Nashik[1]is a city in the state ofMaharashtrain WesternIndia. It is a city of pilgrimage for many Hindus. It is believed the name "Nashik" was derived after the incident in Ramayan when Lakshman (Sri Ram's brother) chopped off the nose of Surpanakha (Ravans sister).
Nashik is widely known in India as a landing city for travelling toTriambakeshwar(30 KM from Nashik), which hosts one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is believed that during ancient times, during transportation, the drops ofAmritfell into the Brahma-Kund at Triambakeshwar. This makes it one of the most popular religious travel destinations of India.
Nashik is also known as a transit station for devotees going toShirdi, residence of Sai Baba (90 KM from Nashik).
Nashik is fairly cosmopolitan city. Although Marathi is the official language of the city and also the most common language spoken on the streets, most people also speak Hindi and English.
Attitudes in Nashik are liberal. The city used to be very traditional and conservative, but now is an open-minded culture and is gradually developing city.
The climate of Nashik is very pleasant. Nashik has three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Summers are typically hot with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 42°C. The warmest month in Nashik is generally April as compared to the rest of the Deccan Plateau where it is May. November is normally a very pleasant month.
Nashik does not get very hot. Even during the peak of summer, the air is cool and standing under a tree can give respite form the heat. However, as sunlight can be intense leading to skin tan and sun-burn, be sure to carry and use sunscreens (above SPF-30).
The nights in Nashik are significantly cooler than most other parts in this region owing to its high altitude.
The average rainfall is approx 550mm. The city often receives local and heavy thundershowers with heavy downpours in June, which brings down the temperature. The rainy season can sometimes be gloomy, with cloud cover for days together.
Winters are generally dry and day temperatures can be as low as 24 - 28°C and temperatures at night as low as 5 - 8°C.
Nashik is 180 km fromMumbai(Bombay). There are frequent buses to Nashik fromDadarin Mumbai. It takes 4 to 5 hours by road. If you are not around Dadar, you can still take buses from Borivali (a key place on Western Railway Line) ORThane(a key place on Central Railway Line). Also, a suburban railway (CR) to Kasara can be taken from few suburban railway stations beyond Dadar (like Kurla, Thane or even beyond). Once at Kasara, there are loads of connecting buses to Nashik and many other places, along with ample number of share-taxis (INR 50-60 per adult passenger, but with cramped sitting). (Kindly note there is no taxi service available in the late night. You can get held up after reaching Kasara Railway Station till the next morning)
Trains called 'Panchavati Express' and 'Godavari Express' also ply daily between Mumbai and Nashik. Word of caution, Nashik is on Central Railway line and Dadar Station is a sort of junction place for Central Railway and Western Railway, so make sure that you are at right side of the station (that is, East-side for Central Railway). There is also a daily train service between Pune and Nashik. It may be noted that the Railway Station (called "Nasik Road") is about 10 kms away from the main city. However, there are sufficiently frequent services of buses, auto-rikshaws, shared-taxis etc are available at fairly low fares.
You can also go by local frm kasara.
Kingfisher Red, the country's low-cost airline, started daily flights between Mumbai and Nashik (2 at present- April'09). These fly from the Chatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport (Mumbai) to Nasik Ozar airport (which is about 25 kms from Nashik city). You can also use services ofSanver Travelsfor getting AC Cars for travel from Mumbai Airport to Nashik City / Shirdi.
There are also Taxi services (AC / non-AC) from Dadar (East side of the Railway station). You can go for a full taxi or seat-basis.
A rented car is the best option to move around the city. There is also a Nashik Darshan bus every day which shows you around the important tourist attractions in Nashik otherwise regional public transport service is also quite nice. Get the ticket for Nasik Darshan bus a day in advance to avoid inconvenience. Alternately you can take cheap and good autorikshaws.
The old shopping centre of the city lies in the heart of the city atMain Road. Here you can get everything you need. A lot of upscale shops have mushroomed all over the city in recent years.Canada corneris alwayz crowded with college going youngsters.MG Roadis the hot shopping destination .You would get almost all brands likelee cooper,RBK,Adidas,Woodlands,Van Heusen,Proline,Pepe Jeans,D&G,levis,Provogue,Biba,Fabindia,Spykerand many more .
And chain stores like Reliance Fresh , Spencer's , Spinach , Subhiksha , More are present all over the city .
There are good restaurants all over the city. Coffee Shops / Cafes on College Road :Cafe Bollywood,12 to 12,Friendship,Cafe Coffee Day.12 to 12is gud resto for western cuisines .
Garden misal @ shalimar the best!
(Check out the room before you book)
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