Nashik
Nashik is a city in western India in the state of Maharashtra. Nashik is located in the north-west of Maharashtra, 171 km (106 mi) from Mumbai and 210 km (130 mi) from Pune.It is the biggest city of North Maharashtra and 11th most populated district in India with a population of 6,109,052. and 14th most populated city of India
Nashik is a located on the banks of the Godavari River, the holy river which flows through old Nashik. Nasik is the highest producer of grapes in India along with onions. The Nassak Diamond, derives its name from the fact that it long remained in the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, near Nashik. The Godavari River flows through Nashik from its source, which lies to the southwest of the city, in Trimbakeshwar.
Subsequently ranked as fourth fastest growing city of India and sixteenth of the world, Nashik won Best Tourist Friendly City of India, Nashik is known for its pleasant climate, picturesque surroundings and greenery. It is the third largest city of Maharshtra after Mumbai and Pune.
The city got its present name in 1818 when the Peshwas got control of the city.The Peshwa rule however, did not last long and the British captured Nashik in the very same year. In 1840, one of the first modern libraries of Maharashtra (then, the Presidency of Bombay) was founded at Nashik.
After the fall of the Satavahana empire, the Abhiras or Ahirs ruled in the north east and the Chutus in Maharashtra and Kuntala. The Puranas state that ten Abhiras ruled for, 67 years. The Nasik inscription peaks of king Madhuriputra Ishvarasena, the Abhir and a son of Shivadatla. This dynasty originated in A. D. 249-50, an era called Kalachuri or Chedi in later times.
Nashik host one of the largest religious gathering in the world known as Maha Kumbh. Kumbh mela (festival) is celebrated once in twelve years. The Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela is celebrated every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad, the Purna (complete) Kumbh takes place every twelve years at four places in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. Previous kumbh mela was in year 2003. Next kumbh mela will be held from August 15 to September 13 in 2015.