Nashik: Beyond Temples and Tradition - Exploring the wine capital of india

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Nashik is a Hindu city that hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years. It is also an excellent location for wine tasting.

Nashik (Nashik), named after a Ramayana relic, is a city in Maharashtra located on the banks of the Godavari River. Every 12 years, Nashik hosts the legendary Kumbh Mela. The city is famed in Hindu mythology as the location where Ravana's sister, Surpanakha, attempted to woo Lord Ram and had her nose hacked off by Lakshman in the process. Its theological significance does not stop there. It also serves as a stopover for lakhs of tourists visiting Shirdi and Trimbakeshwar. Apart from temples, Nashik offers forts, waterfalls, and vineyards to visit. With several vineyards in Nashik, the most renowned of which is Sula, the wine tourism sector is thriving in this region of Maharashtra. Nashik allows you to enjoy a fantastic combination of opposites, from temples to vineyards and hills to waterfalls This location has a lot to offer.

How to reach:

• Air: Nashik is well connected by train and bus. There are, however, no direct flights to Nashik. Mumbai's nearest airport is 175 kilometers away.
• Road: How to Travel by Bus to Nashik Buses travel on a regular basis between Mumbai, Pune, and other major Maharashtra cities, as well as Nashik. AC Non-AC Volvo buses leave from Mumbai and Pune, with tickets ranging from Rs. 400 to Rs. 600.
• Train: Direct trains run from Nashik Railway Station to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Taxis from the station to the city center are around Rs. 200.
• Public transportation: The city's public transportation system is well-developed. Cabs are accessible on demand. There are buses that carry travelers around major tourist spots and may be reserved in advance.

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Best time to visit:

Nashik, known for its religious and historical significance, is most enjoyable to visit between October and February during the winter season. The city experiences extreme weather conditions, with scorching summers that can reach temperatures exceeding 39°C and chilly winters that drop as low as 5°C. Therefore, the winter months are the best time for uninterrupted exploration of the city.

For those who appreciate lush greenery and more temperate weather, Nashik undergoes a delightful transformation during the monsoon season, from July to September. The generous rainfall during this period rejuvenates the landscape, making it a treat for monsoon enthusiasts and offbeat travelers.

Panchvati

Panchvati, a holy location for Ramayana followers, attracts a large number of pilgrims. A tranquil village near Nasik, the place provides modest glimpses of significant significance in the Ramayana tale.

Given the mythology of Panchvati, the location has a lot of religious importance even now. Every pilgrim's itinerary includes stops at the Kalaram Temple and the Sita Gufaa. The Kumbh Mela, which takes place on the banks of the Godavari River, attracts people from all over the world.

Nashik holds immense religious significance in Hinduism, and Panchvati has its own set of stories. When Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman went into exile for 14 years, they are said to have made Panchavati their home. 'Garden of Five Banyan Trees' is the literal translation. The trees may still be observed in the temple grounds near Sita Gufaa and are thought to have existed throughout the Ramayana period.

How To Reach Panchvati

• Air: Fly to Nashik from Ozar's Airport, and then book a vehicle to Panchavati.
• Train: After arriving at Nashik Road Railway Station, tourists can take local transportation to Panchavati, which is located to the north of Nashik and is now densely inhabited.
• Road: Nashik is easily accessible by bus, vehicle, or cab from places such as Delhi, Bangalore, Nagpur, and Mumbai. If you take the bus to the city, you may need to take additional transportation to Panchavati.

Sula Vineyards

Sula Vineyards, situated 180 kilometers northeast of Mumbai in Nashik, is a renowned winery celebrated for its diverse grape wines, including Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Zinfandel. What started as a modest 30-acre estate in Nashik has blossomed into a sprawling 1800-acre domain spanning both Nashik and Karnataka. This expansive estate warmly welcomes the public year-round for wine tasting and vineyard tours, making it a beloved destination that has gained tremendous popularity.

Sula Vineyards proudly stands as the pioneer winery in the entire nation and is part of a vibrant community of sixty wineries. The annual Grape Stomping activity, held from January to March, adds an extra layer of enjoyment for visitors. Moreover, the vineyard offers a delectable culinary experience with two restaurants, a gift shop, and a bottle shop. For those seeking an extended stay, the vineyards provide a resort to relax in, along with a winery and a tasting room where one can savor a variety of wine samples crafted on-site.
Nashik is 180 km from Mumbai and 210 km from Pune reachable by all means of transport.

Saptashrungi

Saptashrungi is a Hindu pilgrimage site around 60 kilometers from Nashik. The Saptashrungi Nivasin temple is also half a 'Shaktipeeth' of the three and a half Shaktipeeths in Maharashtra. It is said that one of Sati's (Lord Shiva's wife) right arm limbs fell here. Saptashrungi is bordered by seven mountain peaks, 108 sources of water known as kundas, and woodlands densely forested with medicinal plants.

How To Reach Saptashrungi
The nearest railway station to Saptashrungi is the Nashik Railway Station. The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) runs regular bus service to the temple, which in effect also gives access to the Saptashrungi hills. Most buses terminate at Nashik CBS Bus Station.

Trimbakeshwar

Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of India's twelve Jyotirlingas. This Shaiva temple is located at Trimbak, 28 kilometers from Nashik city, at the foot of the Brahmagiri Hills. The temple was built in the 18th century by the Maratha monarch Peshwa Nana Saheb and is referenced in the potent Mrityunjaya Mantra, which bestows immortality and longevity.
The temple grounds, designed in traditional style, also mention the Kusavarta or Kunda, which is supposed to be the source of the river Godavari. The Jyotirlinga's three faces represent Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Rudra, respectively. Only male worshippers are permitted in the temple's central section, known as the "garbhgriha." It is required to wear a sovala or silk dhoti here. If devotees want to participate in the Abhishekam, they must book pandits.

How To Reach Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbak is a tiny village with no railway station or airport. However, getting to the temple would need a mix of forms of transportation.

Flights:- Nashik Airport, commonly known as Ozar Airport, is the closest airport to Trimbak. The distance to the Trimbakeshwar Temple is around 30 kilometers, which may be traveled by bus or cab.

Trains:- The Nashik Road Railway Station, which is also in Nashik, is the station nearest to the Temple. The distance between the station and the temple is around 36 kilometers. There are several trains running to the railway station in Nashik. From junctions in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Pune, passengers may board trains. From the Nashik Railway Station, visitors may either take an auto or a cab to the temple, which would cost about INR 700.

Road:- Trimbak is well connected to Mumbai through highways. From Mumbai, you may either drive down to Trimbakeshwar Temple in 2.5 hours or take a public bus there from Nashik. Taxis are moreover accessible from Trimbak to Mumbai. From Mumbai's Mahim Bus Station, a bus ride to Trimbak will take around 7 hours.