A large part of Indian ideology is driven by its centuries-old mythology, which is vaguely visible among fascinating creatures and is still worshipped today. Although some people may think that these stories are purely imaginary stories, I think that each incarnation of Hindu gods is a doctrine in itself. Whether it is Pashupati (king of animals), Ashva or Parabrahman, the highest is Lord Shiva himself. This invention, even if it is fabricated, strives to unite heaven and earth, igniting an unimaginable road of faith among believers. Lord Shiva (a member of the Trinity), considered Adisakti, is one of the three most respected gods in Hindu mythology.
Jyotirlingas, a 12-bit (in 64-bit) of India, described his impetuous course of supreme enlightenment. Every estimate is very auspicious and sacred!Each of the twelve Joe Di Lingas Named after its main god, they are all independent manifestations of Shiva. Such a Jyotirlinga (Jyotirlinga) lives in the ancient Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik, which is also the source of the sacred Godavari river. The Godavari River, the longest on the peninsula, and Trimbakshwar together outline the original framework of Nasik. However, the city is named after Shulpnaka’s nose, when Laxman was in exile with Ram and Sita for 14 years when his nose was chopped off.
I think it is Nashik’s rich history and enduring myths that have attracted me to visit it over and over again. In addition to the well-designed temples along the Godavari River, Nashik is one of the four cities that hosts the Sinhasta Big Pot Festival every 12 years. Although the Big Pot Festival is held every 12 years, it attracts the largest number of tourists to Nashik. Other times, wine lovers, tourists and business people will travel through the city to explore wineries, attend conferences or visit the spectacular high-altitude landscape.
Therefore, Nashik owns half of India’s vineyards, making it the wine capital of India. Its proximity to Mumbai and Pune is very helpful because people from these cities drove to Nashik for a weekend holiday! On the way to Nashik from Mumbai or Pune, you will encounter vast mountainous terrain and dense forests of Sahyadri, which is an added bonus. Today, compared with other cities of the same size, Nashik is significantly cleaner, more environmentally friendly and thoroughly maintained. Although over time, Nashik has developed into a destination for wine tourism. I still prefer to visit its old city, where there are fascinating temples, huge ghats and fascinating timber buildings that reference the Ramayana.
From more than 100 ancient temples, Hindu pilgrimage sites, stupas to the first-century Pandavleni caves in the Bible, there are many places worth exploring. Check out some of the top attractions in Nashik here, you can’t miss it anyway.
Buddha Vihar
The highlight of my Nashik trip was seeing the Golden Buddha at the Buddha Vihar (Memorial Hall) at the foot of the ancient Pandavleni Cave. This Vihar Temple is located next to the Dadafalk Monument and is in the shape of a stupa, symbolizing peace and love. Although the Dada Phalke monument provides a quick flashback to the history of Indian cinema, the Buddha Vihar can calm you down and help you focus on the consciousness of existence.
The Buddha Vihar is probably just the largest stupa in Maharashtra, and so is the Golden Buddha placed here. When I walked in, the goalkeeper asked me to keep quiet and not to take pictures. I was allowed to enter the dome for ten minutes, where only Buddha and me were there. Without any noise, this quietness gives you time to reflect and refract. There is also a water park nearby, where you can enjoy water amusement facilities.
Pandavlani Cave
After visiting the peaceful Buddha Vihar, I climbed 300 steps to reach Pandavleni, the oldest cave in Maharashtra. 20 minutes from the city center, Pandavlani Cave Whether you are a tourist or come here to admire the Bodhisattvas and sculptures representing Indian and Greek architecture, it is worth climbing. Pandavleni Caves has nothing to do with Pandavas! The name of this place comes from two Marathi words-Pundru and Leni, meaning ocher caves.
In total, Pandavleni is a collection of 24 Buddhist caves that were originally carved in the 1st century and some sculptures were added in the 6th century. As you walk from cave to cave, you will begin to learn about the carving traces depicting significant changes in Buddhist devotion. Cave 18 is a primitive rock-cut building, a chaitya from the first century BC, which introduced the Hinayana tradition into it. Caves 3, 11-15 and 19-20 have medieval inscriptions from Vashishthiputra, Gautamiputra, Satkarni, Bhattapalika, Ushavadata, Dakshamitra to Indo-Greek Dhammadeva.
Nashik Coin Museum
Another amazing attraction to explore in Nashik is the coin museum with stunning scenery. The Numismatic Museum is surrounded by mountains and close to Mount Angeli. It was established in 1980 to introduce the history of Indian coins to the public. In this unique Asian museum, you can browse various coins, dyes, molds, photos, reproductions and short narratives. Here you can also learn about coin manufacturing methods.
Nashik Dugarwadi waterfall
The majestic waterfall of Dugarwadi is one of the most fascinating sights in Nashik. This cascading beauty is 30 kilometers away from Nashik and will surely relax you immediately. Without a doubt, this is one of the best tourist attractions where you can spend a good day with your family or friends.
Karalam Temple
Among the most religious places in Nashik, the Kalaram Temple near Nirman Upvan is known for its 17th-century architecture. This ancient Hindu temple was built by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar to worship Lord Rama. It was named “Kalaram” because the statue of Lord Rama in this temple is black.
Muktidam
On the outskirts of Nashik is Muktidham, a magnificent marble temple worth seeing! Muktidham is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has fascinating paintings from the Mahabharata era. Nevertheless, the art to enhance the beauty of the temple is the 18 chapters with Bhagwat Geeta engraved on the wall. While visiting this temple, you will see twelve models of Jotilinga and statues of Sita, Rama, Lakshmi, Lakman, Durga, Vishnu, Hanuman and Ganesha . This temple is “mainly” visited during the Big Pot Festival, when many devotees seem to have seen untainted culture. Some people even stayed because Muktidham provides on-site accommodation.
Ramkund, Nashik
Ramkund is located on the banks of the Godavari River and is the holy bath altar of Nasik. Kunde is full of many folklore and myths and is visited by thousands of people every year.
Saputashronjigar
Saptshrungi Garh is about 60 kilometers away from Nashik, but it is indeed a sacred place that people might want to visit! Saptshrungi, the name comes from the seven peaks. As the myth says, this Garh is where the goddess Bhagawati lives. Ramayana asserted that it was the same mountain, from where Hanuman took herbs for the injured Laxman. The 108 reservoirs on this ridge are called Kunde. Saptshrungi Garh is a sacred destination, shining after the best monsoon.
Sura Vineyard
Nashik is the fourth largest city in Maharashtra and can immediately take you to the French port of Bordeaux or Roman wine cellars. Visiting Sula Vineyards, you will have the opportunity to learn about red wine, white wine, plum or rosé wine in an unprecedented way. The perfect holiday destination for exploring Indian vine plantations, wine tastings, the most delicious brunches and frequent music festivals. Nashik is the ideal city to enjoy Red Sauvignon Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc. The Sula Vineyard depicts the best local wine culture. Wine connoisseurs from all over India often visit the city to explore the unique flavors of sweet vinegar wines.
Trimbakeshwar Temple
Last but not least, when you are in Nashik, you must travel to Trimbakeshwar. It is one of the most famous sacred places in the city and is favored by domestic and foreign tourists. As I mentioned before, Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is stationed at the bottom of Mount Bram Hagiri and is regarded as the sacred source of the Godavari River. Legend has it that Lord Ganesha was born here. Here, look at the factors of the three gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
