Nashik: The Vineyards and Temples Haven

• Helloनमस्कार
  [Namaskar]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहो
  [Ho]
• Noनाही
  [Naahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करा
  [Kshama kara]
• How are you?तुम्ही कसे आहात?
  [Tumhi kase aahat?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक आहे. आणि तुम्ही?
  [Theek aahe. Ani tumhi?]
• Do you speak English?तुम्हाला इंग्रजी येते का?
  [Tumhala ingraji yete ka?]
• I don't understandमला समजत नाही
  [Mala samjat nahi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseमेन्यू पाहायचंया आहे. कृपया
  [Menyu pahaychya aahe. Krupaya]
• I don't eat meatमी मांस खात नाही
  [Mi maans khat nahi]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseमला कर्ज भरायचंया आहे. कृपया
  [Mala karj bharaychya aahe. Krupaya]

• Help!मदत!
  [Madat!]
• Go away!निघुन जा!
  [Nighun ja!]
• Call the Police!पोलिसांना कॉल करा!
  [Polisaanna call kara!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टरांना कॉल करा!
  [Doctoranna call kara!]
• I'm lostमी हरलो
  [Mi harlo]
• I'm illमाझं आजार आहे
  [Mazha aajar aahe]

• I'd like to buy...मला विकत घेण्याचंया आहे...
  [Mala vikat ghenyachya aahe...]
• I'm just lookingमी फक्त पाहत आहे
  [Mi fakt paahat aahe]
• How much is it?त्याची किती किंमत आहे?
  [Tyachi kiti kimat aahe?]
• That's too expensiveते खूप महाग आहे
  [Te khoop mahag aahe]
• Can you lower the price?किंमत कमी करू शकता का?
  [Kimat kami karu shakta ka?]

• What time is it?आता किती वाजलं आहे?
  [Aata kiti vaajl aahe?]
• It's one o'clockएक वाजलं आहे
  [Ek vaajl aahe]
• Half past (10)(दहा) वाजलं झालं
  [(Daha) vaajl zhal]
• Morningसकाळ
  [Sakal]
• Afternoonदुपार
  [Dupaar]
• Eveningसंध्याकाळ
  [Sandhyakaal]
• Yesterdayकाल
  [Kaala]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowउद्या
  [Udya]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दोन
  [Don]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाच
  [Paach]
• 6सहा
  [Saha]
• 7सात
  [Sat]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नऊ
  [Nau]
• 10दहा
  [Daha]

• Where's a/the...?एक/तो... कुठं आहे?
  [Ek/To... kuthn aahe?]
• What's the address?पत्ता काय आहे?
  [Patta kaay aahe?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?मला दाखवू शकतात का (नकाशावर)?
  [Mala daakhavu shaktaat ka (Nakashavar)?]
• When's the next (bus)?पुढा (बस) कधी आहे?
  [Pudha (Bas) kadhi aahe?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक तिकीट (.... ला)
  [Ek ticket (.... La)]

Nashik, a city steeped in ancient mythology, finds mention in the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana spent a part of their 14-year exile in Panchavati, a region within Nashik. The city derives its name from the Sanskrit word 'Nasika,' which means 'nose,' referring to the episode where Lakshmana cut off the nose of Surpanakha, Ravana's sister.

Nashik has been a significant trading hub since ancient times. Located on the banks of the Godavari River, it served as a crucial junction for trade routes connecting the western coast with the interior regions of the Indian subcontinent. Archeological findings suggest that the city was a bustling center for commerce as early as the 1st century BCE.

During the 1st century BCE to the 2nd century CE, Nashik came under the rule of the Satavahanas. This dynasty is known for its patronage of arts and culture, as well as for promoting trade and commerce. Nashik's Pandavleni Caves, a group of 24 rock-cut caves, were constructed during this period and serve as a testament to the architectural prowess of the time.

In the medieval era, Nashik saw the influence of the Yadavas of Devagiri and later, the Delhi Sultanate. However, it was during the Mughal period that Nashik gained prominence again. The city was known as 'Gulshanabad' during the Mughal rule. Emperor Akbar and Aurangzeb both had a significant influence on the city's architecture and culture, leaving behind a legacy of Mughal gardens and structures.

Nashik emerged as a vital part of the Maratha Empire in the 18th century. Under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later the Peshwas, Nashik became a center of Maratha power. The city's strategic location made it a key military and administrative hub. The Maratha influence is still visible in the architecture and cultural practices of the region.

Nashik played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. The city was a hotbed of revolutionary activities against British colonial rule. Notably, the Nashik Conspiracy Case of 1909, where Anant Kanhere assassinated British officer A.M.T. Jackson, marked a significant episode in the freedom struggle. The city also hosted several sessions of the Indian National Congress and was a center for Gandhian activities.

In contemporary times, Nashik has emerged as a rapidly growing city, blending its rich historical legacy with modernity. Known as the 'Wine Capital of India,' Nashik boasts numerous vineyards and wineries, contributing significantly to India's wine industry. The city is also a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of devotees to the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years on the banks of the Godavari River.

Nashik is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest airport is Nashik Gandhinagar Airport (ISK), which primarily caters to domestic flights. For international travelers, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai is the closest major international gateway, located about 170 kilometers away. From Mumbai, you can take a train, bus, or hire a taxi to Nashik. Nashik Road Railway Station is the main railway station, connected to major cities across India. Several state-run and private buses also operate regular services to Nashik from nearby cities.

Within Nashik, various transportation options are available. Auto-rickshaws are a popular and convenient way to get around the city. Taxis and app-based ride services like Ola and Uber are also available. Public buses operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) cover different parts of the city and outskirts. For a more flexible option, you can rent a car or a two-wheeler from local rental services.

The official currency in Nashik, as in the rest of India, is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are plentiful in Nashik, so withdrawing cash should not be an issue.

Nashik is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark. Be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Specific areas like the Nashik Road area and some of the busier market streets can be hotspots for petty crimes, so always remain vigilant. It's advisable to keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive items.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 101 for the fire department. For medical emergencies, dial 108 for an ambulance. Nashik has several hospitals and clinics, such as the Nashik Civil Hospital and Wockhardt Hospitals, which provide emergency medical services. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' or a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Nashik like a local, visit the local markets such as the Panchavati Market and the Saraf Bazar, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Indian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the vineyards, as Nashik is known as the 'Wine Capital of India.' For a unique experience, attend the Kumbh Mela if your visit coincides with this grand event, which takes place every 12 years.