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| Nashik Forts, Temple and Wine Trails |
Nashik Forts, Temple and Wine Trails
one of Maharashtra's most ancient cities, Nashik sits on the banks of the sacred Godavari that originates in nearby Trimbakeshwar. It is at Trimbakeshwar that the Kumbh Mela takes place once every 12 years. The river then meanders through the older parts of the city. Once highly polluted, its waters have now been cleaned up and add to the allure of Nashik.
Standing testimony to Nashik's ancient past are the many forts and ramparts scattered across the landscape. Then there are the temples that make Nashik an important destination on the pilgrimage circuit of Maharashtra. The Muktidham Tlemple and the Kalaram Temple draw scores of devotees. Teerchraj Gajpantha in Mhasrul, a short drive away, is a revered place for Jains.
To cake in the natural beauty of the region, go to Someshwar. Located on a picturesque spot on the bank of the Godavari, there are temples dedicated to Shiva and hanuman here. it's a green, verdant spot and the climate is almost always pleasant. You can swim in the river here or choose to go boating. En route to Someshwar, you'll pass Anandwalli village, where the Peshwas, Anandibai and Raghobadada, lived for a while. The Navasha Ganpati Temple here was built by them.
Among Nashik's attractions are the Chamber Caves, located atop a small hill. A flight of small steps leads to the temple and from here you can take in some lovely views of the area. Calm and serene, this is a preferred place for meditation and introspection.
You can also visit Deolali Camp, the Indian military centre located some 16 km from the city. Established by the British in 1861, it's a pleasant place with parks, playgrounds and tidy, wide roads. The nearby Deolali market is a place to go for some retail therapy during your Nashilk break, From Nashik, it is easy to reach the well-known Vipassana l International Acadcmy at Igatpuri. Situated 40 km from Nashik, this placc of tranquility attracts pcople from across the world who come hcre to learn and practise Vipassana mcditation.
Besides its forts, tcmples and places for mcditation, Nashik is also on the winc-making map of the country. Its verdant vinevards produce some of thei best Indian wines and vou can turn your Nashik brcak into an cxciting wine holidav—stay in a vincyard, participatc in harvesting and grape-stomping, take scssions in winc-tasting and sit down to gourmct meals paired with local wines.
