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Nashik Tourist Attractions: Top 15 Places to visit in Nashik

Ketki Gadre — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 18:05:00 +0000

Oh the array of Nashik Tourist Attractions! From temples to caves and from vineyards to waterfalls, there are amazing places to visit in Nashik and every traveler must visit it!

Nashik – the humble grape capital of India has a lot to offer. Majorly popular for Sula Vineyards, it is also the Trimbakeshwar temple nearby that steals the show.

Nashik has such a laidback vibe. No wonder people from Mumbai and Pune are increasingly considering retiring and moving to Nashik. It also has a lovely weather, nature around, culture and amazing food, further fueling the demand.

If you are a visitors to Nashik and wondering things to do in Nashik, I have the perfect recommendations based on my multiple visits to the city. Check out these Nashik Tourist Attractions.

Nashik tourist attractions for devotees/pilgrimage

Trimbakeshwar Temple

A well-known pilgrimage town of Trimbak is the host to an ancient Hindu temple – Trimbakeshwar. It is one of the holy 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most popular temples in Maharashtra as well as India.

Please keep in mind that you will require over half a day just to visit this temple as you will be standing in queue for 3-4 hours to reach the main temple and pay your respects. An express queue (paid) will take you in less than half the time.

Thankfully, photography is now allowed in Trimbakeshwar temple. Yes, mobile phones are allowed inside. You can click the architecture but clicking photos of the idol is still not allowed.

Read about other Shiva Temples in India: Mahakuta temples of Karnataka, Bhojeshwar Shiva temple, Bhopal

Time: 5:30 am to 9 pm

Entry Fees: Free, VIP pass: Rs. 200 per person

Kalaram temple

Kalaram temple situated in the city is popular amongst the locals and tourists alike and that is why it features in the top Nashik tourist places to visit. The significance of the temple is that it was built at the place where Lord Rama had stayed once. The root source of these idols can be traced back to the 15th century.

There are three idols in the temple that are known to be the creation of nature. The idols are made of black sand and hence the temple is known as ‘Kalaram (black ram) temple’. If you are an architecture lover, this is a must-visit place.

Sita Gufa

About 500 meters from Kalaram temple is a cave called Sita Gufa. It was the resting place of goddess Sita. Worshippers have to go down a narrow pathway in a cave-like pattern and then climb up the stairs. It is an adventure of a kind as there are instances when you feel you will get stuck. It definitely reminded me of my Cu-Chi tunnel experience from Ho Chi Minh city.

Tip: keep your backpack/tote bags in the care as lugging them in these narrow caves will be super difficult.

Panchavati ghat/ Ram Kund /Triveni Sangam in Nashik

Triveni Sangam in Nashik also known as Panchavati ghat or Ram Kund is the venue where Kumbh Mela takes place. Triveni translates to “confluence of the three holy rivers”. The three rivers that confluence at Panchavati Ghat are Godavari, Aruna and Varuna.

During the day, there is not much to do at this place other than dipping your feet in the water and watching people pay respects to the river.

However, the place completely transforms into a holy spectacle after sunset. Just like the Ganga aarti at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi, Godavari aarti started few years back that enthralls the devotees. The Godavari aarti that used to take place every Monday is now an everyday affair ensuring that all visitors get spiritually enriched.

The Godavari aarti starts at 7pm and takes an hour. The pandit announcing on mic ensures that all devotees take part in the aarti while also watching the 5 pandits doing maha-aarti. It is a must visit for everyone.

Godavari aarti at Panchavati Ghat Nashik

Shree Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir

Built in 14th century, Shree Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest temples in Nashik. This Shiva temple is located just backdrop of the sacred river Godavari and 2 minutes walk from Ramkund. The importance of this temple is that this is only temple that does not have a Nandi. Nandi is a sacred bull that is often depicted in Shiva temples around the entrance and is also known as his vahana (vehicle).

The temple can be reached by climbing 50 steps and has a lovely aura around it.

I noticed there are some houses and offices still there and people co-habiting in the temple premises.

Kapaleshwar Mahadev temple, Nashik

Nashik tourist attarctions for hiking/ Nature lovers

Pandavleni (Pandav caves)

Pandavleni is known to be the oldest range of caves in the state of Maharashtra. Also known as the Nashik Caves, or sometimes Pandavleni Caves are built on Trirashmi hills which are 8km from the city of Nashik and an easy drive to the foothills.

After climbing almost 250 steps (some of which are a bit steep) you come across a group of 24 caves. Most caves have sculptures or carvings outside the cave and are blank or have very indistinct inscriptions on the inside. All the caves are marked with numbers from outside. The trek to the caves reminded me of Bhaja caves while climbing Lohagad Fort and Achalgarh in Mount Abu.

Even though the name is Pandav, the caves bear no resemblance to the Pandavas but were a place of worship for Buddhist monks or for disciples to meet and hear sermons.

Pros: a small hike to an utterly beautiful place. The view of Nashik city from the top is lovely which makes it one of the best places to visit in Nashik.

Read About such Cave Temple in India: Badami Cave Temples

Cons: though shoes are recommended to hike this hillock, most caves demand you to remove footwear. So wear something quick is comfortable yet quick to remove and wear.

Entry fee: Rs. 25

Timing: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Anjaneri Hills and Fort

There are many treks near Nashik to choose from out of which, Anjaneri is a popular trekking place for the locals, especially during monsoons.

Anjaneri is only 25km from Nashik city. Anjaneri has one of the famous forts in the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar mountain range. The views during the trek and from the top are breathtaking and hence this is an absolute must-do attraction in Nashik. However, it needs a full day.

In order to reach the Anjaneri fort, hire a car/bike and get down at Anjaneri village. There are some steps next to the village entrance, through which one can reach the plateau of Anjaneri. From Anjaneri village, it is an hour and a half hike to reach the plateau of Anjaneri.

The trekkers can also pay their respects in a temple. There is a cave about 10 min away from here with beautiful carvings. The fort has a huge perimeter and commands splendid views of the Trimbakeshwar Peak, Vaitarna back waters and Brahmagiri. This fort and the trek reminded me of climbing Kumbhalgarh Fort.

Someshwar Waterfalls

A small detour before going to Sula Vineyards can get you to the Someshwar waterfalls.

About 10 km from the city, the falls are in full splendour in monsoon but not so much in other seasons. When I visited it was a meagre stream with a lot of waste thrown in and some local boys trying to catch some fish.

Dugarwadi Waterfalls

On the way to Trimbakeshwar, about 40km from Nashik lies the beautiful and weirdly shaped mountains. These are home to many of the waterfalls. Dugarwadi waterfall is one of them as it is on the way and only a short hike will give you an outstanding view.

As usual, its beauty can best be enjoyed during monsoons. This is one of the favourite Nashik Tourist places.

Drive to Sapgon on NH-848, which is around 4 km from Trimbakeshwar. From Sapgon the waterfall is 4 km. It will take close to 45 minutes to reach the viewpoint as there are slopes to climb and it can get slippery. A word of caution: follow the signs! If you want to trek to the bottom of the waterfall, it will take more time.

