Nashik

Nashik, approximately four hours northeast of Mumbai in Maharashtra, Is a city with a dual identity. One hand, It’s an ancient and sacred pilgrimage destination with a fascinating old city. On other Hand, it’s home to biggest winery region in India. Nashi is closely assocated with the great Hindu epic The Ramayana, which tells the story of Lord Ram.

Ramkund is in the heart of Nashik’s Old city, it believed that Lord Rama have bathed and performed the death rituals of his father here. Hence, many people come to immerse the ashes of their departed loved ones. Pandavelni Caves are located in southwest of Nashik, it’s a 30 minute uphill trek. The caves face east and their carvings are illuminated by the morning sun.

Wineries, wine tourism is flourishing in Nashik. There are almost 50 vineyards in and around the city. Many now have tasting rooms, restaurants and accommodation for guests. Side Trip to Trimbak, Trimbakeshwar temple is particularly revered and popular with pilgrims. Most of the action of the Nashik is Kumbh Mela which happens in the vicinity of the temple. Brahmagiri Hill, this hill regarded as a huge form of Lord Shiva and flows underground before emerging at Kushavarta Kund in the Trimbakeshwar temple.

There are as many as 100 temples in Nashik. Many of them can be found near the holy Godavari River, which flows through the city. The city’s most sacred shrine, the beautiful black stone Kala Ram temple, is uphill to the east of Ramkund.