nashik.
The temperature during Kumbh Mela in Nashik would be around 31° C. Nashik also enjoys brisk rainfall during the months from June to September.
By Air: Nearest airport lies in Mumbai or Pune with a distance of 175 km.
By Rail: Nashik railway station is a major station of the Central Railway.
By Road: Maharashtra State Transport buses link Nashik to the distant cities of Maharashtra.