Photo courtesy: Kinjal Pillai

Nashik tourist places for Wine Lovers

Sula Vineyards

Sula Vineyards is one of the most popular tourist places in Nashik. While people from across the world throng Sula during the Sula Fest, it is open across the year for tourists to see the vineyards, watch the making of mine, taste the wine or just dine overlooking the vineyards. If you even think that Sula Vineyard is worth visiting then let me tell you that the entry is practically free (Rs. 600 per person but redeemable against any paid activity or purchase in their shop).

Since I went in the month of February, the grape season was in full ripe mode with harvesting just about to start. I had a good half-day at Sula where I did the wine tour and tasting. It is a 45-minute tour where they take the tourists around the production and show how the wine is manufactured. After the tour, you get to taste 6 of their wines – 4 whites and 2 reds served with a cracker.

There is a wine shop and a souvenir shop where you can purchase wines and T-shirts.

Time: 11:30 am to 10:30pm

Entry fee: Rs. 600 per person on weekdays and Rs 1000 on weekends

Wine tour and tasting: Rs. 400 per person

Nashik tourist attractions for Offbeat things / Adventure

Nashik Flower park

Loved by the locals this is one of the beautiful places to visit in Nashik.

Nashik flower garden is made utilizing spaces of a local water park – Shubham waterpark which becomes idle during winters due to the cold water. Hence the flower park is open only in winter – January to April. Currently, the flower park hosts about 1 million flowers on water slides of the water park

Time: 11 am to 7 pm

Entry fee: Rs.300 on weekdays, Rs. 400 on weekends

Photo courtesy: Deshdoot.com

Boating and Adventure water sports

MTDC Boat Club Nashik on Gangapur dam offers many water adventure sports. Do not go on the name of exclusive ‘club’. It is open to all. There is a basic entry fee of Rs 50 per person and each activity cost is extra as per your choice.

Water sports such as boating, kayaking, boat cruise, banana ride, jet ski among others are available.

Time: 10 am to 7pm

Entry fee: Rs 50

Boating at MTDC Boat club Nashik

Eco-glamping Festival

The first ever glamping site in Maharashtra is set on the Gangapur Dam waters in Nashik. Inuaguarted in 2025 it is expected to be up every year for 2.5 months (15 January to 31 March).

Glamping is luxurious camping and it offers luxury with sustainability. Read more here.

Ecoglamping Festival in Nashik

Nashik tourist attractions for Museum lovers

Gargoti Mineral Museum

Known as the epicentre of Indian Zeolite Minerals, Gargoti museum is one of the top Nasik tourist places.

Gargoti Museum is India’s only gem & mineral museum and is the world’s biggest “Private” gem & mineral museum. Gargoti Museum houses the largest & the finest collection of Indian Zeolite Minerals & Crystals in the world.

The museum is divided into Deccan Plateau Gallery and Prestige galley. The former contains Zeolite Minerals & Crystals excavated from the Deccan region of India while the latter section displays the exclusive and rarest finds from India and around the world.

Time: 9am to 6:30pm

Entry fees: Rs. 100 per person

Coin Museum

Coin Museum of Nasik, one of its kind in India, gives tourists a glimpse of Indian currency evolution over years. I tried to collect coins in my growing years but I lost interest. Now that I have coins from various countries I have started growing my interest again and so this museum was really a good visit. In the museum, one can see exhibits like moulds, dyes, replicas, and photographs of coins from ancient time.

Time: 9:30 am to 5.30 pm

Entry fees: Free

Nashik tourist attractions for Wildlife lovers/ Birdwatchers

Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary

Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is situated 40km east of Nashik city in Niphad town. This small wetland is known as the Bharatpur of Maharashtra. Water released from two nearby reservoirs has formed this wetland, rich in organic and mineral content and giving rise to biodiversity in the area.

The sanctuary boasts of having recorded over 260 species of birds, over 70 of them being migratory in winters.

Read about other Bird Sanctuaries in India: Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Birdwatching in Kumaon

Time: 6:00am to 7:00pm

Entry fee: Rs 20

Where to stay in Nashik: Nashik Accommodation

Luxury: Express Inn, Grape county eco-resort

Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express, Grand rio

Homestay: Utopia farm stay, Vihang farm stay

Sustainable tips for Nashik tourist places

This is a unique city having environmental as well as pilgrimage importance, so please respect it in all ways.
Respect the ancient structures of temples by not sitting on them or by carving or writing on them.
Observe peace and silence in temples. Do not use mobile phones in temples.
Do not litter any of the tourist areas, especially while hiking or near waterfalls.

Read more Maharashtra posts here

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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The Ultimate Sustainable luxury at Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg

Ketki Gadre — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:53:20 +0000

Are you planning to visit Konkan beaches? Do you want a luxury Konkan staycation? If the answer to both these questions is yes, then read on about experiencing ultimate luxury that is also sustainable at Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg.

Known for its virgin beaches and beautiful homestays, Konkan is a paradise. Every Konkan beach offers something unique – either a forest, a fort or a hill around it. This unique ecosystem not only provides stunning views but also offbeat experiences.

The Konkan Coast is a 720 km long coastline in Western India that covers the coasts of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. With villages and towns scattered across the entire coastline, every beach is a paradise of its own. Having visited Alibaug and Divegar, I was unsure what to expect from Sindhudurg.

Yes, Sindhudurg is offbeat, but not for the people of Maharashtra. It has been popular for its sea fortress known as Sindhudurg Fort. The tourists visiting this place are mostly locals who have grown up hearing tales of the valour of the legendary knight-king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Before visiting Sindhudurg, I was not aware of the many things to do in Sindhudurg, or that it had a tiny airport! But thanks to Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg, I was able to participate in many of the experiential tourism opportunities the resort has designed.

According to me, this is the perfect alternative to Goa, especially for those who prefer nature, peaceful walks, pristine waterfalls and tranquil beaches.

Bhogawe beach walkway near Coco Shambhala

ABOUT COCO SHAMBHALA

Leisurely away from the touristy Goa, at a stone’s throw away from Bhogawe beach is Coco Shambhala. Its presence on the road is invisible – there is a door that opens to a few steps that lead to the four luxury villas that are a nod to a well-thought-out architecture and design as well as top-notch interior design.

This luxury resort is located 15 kilometres from the recently opened Sindhudurg Airport – and a drive through lush green landscape brings guests here. As Sindhudurg airport has limited flight landing, guests can into Mopa (North Goa) Airport and drive from there which is a 90-120 minute drive.

COCO SHAMBHALA SINDHUDURG REVIEW

At the property, we were greeted with a refreshing lemon and curry-leaf drink. F&B Manager, Mr Suhas, who had already shared our day’s itinerary and food menu, welcomed us and briefed us about the next couple of hours.

But, first things first. The best feature of the property is the villas and let’s go on a tour around it.

Welcome drink by staff

Welcome snack

Rooms at Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg

There are only four luxury villas a Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg. I stayed at Villa Arka which has a living, dining and kitchenette space and is flanked by two bedrooms on either side.

