They say you should go on a holiday at least twice a year to lead a happy, relaxed and functional life. After months of hard work, we do feel like rewarding ourselves with a short trip but we usually limit ourselves to popular destinations with luxury hotels and shopping malls aplenty. Adventure, relaxation and peace take a back seat.
But, India is a land with great tourism potential. It’s a land with dazzling beaches, dramatic temples, exotic rain forests, colossal mountains, eternal deserts, lively cities, and the Indian peninsula creates an ultimate allure for the travellers across the globe.
So, If traditional destinations don’t fancy you enough, VogueNaari have compiled a list of best of India travel offbeat destinations for you, gifted with amazing natural beauty, adventure and interesting histories, bound to make you want to get on a train right away!
“Once a year, go some place you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama
The VogueNaari has started up with a weekend trip to NASHIK-MATHERAN-ALIBAUG. All these three destinations are very popular & at the same time the “HIDDEN BEAUTY OF INDIA”.
The VogueNaari feels it is better to make plans to local places that work rather than grand plans to exotic places that don’t work.
Nashik- The Wine Capital Of India
NASHIK
Nashik is peaceful yet full of colours and energy. It is home to the Ram Kund water tank, where Lord Rama is believed to have bathed. Countless Hindu devotees flock to this sacred spot every year. Nashik is famed for its beautiful temples and caves. If you are travelling to this city for the first time, here are a few things you must know besides booking one of the comfortable hotels in Nashik.
AirIndia Alliance AirBus
REACHING NASHIK:
I started my trip from Hyderabad, but Nasik is also at an easy 4 hour driving distance from Mumbai. The day started with boarding an Alliance Air, this was the first time I saw a mini flight which was 67seater one. I enjoyed the journey as by train it takes 16 hours… OMG! So, now you can conveniently fly down to Nashik or reach by Train & Bus also.
ESSENTIALS TO PACK:
Carry your camera, extra batteries, Selfie stick, phone, chargers and adapters, as this will be your first trip to Nashik and you will want to treasure memories. Pack light clothes and also a light jacket if it is winter, and carry sanitary items like sanitizer, wet wipes, etc. Pack prescription and OTC medicines for stomach problems and fever. Take along a light backpack to use while exploring the city.
I would like you all to know that I could visit only few places due to time constraint but spoke to few of my friends, locals and of course our driverji to know more about Nashik.
WHAT TO SEE & DO?
Situated on the bank of the sacred Godavari River, the air of the Nashik city carries an authentic spiritual feeling of being close to almighty. The city hosts one of the largest religious gatherings in the world known as Maha Kumbh which takes place every in twelve years. With Anjaneri hills (Birthplace of Lord Hanuman) and Trimbakeshwar Temple (one of the twelve Jyotirlingas) located so close to the town, a visit to the city will leave you spellbound.
Trimbakeshwar Temple- Nashik
From the Jain Mandir and Kalaram Temple to Kapileswara Temple, Someshwar Temple and Ram Kund, there are many tourist hotspots in Nashik to explore. Make time for Sundarnarayan Temple, Saptashrungi Devi Temple and Gangapur Dam too. As a first-timer, you cannot miss the Sita Gumpha Caves, where Lord Rama and Sita Devi are believed to have worshipped. Check out the ancient Pandavleni Caves too, where 24 caves are grouped together and were carved between 1st century BCE and 3rd century CE.
Have I missed something important about the city!! Oh yeah!! Having half of India’s vineyards and wineries, the city is also well known as the “Wine capital of India”. Taking a wine tour at the famous Sula vineyards can be the perfect way to put an end to a tiring day. Also, Vallone Vineyards, Soma Vine Village, York Winery & Tasting Room, Grover Zampa Vineyards are the popular picks. They have picturesque locales and offer a serene environment to taste wine and relax.
The Vineyard view from Little Italy
PLACES I HAVE VISITED:
I booked my stay at OYO Hotel SHANTI Inn. I felt that it was budget friendly, hygenic & comfortable. The first place I visited was Trimbakeshwar, which is ancient Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva and is one amongst the twelve Jyotirlingas. The first look at the temple left me flabbergasted. With cloudy mountains surrounding the temple from most sides and the temple being at the middle, the views were just spectacular. I was astounded to experience something so magical Then on my way back to Nashik city, was the popular Anjaneri Fort which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, since it takes a lot of time to climb-up I took the blessings of Lord Hanuman at the famous temple situated there.
Sula Vineyard
The last on my list was the Sula Vineyard. To taste the amazing wines of Sula amidst the sunset and the beautiful vineyards is definitely a moment to cheer about. Then I had the authentic marathi food- Bhakri, Peetla & lasuni methi at Sadhana Village.
But if you have time, don’t miss Any of the spots I have mentioned above.
Happy Memories from Nashik
Though I visited the Nashik city in the second week of June, I would suggest my readers to visit the city in the months of August to December as the surroundings would be much greener and with climate being very pleasant.
BEST PLACES TO EAT:
If you are keen on fine dining, check out Little Italy, RiverDine Restaurant & Bar, Spice Route and Bon Vivant. From Indian and Asian to Italian, Chinese and Continental, you will find various cuisines here.
If you don’t want to splurge, try Sadhana Restaurant, Rajeshahi, Barbeque Ville, Barbeque Nation and Spice It- Ibis. Different types of cuisines including fast foods are available here. Shri Krishna Vijay Restaurant, Tushar Misal, Vihar Misal, Mamaj-Pav bhaji and Hotel Rama Heritage are good budget options.
The famous Tushar Mishal & Taragan Pan
I had tried this amazing food of Sadhana Village, famous-Tushar Misal and The firepan at Taaragan Pan-300 types of Pan, it was extraordinary. If you want to taste some more dishes like these then do visit College Road in Nashik.
So,do remember the tips mentioned above and gear up for a wonderful first-time trip! Hope you would have enjoyed reading this blog post on The Wine Capital Of India- Nashik. To get regular updates on upcoming blog posts from The VogueNaari please subscribe.
