Tourist places in and around Nasik
Panchavati
This area gets its name from the five (panch) banyan trees (vadis) that grow by the Godavari. It is also believed that Panchavati was once part of the Dandakaranya Forest, the abode of the exiled trio from the Ramayana for a while. It is also claimed to be the site of one of the best known of all incidents in the epic the abduction of Sita by Ravana. you are sure to see pilgrims taking a holy dip in the waters of the Godavari here, in the fervent belief that such an action will wash away all past sins. Before you get all excited and plunge into this short-cut to heaven, be sure that it's at a tirtha, or point, which is indeed considered sacred simply jumping in anywhere is not guaranteed to wash your soul clean. These well-known points are dotted all along the banks and include the Golan, Runamochan, Koti and Chakra tirthas.Ramkund
The name is derived from the belief that Lord Ram used to bathe in the sacred kund, a large pond, along the course of the Godavari in the Panchavati area. Ram is also said to have performed funeral rites for his father, Dashrath, the king of Ayodhya, here before immersing the ashes in the kund. At the very end of Ramkund, the Godavari takes a spectacularly sharp, perpendicular turn southwards. This point is considered particularly sacred and pilgrims favour a dip here during the Kumbh.The sacred tank built in 1696, by chitrarao Khatarkar is believed to mark the site where Lord Rama and sita used to bathe during their stay over here.
Tapovan
This site lies precisely at the sangam of two streams of the Godavari on the western outskirts of Nasik. Today, the only reminder that the area was once part of the Dandakaranya Forest, in which Ram performed penance, are the statues of three spotted deer on the banks of the river. Here it was that Laxman responded to the advances of Ravana's sister Surpanakha by cutting off her nose.Muktidham Temple (7 km)
The famous temple has a very unusual architecture. It is believed that visiting the shrine is like undertaking the pilgrimage of four sacred dhams.Kalaram Temple
The 70ft. high temple built in the black stone in 1794, by Gopikabai Peshwa, resembles the famous Trimbakeshwar Temple and enshrines beautifully ornamented sandy black idols of Lord Rtama, Sita and Laxman. The temple is surrounded by several smaller temples like. Vithal Temple, Ganapati Temple and Maruti Temple.Anjneri
The little village on the road to Tryambakeshwar (turn left onto a dirt road just under a lingam-like mountain) is the gateway to what is believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman. To reach the actual site, drive 2 km beyond the village and into the forested hills to a little shrine. Then trek up a steep mountain, which could take anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on fitness levels. If you don't have the time or the energy, pay your respects at the large statue of Hanuman to the right of the main road, just before you enter Anjneri.Pandav Leni Caves
This group of 24 Buddhist caves (pronounced pandoo lena), excavated around 1 AD, are located on a wedge up in Trivashmi Hill, some 8 km out of the city on the Mumbai-Agra Highway, above Dadasaheb Phalke Gardens. A delightful half hour can be spent examining the carvings within the caves.Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak
Named after the noted film producer Dadasaheb Phalke, these sprawling gardens at the foot of the Pandav Leni Caves are the pride of Nasik. Musical fountains, well-maintained lawns, fast food outlets and museums that highlight the work of Dadasaheb Phalke and the cultural heritage of the city make it a popular retreat for residents and visitors alike.Dudhsagar Waterfalls
A popular picnic spot for local residents, these falls, 8 km west of the city near Someshwar Temple, are at their best during and after the rains. By summer time, theyre reduced to a mere trickle.Coin Museum
It was established by the India Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies amidst scenic surroundings. The museum exhibits a well-documented record of the history of Indian numismatics, through phitographs, artefacts, line drawings, replicas and real coins.Around Nashik
Trimbakeshwar (39 km
) This important pilgrim site is famous for the temple of Trimbakeshwar and the source of the sacred Godavari river located nearby. The temple enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country. A big fair is held on the occasion shivratri.The massive Sinhasta fair or Kumbh Mela is also held here once in twelve years. According to mythological legends, when Amrit (the nectar of immortality) was recovered from ocean, there was a battle between the Gods and demons for it. During the fight few drops of amrit fell at Allahabad, Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), Haridwar and Ujjain. Since then the Kumbh Mela is organised at these places, once in every 12 years.