The living area is open and has a private infinity pool while also offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea. There is no main door to the villa, and if you don’t want to be disturbed, there is a rope that you can fix at the entrance to indicate the same. A small bell also hangs outside which the staff always ring when they come to the living space. All the verdant, lush greenery around the villa firmly establishes privacy.

The rooms are well appointed with a comfortable bed, television, a large balcony, and a spacious bathroom. The rooms are spacious and designed with the needs and comforts of the modern traveller in mind. Each beautifully designed room unit has a king-size bed, a contemporary ensuite bathroom and large wardrobes. The block print furnishings in pastel hues merge with the tropical vibe, giving the room an easy, breezy feeling.

One of the bedrooms in the villa

Bathroom adjoining the villa

The kitchenette has a tea and coffee maker with homemade cookies. There’s a pantry with fresh milk, juice and cold beverages that are stored in the refrigerator. There are glasses to enjoy every type of alcohol as well as an ice box.

The food is brought from the central kitchen into the villa kitchenette and served at the dining table in the living area. After the meal is over, the staff clean the plates in the villa kitchen and place the dedicated racks.

Coco ensures that long-duration guests do not miss out on their work which is why each villa has high-speed wi-fi. Guests can work while enjoying the infinity pool as well as the ocean.

Being a sustainable property, drinking water is served in refillable glass bottles. The water is safe to consume as it is filtered RO water!

The kitchenette in the villa

Konkani food for the win!

Coco Shambhala personalises menus for each guest, tailoring meals to individual tastes and using the freshest ingredients possible. The menu is shared before the guest arrives at the property and is customized to accommodate any requests.

We reached around lunch and Coco Shambhala arranged a Konkani cooking class. A cooking class was set up right in the villa. Chef Dilip Bavkar took us through the steps of preparing Tambdi Bhaji (red spinach) and Prawns in red curry. My otherwise kitchen-shy husband enjoyed cooking the meal.

Soon enough it was time to have lunch. We were served a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes catering both – me and husband’s preferences.

Prawns in red curry, red spinach with grated coconut; black-eyed bean curry, and varan (lentils cooked in coconut and turmeric) served with Ragi bhakri (flatbread). On the side, we had Kothimbir vadi (coriander with gram flour) and Koshimbir (salads) and Papad/Pickles. The meal concluded with Firni, a delightful rice and milk pudding.

Both of us being Maharashtrians found the taste on point and enjoyed the being close to home flavours.

The rest of the meals also had delightful flavours combining coconut, kokum and other Konkan-specific species. We thoroughly enjoyed all of our meals here.

Konkani cuisine served at Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg

Infinity Pool Villa

Each of the four villas in Coco Shambhala features a huge infinite pool overlooking the Arabian Sea and surrounded by greenery. It is the central feature of the villa and everything revolves around it. You can request drinks by the pool, play some songs and have a little party of your own!

Infinity pool at Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg

Spa

Drawing from India’s ancient wellness traditions, the spa at Coco Shambhala offers personalized Ayurvedic treatments, including Abhyanga (full-body oil massage) and Shirodhara (a stream of warm oil poured on the forehead).

There are also aromatherapy massages, body scrubs and beauty treatments to best utilize the vacation.

All treatments are carried out by trained professionals who ensure that every treatment is executed with precision and care.

Spa at Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg

EXPERIENTIAL TOURS AT COCO SHAMBHALA SINDHUDURG

Nivati Fort trek

While Sindhudurg is the highlight of the region, there is another fort in the vicinity that is forgotten. If visiting this in monsoon, Sindhudurg becomes inaccessible as boat rides are shut. Nivati Fort is a better option and is only visited by the locals.

Nivati Fort is believed to have been built during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and was strategically located to guard the coastline and protect the surrounding villages from invaders. While much of it lies in ruins, visitors can still explore remnants of the ancient walls, bastions, and gateways.

The trek usually begins at Nivati village, a quaint settlement that exudes the charm of rural Konkan. The trail winds through lush greenery, coconut groves, and rocky paths, gradually leading up to the fort. The climb is gentle, with occasional steep sections, and can typically be completed within 1 to 1.5 hours.

The views from the top of the fort offer spectacular views of the Arabian Sea, with Nivati Beach on one side and Bhogwe Beach on the other. It is so beautiful that you wouldn’t want to leave the spot.

After the trek, it is best to climb down from this hillock onto the Bhogwe beach and walk back to the resort.

Ruins of Nivati Fort

Bhogawe Beach as seen from Nivati Fort

Waterfall exploration

Being Konkan, the area is full of waterfalls – some big some small, some popular, some hidden. Thankfully the local guides in Coco know them all and depending upon the visitor’s adventure level for difficulty, you can pick a waterfall to visit.

Unfortunately, during my visit, the waterfall had a very high water force due to a recent spell of rain and it was not safe to visit, so we gave it a miss.

Boat ride on Karli River

Gliding along the tranquil backwaters of the Karli River is a serene way to uncover the hidden treasures of Sindhudurg and its surroundings. Visitors hop on a slow manual rowing boat and just tune in to the sounds of nature. The swift swaying of coconut trees in the wind, the cacophony of the kingfisher, the white-bellied eagles swirling in circles and the distant ringing of a temple bell.

The boat stopped near a coconut tree wherein our boatman disembarked, harvested 2 coconuts right out of a coconut tree, and presented to us for sipping fresh coconut water right on the boat.

Karki river boat ride

Walaval Lakshminarayan Temple

A 900-year-old temple dedicated to Lakshminarayan is tucked away in the small village of Walaval. With a wonderful sculpture, it is said that this temple has been renovated 3 times so far. The lake next to the temple and the beautiful natural environment there are captivating. In front of this temple, we can see 5 lamp pillars with beautiful stone construction.

This temple is designed in 3 stages – First is the main sanctum, then the main hall and then comes a grand assembly hall with seats on both sides. It is said that during the war, the idol was brought here from the village of Harmal, fearing the Portuguese. Here, you can see a palanquin that walks every Monday from Kartik Ekadashi to Mriga Nakshatra. On Kojagiri Pournima, oil lamps are lit on the Deepmala.

Walaval Laxminarayan Temple

Chitrakathi Painting Workshop

Chitrakathi involves storytelling through art on a 12×15” or 12×18” canvas, which can take 1-3 days to complete, depending on the painting’s intricacy. Traditionally, these paintings depicted scenes from mythological epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. But in modern paintings, birds, and mythological creatures are depicted. An artist – Mr Chetan Gangawane, can help you learn this traditional art form in less than an hour. It’s a great way to destress, learn the art and be creative.

Chitrakathi Paintings from Maharashtra

Shadow puppet show

Shadow puppetry is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment which uses flat articulated cut-out figures (shadow puppets) which are held between a source of light and a translucent screen or scrim. The cut-out shapes of the puppets sometimes include translucent colours or other types of detailing. Various effects can be achieved by moving both the puppets and the light source. A skilled puppeteer can make the figures appear to walk, dance, fight, nod and laugh. The show is conducted by master puppeteer – Mr Chetan Gangawane.

