Places of Nashik to visit

Nashik, September 27, 2013: On World Tourism Day, we give you a lowdown on some of the popular spots to visit

Trimbakeshwar
The temple is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is also a heritage place. It is also surrouned by a number of lakes. Every Monday a palkhi procession of the golden idol with five faces of Lord Shiva is taken out amidst much fanfare. Also during this procession the golden crown studded with valuable stones is also made available for visitors to see in the afternoon. Swami Samartha temple and Gajanan Maharaj temple near the Trimbakeshwar which have come up in the past few years are also great tourists spots as the places have scenic locations and beautiful architecture.

Someshwar Waterfalls and Balaji Temple
Someshwar waterfalls are an ideal place to relax. The waterfalls are also known as Dudhsagar waterfalls (ocean of milk) because the water is milky white in colour. Adjacent to the waterfall is the Balaji temple which is a replica of the one in Tirupati. Lakshadeep Utsav is celebrated at the temple every year on the day of Kojagiri Pournima, Tripuri Pournima and Lakhsmi Pujan when over one lakh lamps are lit in the temple premises.

Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak
Dedicated to the father of Indian Cinema — Dadasaheb Phalke, the Dada Saheb Phalke Smarak exhibits the progress of and development of Indian cinema in its museum. An open theatre is made available for new talent to perform. The musical fountain and the water park are other highlights of this place. The spot also houses a Buddha temple.

Tapovan
Tapovan is popular for its prominence in the epic Ramayan. It is believed that Lakshman had cut Surpanakha's nose at this place which is how the city got its name Nasik (Nashik). It is also believed that Tapovan was the place from where Sita was abducted by Ravan. The well maintained place also has sculptures of Ram, Lakshman and Sita standing in a boat which is a tourist attraction in the city.

Vineyards
Wine tourism has taken the city by storm lately. A lot of vineyards are located in and around the city and those in Igatpuri and Sinnar area and on Gangapur Road. To make your visits more enjoyable, music festivals are organised in the month of February every year. Another activity that attracts youngsters are grape crushing and stomping sessions at the vineyards...

Godavari Ghat and Kalaram Temple
With the Kumbh mela scheduled to happen in Nashik in 2015, the Godavari Ghat has become one of the most sought after holy destinations. The Kalaram temple, which is situated on the banks of river Godavari, has an old world charm with its stone construction. The temple attracts a lot of devotees in the month of April as cultural performances are held here for nine days to celebrate the Ram janmotsav.

Muktidham temple
All the verses of the Bhagwad Gita are carved on the walls of this temple and it is the curiosityabout the holy book that brings people from all walks of life here.