As it takes time to map the entirety of the Indian land, with its many landscapes, languages, and cuisines, tourists are advised to explore little by little. Start from arid Rajasthan in the north-west of the country, move down into greener Gujarat, past the Tapi river and the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, until you reach the state of Maharashtra. Here, head to the ancient city of Nashik. Perched on the Deccan Plateau, at about 3,235 ft (986 m) above sea level, and developed on the banks of the river Godavari, Nashik - also known as Nasik - offers quite the natural spectacle. Moreover, its terroir is ideal for vineyards. Also, a rotating Hindu festival, Kumbh Mela, is held in the city every twelve years, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. Want to get to know Nashik a little bit more? Read below to find out the top things Nashik is famous for.
1. Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela - or Kumbha Mela - is a full-on, cathartic experience, not simply a festival. It happens four times in the span of twelve years, and held at the four pilgrim sites nestled along the holy rivers. A mammoth event that draws more than 100 million people from around the world. This mega-festivity has great significance in the Hindus’ lives. They, in fact, believe that by bathing in the waters of a sacred river, they will be purified and cleared from their sins. In Nashik, the festival takes place by the Godavari river and can last up to three months. The last Mela in the Nashik district was held in 2015.
2. Sula Fest
Sula Fest is an event unique in its genre as it combines the electric atmosphere of a crowded concert with the chic ritual of wine tasting, and the culinary journey offered by a street market. The two-day fest takes place in February, roughly 9 mi (15 km) west of Nashik, in an amphitheatre set amidst the luxuriant Sula’s vineyards.
Sula Fest
Address: Sula Vineyards, Sawargaon
Website: Sula Fest
Takes place: February
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Over the years, Sula has become one of the popular places in Nasik, and it is packed no matter when you visit. I remember a time when you could easily walk in and get a table, but now it is impossible to get in without a booking. During Sula Fest, the villas at Sula and the rooms at nearby Soma are sold out months in advance. But even if you get a room in the city, it is easy to get to the vineyards. We live in the city center, and it takes us around 15-20 minutes to reach Sula. During the fest, I really recommend that you skip your car and travel via Uber or Ola instead. The parking is crowded, and it takes forever to find a spot.
The fest hosts some really great singers at the open-air amphitheater, and there are multiple stalls that serve food, and of course, wine.
3. Dadasaheb Phalke Memorial
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
On the south end of the city is Dadasaheb Phalke Memorial. Built to celebrate the cinematographic deeds of pioneering film-maker Dadasaheb Phalke, the memorial is, in fact, a vast complex featuring a museum, an amphitheatre, landscaped gardens, a musical fountain, an exhibition centre, and even a water park. Aptly referred as the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’, Dadasaheb Phalke dedicated his life to the cinematographic art; he was a producer, director, and screenwriter. The first motion picture he filmed in 1913 was also India’s first full-length feature film.
Dadasaheb Phalke Memorial
Address: Buddha Vihar, Pathardi Phata, Nashik, Maharashtra 422010
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
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4. Wine
When it comes to wine, you need to have the perfect terroir, a French word that defines the combination of a region’s climate and soil. Situated on the hills of volcanic origin and blessed with warm days and cold nights, Nashik has the potential to grow some flavourful grapes. And it does! Crowned as the “Wine Capital of India”, Nashik valley produces some fine, high-acidity wines. The whole state of Maharashtra, in fact, accounts for almost all the wine production in the country, with Nashik acting as the dragging force. If you happen to visit the region, drive to one of the many wineries just west of the city. Sit back and enjoy an informative wine tasting surrounded by an eye-soothing and soul-enriching expanse of green vineyards.
Traveler's tips
Sula Vineyards are a must-see when exploring Nashik. You can taste incredible wines and savor delicious fare here. If you are planning to propose to your partner, a Sula Vineyards tour can be the perfect place to pop the question. With so many beautiful sights to see and beverages to sample, your romantic weekend would be one for the books.
Nashik Tour Guide
Narender Kumar
I have been a tour guide/ escort for more than 10 years and have guided tourists pan India to historical and cultural heritage sites, national parks & bird sancturies, monuments places like- Delhi , Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho Exotic Temples, Ranthambore National Park, Mumbai, Nashik , Aurangabad ( Ajanta Rockcut Caves & Ellora Rockcut Temples ), Goa etc. I am proficient in English, Russian, Hindi and Urdu. I became a tour guide due to my passion for travelling and I love meeting new people and share incredible experiences and learn more about a culture and place. I have a good sense of humor and love cracking jokes which will make your trip fun and lively. I love taking care of people and your safety is my top priority. You will have the best holiday memories with me as your tour guide/escort.
Tours by Narender
5. Regiment of Artillery Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located on Nashik Road, the Regiment of Artillery Museum has an array of weapons, ammunition, tanks and helicopters on display that tell the story of India’s military past. The Regiment of Artillery is an operational branch of the Indian army, the second-largest, in fact. Its origins are to be traced back to the British dominion of the country, when the military force was called the British Indian Army. The museum is under high military surveillance and entrance is sometimes restricted to civilians.
Regiment of Artillery Museum
Address: Artillery Centre, Gandhi Nagar Airport Area, Deolali Gaon, Nashik, Maharashtra 422101
Opening hours: 10am - 1:30pm, 4:30pm - 6:30pm (daily)
6. City of temples
You’ll need a good week to visit each and every temple in Nashik. But if you’re short on time, you can focus your attention on a handful of them. Start from the star of the show - Kalaram temple, a 70-feet (21-metre) high building erected in the late-18th century and dedicated to Lord Rama. Next, move south-east to the marble complex of Muktidham temple, built to honour various Hindu deities. End your tour on the southern bank of the sacred Godavari river, at Someshwar temple. The oldest in the city is also the less glamorous or magnificent, but highly valued by Shiva worshippers for its bucolic location that can truly heighten your senses and soothe your spirit.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
I would definitely recommend traveling to the older part of the city where dozens of temples line the Godavari River. If possible visit the area in the evening when many pilgrims release diyas or clay lanterns into Ramkund. It is easy to book an Uber or hire an auto to reach Panchvati or the older part of the city.
Of wine, festivals and temples
Make Nashik a must-stop on your Indian adventure. Sip a glass of fine wine in the hilly countryside, visit a beautiful, old temple, and partake in the fun of Sula festival, set amongst the luxuriant vineyards of Nashik valley. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Kumbh Mela, a Hindu festival held in the region every twelve years, be ready to share a purifying bathing experience in a sacred river with a multitude of people.
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