SUSTAINABILITY AT COCO SHAMBHALA

Coco Shambhala is conscious of the environment and has inculcated many sustainable values. From the design to the filtration of the infinity pool, from sourcing fresh produce from locals to growing their microgreens, there are many other initiatives.

Some of the initiatives include the type of construction, no plastic policy, local employment, and others. Let us look at them in detail.

Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg, nestled in Parole village, offers a captivating immersion into local rural life. Visiting the surrounding villages with tribal communities offers an enriching village excursion with fascinating encounters.
The architecture is done using local labour, recycled material and hand-made coconut wood to create this low-impact retreat.
The villas are designed as technically temporary structures, with the entire frame assembled using nuts and bolts instead of structural welding. Additionally, no roads were built to access the site, and no heavy machinery such as JCBs or cranes was used. The entire project was constructed manually to minimize environmental impact, ensuring the flexibility to dismantle the houses at any time without leaving a lasting footprint on the land.
The property has solar panels that ensure uninterrupted green energy to the villas.
The water bottles used are refillable glass bottles with filtered RO water.
Instead of hand tissues, the lodge uses washable and reusable cotton napkins in the common bathroom.

Micro greens planted in the property

Solar panels ensuring green energy in the property

HOW TO REACH SINDHUDURG

By flight

Coco Shambhala can be reached via road from the airport or train station. The nearest airport is Mopa Airport, Goa as well as Sindhudurg Airport. The Mopa International Airport in Goa is the nearest airport (85 km) connecting to Sindhudurg. This airport has better connectivity with other cities as compared to Sindhudurg Airport.

By train

Sindhudurg has its railway station and is well connected by train. Kanakvalli, Kudal, and Sawanwadi are major railway stations in Sindhudurg district. These railway stations are about 25- 35 km away from the destination. The railway station in Sindhudurg is well-connected to major cities like Goa, Pune, Mumbai, Mangalore and Ahmedabad.

By road

The National Highway-17 passes through Sindhudurg. The buses are available from Mumbai or other cities in Maharashtra. You may also board a bus or rent a car from Goa or Mangalore.

The Maharashtra state government ( MSRTC) buses running from Pune, Mumbai, Sangli, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, and Goa state government buses (Kadamba Transport Corporation) that run from Madgaon, Panaji, Vasco and Pernem to Sindhudurg are easy transports available that connect to Sindhudurg Fort.

Villa overlooking infinity pool and Arabian sea

FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT COCO SHAMBHALA SINDHUDURG REVIEW

I had a relaxing time at Coco Shambhala and especially loved the hospitality and attention to detail. The property is extremely beautiful, and cosy, and has delicious food. The staff is friendly and one can easily pick up a conversation with them. The warm hospitality guarantees my desire to return for another stay.

BOOK YOUR LUXURY RETREAT IN KONKAN!

Address: Coco Shambhala, Bhogave Beach, Near Parole village, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra

Contact no.: +91-80073 74123, +91-85509 38866

Email: reservations@cocoshambhala.com

Social Media: Instagram

Click here to book a room!

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Disclosure – I was a guest at Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg in July 2024. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Is Sula Vineyards worth the visit?

Ketki Gadre — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

A popular weekend destination from Mumbai and Pune, Sula offers a lot of things to do, see or relax. I always wondered if ‘Is Sula Vineyards worth the visit’ and I thought to give it a try.

The popularity of Sula fest over the years has made everyone think about visiting Sula at least once!

A popular destination from Nashik, it is visited by wine connoisseurs as well as tourists who want to look at a grape farm (vineyard) or grab a bite at their restaurant.

In this post, I talk about the winemaking and its history but most importantly, I share my review of the Sula Vineyards tours and tasting and try to answer the question – Is Sula Vineyards worth the visit?

At the Sula Vineyard entrace

ALL ABOUT SULA VINEYARDS

Sula Vineyards is the top wine producer in India and has the most accessible winery. From humble beginnings in 1997, Sula Vineyards has admirably developed into a world-class winery with boutique guest accommodations. The winery is open to visitors, who can enjoy a tour, tastings, courses, and fun events. With 2 major wineries in the countries, Nashik is the smaller one but still unique enough of an operation to not feel too commercial but large enough to provide visitors with an awesome tour and tasting.

Best time to visit Sula Vineyards

Sula is open all year, Monday to Sunday, and there are several activities every day. The grape season is from January to March and hence it is the best time to see them grow in the vineyard and observe it’s process. That is also the reason why Sula fest is conducted in February every year. Sula Fest take place on the first weekend of every February.

Reaching Sula Vineyards from Nashik

The winery is located on the outskirts of Nashik, and takes about 30 minutes to reach. It is conveniently located 4 hours each from Mumbai and Pune and thus is a happening weekend destination and makes Sula Vineyards worth the visit.

SULA WINE TOUR AND TASTING

Like most wine tours, it begins with the history of Sula, leads you through the vinification process and warehouse and then ends with a tasting. The entry ticket to this is INR 600 per person on weekdays and INR 1000 per person on weekends which will cover a 30 minute escorted tour of the winery, including the processing rooms, and tasting of six wines. The tours take place every 45 minutes between 11:30 am and 6:30 pm (7:30 pm on weekends) everyday (except dry days), and provide a good insight into the winemaking process. The Sula tour is very personal and educational. The tour guide tells about the types of grapes harvested – green and black and the kind of wines made from them.

Then they take you through the entire process of crushing, fermentation, pressing, clarification, aging and bottling from beginning to end and I was to take a peek inside the warehouse where some wood barrels are as old as 20 year old.

Processing of wine

The processors

Aging the wine in oak barrels

The tasting, of course, is the most exciting part of the tour. Wine etiquette like temperature, smell, swirl and combination food are discussed in the Tasting Room. These were the 6 wines up for tasting, served with biscuits.

Sula Brut Chardonnay

The Chardonnay is a sparkling wine that is light and fresh having biscuit dough aromas whilst the palate features crisp chardonnay flavours and light crack yeast lees characteristics.

Sula Sauvignon Blanc

This wine made the world sit up and take notice of Indian wines. Herbaceous, crisp, WHITE and dry, with aromas of bell peppers, intermingled with tropical fruits like passion fruit and gooseberry with a racy, zingy finish.

Sula Dindori Reserve Chardonnay

An exotic elixir of peach and lychee flavours is a white wine. Floral, spicy, stunning. Great as an aperitif and terrific with spicy food, blue/goat cheese as well as seafood.

Sula Rasa Syrah

Went a little BOLD with this one, not my style but my Malay sweetheart enjoyed this one so I am sure, this will be a treat for Red wine lovers.

Sula Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon

A red wine, worthy of a collector’s edition! It is aged in French oak barrels for over a year which makes it into a velvety smooth wine with a powerful finesse with a hint of fruit and spice.

Sula Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is India’s best selling white wine and is cold-fermented and finished in a semi-dry style. It is a light, fresh, fruity character, which makes it an excellent aperitif.

Wine tasting of 6 wines

Remember Rules for the road

It is vitally important to adhere to the drinking and driving laws of India. The alcohol limit while driving is 0% so stay in your limits. If you don’t have a car, you can call for an Uber to take you back to Nashik city.

SUSTAINABILITY AT SULA VINEYARDS

I was really intrigued to know about the sustainability practised by Sula as I saw many boards claiming it. So I went ahead and asked the tour guide and this is what he told me and boy was I impressed!

Solar power

More than 75% of power used in Sula Vineyards comes from solar energy. Almost all the rooftops at the hotel, offices and restaurant are covered with solar panels in the vineyards.

Water recycling

Sula has really made sustainability seriously. With water efficient bathroom fittings in rooms, there are signs encouraging visitors and hotel guests to turn off taps. An effluent treatment plant (ETP) on site ensures all the water used in premises is treated and reused. This treated and disinfected water is used in housekeeping and also in the vineyards.

Drip irrigation

In order to cut down on traditional irrigation practices which use a lot of water, drip irrigation system is installed in vineyards which cuts water consumption by almost half.

No plastic zone

There are no PET bottles for sale or in use at Sula hotel or restaurants. PET bottles are replaced by reusable glass bottles for mineral water. Dedicated efforts are undertaken to eradicate plastic from all food and beverage offerings, including cutlery and packaging.

No waste zone

Sula has its own biogas unit which is fueled by food waste generated by the restaurants. Hence there is no sent to landfills.

Best from waste

Sula went a step forward to use the last bit of waste from grapes – the grapeseed. They used to compost it but due to its stony nature, they did not decompose soon. Hence Sula introduced grapeseed oil made from it – using all bits of waste and putting it in good use.

Supporting the local community

As a part of CRS mandate, Sula employees the local community from the surrounding village.

Quite sure, it is!

Accommodation at Sula

Sula Vineyards offers two options for visitors who want to stay near the vineyard.

Beyond by Sula

It has seven rooms plus a separate 3-bedroom villa, overlooking the lake. You can book it here.

The Source at Sula

It is a 23 room resort (including four tree houses) in the middle of the vineyards, built to resemble a Tuscan mansion. It has a swimming pool, tennis court, and spa. You can book it here.

Alternatively, staying in Nashik is a convenient option for visiting Sula. You can stay at Holiday Inn Express for a comfortable and budget stay.

Wine stomping activity at Sula

RESTUARANTS AT SULA VINEYARDS

Whether you choose the tasting tour or not, you want to spend some time at their restaurant – Little Italy for snacks or meals with wine. To accompany the wine, you can order a platter of assorted cheeses, crackers, olives, nuts, and dried fruit. There is another restaurant – Soma which specializes in north Indian cuisine.

SO, IS SULA VINEYARDS WORTH THE VISIT?

Definitely YES!

If you like wines and want to have a relaxed day around the vineyards.

If you don’t drink alcohol, there are many photo points and activities to do. The popular grape stomping at Sula happens from mid-February to mid-March and one can enjoy it.

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All About Junnar Tourism – Forts, Caves, Ghats, Temples & More

Ketki Gadre — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:17:23 +0000

Junnar, famous for being the birthplace of erstwhile warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj needs all the attention. Junnar tourism promises to be fulfilling for all kinds of visitors offering many things to do. An easy drive from Pune to Junnar, there are Junnar caves, Junnar fort, temples and nature exploration, making it a must visit destination.

Having lived in Pune for 2 years, I read about the contributions of Shivaji Maharaj and his legacy. Due to his contributions to the region, he is nothing less than a deity among the crowds of Maharashtra.

Having explored the forts that he ruled near Pune such as Lohagad Fort, Sinhagad Fort, Tikona Fort, I wanted to climb all the others, especially Shivneri Fort where he was born. Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit many forts when I lived in Pune. However, I was recently invited by Maharashtra Tourism for the Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsava, a festival commemorating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s 394th birth anniversary.

While I will talk about the festival in the later part of the post, I want to write about what impressed me most and why Junnar tourism needs to be on the visitor’s list.

ABOUT JUNNAR | HISTORY OF JUNNAR

Located 94 km away from Pune, Shivneri Fort in Junnar is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Born on 19 February 1630 at Shivneri Fort, Shivaji Maharaj was an Indian ruler and a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan. He carved out his own independent kingdom by defeating Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur that formed the genesis of the Maratha Empire making this area historically important.

But much before that, Junnar has had a historical significance as it was positioned on a crucial trade route. Numerous excavations and legible inscriptions provide evidence of trade connections between the rulers of ancient Junnar and civilizations like Rome and Greece.

Indications suggest that the area served as a toll gate and a favored resting spot for traders. The inscriptions, believed to date back to the reign of Queen Naganika, have become a focal point of interest for historians. They offer valuable insights into the Satavahana dynasty, helping establish records from that era.

Junnar was also an important seat of power for the Satavahana dynasty of Maharashtra.

A bird’s eye view of Junnar

THINGS TO DO IN JUNNAR | JUNNAR TOURISM

While most visitors are day trippers looking for a one day trip from Pune to Junnar, Junnar has a lot of potential and one can easily spend 3 days here. Whether you are an adventure lover, nature enthusiasts, history fanatic or a devotee, there is something for everyone.

Forts in Junnar

Junnar has not one, not two but 7 mountain forts in its vicinity. Shivneri fort, Chavand fort, Nimgiri fort, Narayangad fort, Hadsar fort, Jivdhan fort and Shindola fort are all present in and around Junnar. While most of them are in ruins, the entry gates are intact. The top of all forts promises splendid views of the Sahyadris and the biodiversity around the foothills of these forts makes nature lovers ask for more.

There are still inscriptions on the fort walls that tell the tales of the bygone era and one needs a guide to descript it.

Shivneri Fort is the most popular place to visit when it comes to Junnar Tourism. Visitors need to cross 7 doors to get to the top of the fort. There is a lot to be explored at Shivneri and it’s ideal for people who love historical places. From the base, one has to climb around 350-400 steps to reach the top which takes approximately 2 hours at leisure.

Some of the must visit places in Shivneri fort are Shivai Temple – the temple of goddess Shivai after whom Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was named, Kadelot – a point on the fort from where criminals were thrown off the fort as a punishment, Ambarkhana – food storage area, Ganga and Jamuna – the freshwater springs on the fort, Statue of Jijabai and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Badami Talav – a water reservoir on the fort.

The steps of Shivneri Fort Junnar

Shivneri Fort Trek in Junnar

Temples in Junnar

Junnar is home to 2 Ashtavinayaka temples. The Ashtavinayaka Yatra refers to a pilgrimage to the eight Ganesha temples centered around the city of Pune. The Girijatmaj Temple at Lenyadri and Vighnahar Temple at Ozar are situated 25 km away from each other in Junnar.

The Ozar Ashtavinayak temple is located on the banks of river Kukadi in Junnar. In Hindu mythology, it is said that Ganesha had made Ozar his permanent dwelling after he defeated the demon Vighnasur. Hence the Ganesha here is known as Vighneshwar (the remover of obstacles).

Ozar Ashtavinayak temple | Junnar Tourism

Lenyadri are Buddhist caves located 300 steps atop a hillock and one of these caves has the idol of ‘Girijatmaj Ganesha’, which has been carved in a cave wall and can only be viewed from the rear. Mentions of Lenyadri can be observed in the ‘Ganesha Purana’ as Lekhanparvat or Jeernapur. The best part about this temple is that there are no lights in the cave and yet the idol is lit up by the sun-rays!

Other than Ganesha temples, the region has other temples such Brahmanath Temple, Hatkeshwar temple, Omkareshwar temple & Khireshwar temple among others. Each temple has intricate sculptures and ornate walls and pillars.

Sculptures found on temple ceiling in Junnar

Caves in Junnar

Junnar has the highest number of caves in Maharashtra – almost 200 and most of them are Buddhist caves. Lenyadri, Naneghat, Chavand, Suleman, Manmodi, Tulja and Shivneri are some of the most popular caves either having inscriptions or frescoes.

Among them all, the Lenyadri cave complex stands out as the most renowned tourist and pilgrimage destination, showcasing a captivating fusion of Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. Among the 30 caves, 28 are viharas (monasteries), while caves 6 and 14 serve as Chaityagrihas (prayer halls). There are approximately 300 steps to reach the caves and Ganesha temple. Visitors are required to remove footwear before entering caves and temple. Since the rocks get really hot, wear socks to avoid burnt feet.

The Lenyadri caves also reveal ties to the early Hinayana phase of Buddhism. Cave 7 is a highly revered Ganesha temple. According to legends, these caves mark the birthplace of Lord Ganesha, as it is believed that Goddess Parvati meditated here for 12 years to conceive him.

Also Read: Rock-cut Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka

Lenyadri caves and Ashtavinayak Temple | Things to do in Junnar

Nature tourism in Junnar

Junnar is blessed with Sahyadri ranges (part of Western Ghats) on all sides making it a perfect spot for trekking. It is also the only taluka in Maharashtra state having the highest number of dams such as Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Chilewadi Pachaghar Dam, Yadgaon Dam, Manik Doh dam and Vadaj dam. The water in each of these dams offer a respite from the sweltering heat and is a perfect hangout spot for picnics (but do not litter). I would discourage swimming because the water is deep and the areas are secluded in case help is needed.

The Western Ghats of Sahyadris always create an amazing ecosystem especially in monsoon where the entire area comes alive with thousands of waterfalls cascading on the hill rocks. Malshej Ghat and Darya Ghat in Junnar are extremely famous for the same. Bikers drive in monsoon all the way from Pune just for this spectacle.

Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Backwaters

Agrotourism in Junnar

Thanks to the placement of the world’s largest radio telescope, GMRT (Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope), Junnar is untouched by industries in its vicinity. The only small scale factories are the sugar factories due to ample sugarcane farming in the area.

One can still see communities living a simple life doing agricultural activities and cattle rearing. This is why the air is still fresh in Junnar and it is known as the “Sanitarium of India”. Visitors actually come to spend time here so as to cure their breathing problems.

Junnar also has a wide range of traditional farming of rice and grapes. And the locals have converted their farms into agro tourism sites inviting tourists from cities to live on the farm.

One particularly interesting agro tourism site is Hmmbrr where the site is developed using indigenous cow species. The entire concept revolves around cow therapy and consuming organic milk and allied products. The scientific and traditional Indian knowledge is the basis of setting up this site and it is sure to question your beliefs and lifestyle.

Also Read: Nashik Tourist Places

Agro tourism in Junnar

Adventure sports in Junnar

There are options for adventure sports in Junnar such as zip lining overlooking the Sahyadris, sky biking and Quad bikes or ATVs (all terrain vehicles). This is available right outside Girija Hotel.

When I visited during the Shivneri festival, paramotoring was also available.

Thanks to the many dams in Junnar, a lot of water sport options are also available. Speed boats and pedal boats are some of the options available.

Adventure sports in Junnar

Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav

The Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav is celebrated every year at Shivneri Fort in Junnar. Locals dress up in their best traditional attire with saffron flags and procession are held across the town. People from across the Maharashtra state visit Junnar during this time to pay their respects to Shivaji’s legacy in his birth town.

Thankfully, I was able to visit the festival this year (2024) and the celebrations were full of history, immersed in cultural displays, live theater playing the most popular play ‘Janata Raja’ and exhibits paying homage.

Streets were full of memorabilia selling his statues and flags with his face drawn on it. From lively processions to captivating cultural performances, each moment was infused with historical significance and deep respect.

I couldn’t help but be moved by the overwhelming sense of pride and unity that filled the atmosphere, reinforcing the enduring ideals embodied by Shivaji Maharaj.

The pink trumpet flowers blooming on both sides of the road with the ongoing processions just made the whole atmosphere splendid.

Live play during Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav

Locals dressed up for Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR JUNNAR TOURISM

How to reach Junnar?

By Road

Junnar can be best reached by road from Pune. It is located 94 km from Pune. Head towards Chakan – Rajgurunagar – Manchar – Narayangaon and reach Junnar.

Mumbai is situated 155 km from Junnar and again the best way to reach via road. To travel from Mumbai use Mumbai Pune Expressway and exit at Talegaon. Head towards Chakan – Rajgurunagar – Peth – Manchar – Kalamb – Narayangaon – Junnar.

There are Maharashtra State Transport Corporation buses (MSRTC) from Mumbai and Pune to Junnar.

By Train

Pune Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Junnar. Pune is well connected to most cities in India via railway network. Talegaon Dabhade railway station is situated around 82 km from Junnar but not well connected and few trains stop here.

Best time to visit Junnar?

Junnar can be visited all throughout the year. However, summers get really hot and trekking to caves and forts can get arduous. The hot stones can burn feet so wearing comfortable footwear is recommended.

Monsoons are the best time to visit Junnar as the lush landscape transforms into vibrant greenery, and the waterfalls reach their peak magnificence.

Winter is ideal for trekkers, especially considering the relatively cooler temperatures compared to other months.

If you are a history enthusiast, the best is to plan a trip around Shivneri festival. Although the Shivneri fort and all surrounding forts get crowded on 19th February, the festive vibe is really amazing. Hire a local guide who can explain the history and decode the inscriptions. Comment on this blog if you want to know the guide details.

Junnar area_Wadaj dam

Stay in Junnar

There are basic accommodation options available in Junnar or the nearby Malshej ghat. If you are opting for agrotourism then there are farm stay options too. Have a look at what is best for you.

Budget Options

Girija Hotel

Girija Hotel has rooms and there is a khanaval (Maharashtrian thali restaurant with fixed menu). The Lenyadri caves are actually visible from the hotel windows!

They have also developed an adventure zone right outside their premises so everything is nearby.

It is best to book a room in advance by calling +91 84079 88260.

MTDC Resort, Malshej Ghat

Located 26 km away from Junnar in Malshej, this resort is a good option especially in monsoon. But book in advance as it gets sold out really fast.

Luxury Options

Saj By The Lake

Located on the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam backwaters and encircled by lush greens, sits Saj By The Lake. The peaceful setting is soothing and ensures that visitors are enthralled by the serenity. Monsoon is the best time to visit to watch the mist overlooking the Sahyadris while dipping the feet in their pool.

Book Here: Saj By The Lake

Blu Water Resort Malshej

Almost next to Saj, is another option of Blu Water Resort. It also overlooks the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam backwaters; it is luxury wrapped with comfort.

Book here: Blu Water Resort

Agrotourism / Farm Stay Options

HmmBrr Agro Resort

HmmBrr Resort is a humble venture with a raw and rustic setting, where one can experience the stillness of nature. Set across mango trees, the rooms are aesthetically designed quaint spaces. With Satvik aahar and cow therapy, one feel rejuvenated after staying here. Highly recommended.

Book here: HmmBrr

Agro tourism in Junnar

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR THINGS TO DO IN JUNNAR | JUNNAR TOURISM

Do not feed the wildlife, especially the monkeys at Lenyadri. Carry food or water bottles in a bag that is not visible to them.
Carry your own refillable water bottle. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless absolutely necessary.
Do not trash the caves, temple areas, dam backwaters with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
Be mindful of all the signs and follow them respectfully especially in temples – do not photograph the idols at Ashtavinayak temples.
Respect the ancient structures of temples and other structures by not sitting on them.
Do not write on the pillars and walls of forts and monuments.

Read More Posts from Maharashtra

Disclosure: I was invited by Maharashtra Tourism to explore Junnar. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

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Tadoba National Park: An experience of a lifetime

Ketki Gadre — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 12:53:00 +0000

Tadoba National Park has been a popular wildlife haven for many years offering amazing tiger sightings. I write about my wildlife experience from my visit few years ago!

It is a privilege to live in a country that is home to the highest number of Tigers in the world. Having been to a few tiger reserves such as Manas National Park, Satpura National Park, Periyar National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Pench National Park and Kanha National Park, there is a thrill every time I watch a tiger in wild.

Tiger Safari’s in the jungles of India are one of the most sought after wild life tours for any wildlife enthusiast across the world. Vacation in forest extremely relaxing.

There are approximately 50 Tiger reserves spread across India that is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Tadoba National Park in Central India is one of these tiger reserves that houses more than 40 of these Big Cats. Tadoba National Park is 116 Sq. Km in area.

Together with Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary adjacent to the park, the TATR (Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve) is spread across a total of 625 sq km.

Deerscape

It is generally accepted amongst naturalists and wildlife experts that Tadoba has the highest probability of tiger sightings across all Project Tiger reserves in India.

A wildlife enthusiast myself, I had my mind focused on visiting Tadoba for the past many years. I researched the best zone in Tadoba to increase my chance of sighting tigers in Tadoba.

Tadoba National Park: Day 1

Once we entered the gates of the park I felt a certain thrill in me like never before. The prospect of seeing a tiger gave me butterflies in my stomach.

At first, the silence of the jungle was exciting as ever but once you enter the park you can hear certain typical calls of birds and animals that are as soothing and relaxing as ever. Hardly half a kilometre inside the park we saw a board saying ‘keep silence in the park and hear the animals in the jungle speak as you are in their territory now’. There was a diversion at that board which allowed us to enter the Moharli zone of Tadoba National Park.

The roads leading towards the tiger trail

Minutes into the safari, we noticed the first signs of wild life. There was a small lake in front of us and basking on it’s shore was a crocodile.

A few lesser whistling ducks basked in the glory of sun near the lake. Up ahead we could hear the alarm call of a spotted dear so we decided to wait there for some time and see if there was any predator around. But the alarm calls stopped after a while and we decided to move on.

Crocodile on the lake bank

In Tadoba, there are quite a few water bodies which are known for tremendous tiger sightings. I immediately recognized these water bodies from the many Tadoba documentaries I have seen over the years featuring Maya tiger and Matkasur tiger.

Our guide and driver decided to keep moving from one water body to another in search of the marvelous big cat. After almost 2 hours of roaming around the jungle, we came to a place where we met another gypsy with its guide and driver telling us to go back to one particular water body where we had already been, as they saw a tiger there right after we left it (what luck!).

Upon hearing this news, we all got very excited and headed back toward that place. Upon reaching there we saw a huge line of gypsy’s and a canter trying to catch a glimpse of the tiger. Beside the water body which was a bit under hill from where our vehicle was, there was a lot of tall grass. The tiger was supposedly in the grass and people could see its ears move or tail wag at regular intervals. It was superbly camouflaged making us unable to recognize if there was any animal there at all.

We decided to stay patient. After 20 mins of waiting for it the tiger gracefully got up. He came uphill first, right at the edge of the road where all the vehicles were lined up. Due to the close formation of all the vehicles the tiger was not able to move to the other side of the road, hence one of the drivers of the gypsy’s moved the car allowing the tiger to pass through. Once he came across we could see him clearly and take some great pictures. He was huge 3-year-old sub adult male tiger, son of the legendary male, Matkasur and Tigress, Chhoti Tara. Due to the names of his parents he is often called Chhota Tarachand or Chhota Matka by the local guides. Chhota meaning small. He also had a tracking collar around his neck. There were reports then that his brother was killed due to electrocution by local nearby villagers. Hence he was collared by the forest department for his own benefit and protection by allowing the forest officials to keep track of his whereabouts. When I saw him I literally had goosebumps on me. It was surreal!

Chota Tarachand in his glory

Tadoba National Park: Day 2

The second day of Safari brought us renewed excitement. I remembered all the Tadoba tiger stories I had read and I wished to add to them from my experience.

Just like previous day’s sighting of Chhota Matka we were ever so hopeful of more sightings on day 2. We set out early in the morning around 6 am towards the park’s entry gate.

This time we decided to check out more places in the park and try to increase the number of tigers we could see. We went ahead of the other 2 cars as we tried to catch a glimpse of any predator at dawn at the first sign of light!

We could not see a single tiger or any other predator for most part of the safari, however, we did see a lot of other wild animals such as the Indian Bison, the Sambar, spotted deer and various birds such as the mottled wood owl and the yellow footed green pigeon.

After around 3 hours of roaming there was no tiger in sight and we felt a bit disappointed and it was time for us to head back to the exit. But luck had other plans as, while returning back we saw another male tiger. It was the same tiger, Chhota Matka that we had seen previous day. Feeling lucky again we thanked the heavens for giving us a final glimpse of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.

Pugmarks and vehicle marks

Overall Experience at Tadoba Safari

It was amazing! If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you must add Tadoba National Park to your must-visit places in India.

Are 2 safaris enough?

Yes and No! Yes if you are short on time, no if you want to explore more areas and look for more wildlife other than the tiger.

Here are many quick points to plan a trip to Tadoba National Park.

How to reach Tadoba National Park

The nearest city from Tadoba is Nagpur which is just 145 km away. Nagpur is well connected through the air, rail and road with other major cities of India like Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi.

Where to Stay in Tadoba National Park

Tadoba has lots of hotels and resorts that are suited for high-end luxury as well as budget accommodation. Bookings can be done online. We stayed at the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Resort near Moharli gate in Tadoba which had excellent rooms and a decent restaurant. Here is a Tadoba resort list for you to choose from.

Low Range: Wild homestay, Tadoba Homestay cottage

Mid Range: Tadoba Tiger Resort, Tristar hotel

High Range: The Pugmark Jungle Lodge, Tadoba Trails

Best time to visit Tadoba National Park

The best months to visit any Tiger Park in India are in the spring to summer months from late February to end of May. The forest and grasslands are much thinner and drier in these months and water sources in the heart of the jungles dry up in the summer hence forcing the tiger to come out in the open towards much larger water resources such as the Tadoba Lake situated in the core area of the reserve. Hence the summer months up to May are much ideal for Tiger sightings.

A White eyed buzzard patiently waits for prey

Safari in Tadoba National Park

Wildlife Safari bookings have to be done online on the Maharashtra eco-tourism website. You should try and book for these safaris well in advance. Bookings open 4 months in advance. You have 2 vehicle options for the ride, 1 is a gypsy and the other one is a Canter which is like a minibus. I would recommend the gypsy for obvious reasons. The gypsy can accommodate 6 persons plus the gypsy driver and the guide. You have to select your choice of the vehicle during your online booking.

At the entry gate of the tiger reserve, you need to first show the authorities your online safari booking slip and the original id’s of all the members in your booking. The gypsies are allocated by the forest department and before the safari timings they usually come and pick you up at the hotel where you are staying in Tadoba and take you to the entry gate where your booking is checked. The booking office also allocates a forest guide with you for your safari. So apart from the online safari permit for which you would pay while booking online, you will also have to pay separately for the gypsy and the guide both of them, at the entry gate. The rates for the permit, vehicle and guide all are mentioned on the Maharashtra eco-tourism website.

Safari timings at Tadoba National Park

For the gypsy to come to your hotel, you have to give your online booking id to the hotel and they will call the forest department on your behalf and ask them to send your allocated vehicle. Safari’s here are permitted in the morning from 6 am to 10:30 am and in the afternoon from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm depending upon the month you visit as these timings also depend upon the sunrise and sunset timings. I took 2 safaris and I would also recommend a minimum of 2 or even 3 to increase your chance of getting a glimpse of the Tiger.

A langur looks on..

Tadoba National Park animals

Tadoba National Park is abundant with wildlife. Apart from the tiger which is the apex predator here, there are lots of other carnivores found here such as the leopard, Indian wild dog, jungle cat, jackals and even Indian Striped Hyenas. Other species of mammals often seen in the park are Indian Bison, Spotted Dear, Sambar, Indian Langur monkeys and Sloth Bears. There are approximately 195 bird species found here but as per our safari guide, a majority of the birds are resident. Only 16-18 birds such as the lesser whistling duck are migratory. Tadoba is home to a lot of reptiles as well such as the cobra, viper and crocodiles in various lakes in the core area of the reserve.

Sustainable Tips for visiting Tadoba National Park Maharashtra

Do not litter inside the national park.
Wear clothes with natural colours such as green, brown and beige in order to blend into the natural surroundings.
Do not talk loudly in the park, try and listen to the calls of animals in order to sight and identify them in the wild.
Stepping down from your vehicle inside the park during the safari is strictly prohibited. Safari drivers and guides can get fined and suspended if someone from their vehicle is seen getting down.
Avoid using your mobile phones in any national park. Mobile phones have been banned in TATR since 1^st December 2018 hence it is best to leave your phone at your hotel before leaving for a safari.
Avoid carrying food with you in safari’s but always keep a water bottle handy. Non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited as its odour can attract carnivores.
Respect the forest officials and guides. Do not blame them if you do not spot a tiger. It’s just hard luck.

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Trimbakeshwar temple visit guide: Day trip from Nashik to one of the Jyotirlinga temples in India

Ketki Gadre — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 12:24:00 +0000

Are you on a trip to cover all the Jyotirlinga in India? Are you visiting Trimbakeshwar temple and want to know how to go about it? I have the perfect Trimbakeshwar temple visit guide from my personal experience.

Popular as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India, Trimbakeshwar temple has its ardent devotees who pay a visit every few years. The temple is visited by devotees who want to complete their ‘Jyotirlinga yatra’, meaning paying a visit to all 12 temples which are spread across India. I happened to pay my respects to Lord Mahadev during my Nashik trip.

What are Jyotirlinga and their significance?

A Jyotirlinga refers to a divine representation of Lord Shiva. It is said that originally there were 64 jyotirlingas, but now only 12 of these are considered most auspicious and holy. Each of the 12 Jyotirlinga is believed to be a different manifestation of Shiva and is considered to be the holiest of all shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

According to the beliefs of Hindu mythology, it is believed that whoever visits all of these 12 holy Jyotirlingas, will be released from the cycle of life and death. Maharashtra has the highest number of Jyotirlinga and can be easily covered. Maharashtra Jyotirlinga tour is possible to complete within 5 days.

A list of 12 Jyotirlinga is:

Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gir, Gujarat
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga in Deoghar, Jharkhand
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra
Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka, Gujarat
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga in Nasik, Maharashtra
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar Temple location

Trimbakeshwar Temple is located around 30 km from the city of Nashik, Maharashtra, on the banks of the River Godavari and the foothills of the Brahmagiri Mountains. Popularly known as Trimbak, the Trimbakeshwar temple visit is looked forward to by a lot of people from Pune and Mumbai and the rest of India.

About Trimbakeshwar Temple Visit

Built in the 17th Century by Sri Nana Saheb Peshwa, Trimbakeshwar Temple is built of black stone. The architecture features Nagara style, which has a spacious courtyard, a square structure which features an internal sanctum, which has the presiding deity – Lord Shiva.

The entire structure is ornamented with intricate sculpture in stonework which features flowers, figures of gods, humans and animals. The sanctum is crowned with a tower, embellished with a giant Amalaka and a golden kalash. The Shiva linga is present in the floor depression of the sanctum. Water constantly oozes out from the top of the Shiva linga. The Shiva Linga is adorned with a crown studded with precious stones (emeralds and diamonds), which is said to be from the age of the Pandavas.

The crown is displayed every Monday between 4 pm – 5 pm.

Note: Women are not allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum. Only men can enter, along with a priest of the temple to perform a ritual called Rudra Abhishek.

Trimbakeshwar Temple Visit Guide: My experience

I had had a long previous day, so in spite of a lot of people telling me to go early, I did not. I checked out of my staycation at Holiday Inn Express at 10 am and reached Trimbakeshwar around 11 am. The February sun was high but still pleasant. From the car parking me my friend parked and walked towards the gate of the temple.

We came across gate 2 and were clueless about what to expect. There were a lot of boards about VIP darshan, shoe keeping fees and a lot of flower and puja material vendors dotting the gate. Security guards were standing there and I inquired for guidance. They informed me that there are 2 ways to pay respects to the lord – Free darshan or VIP darshan. Free darshan has a huge queue and would easily take 4-5 hours to reach the sanctum (of course, it was a Sunday!), and VIP darshan would take around 1-1.5 hours if we decided to give a small donation (Rs. 200).

Free darshan at Trimbakeshwar Temple is from gate no. ,1 and VIP darshan after buying tickets is from gate 2. After a quick discussion, we decided to go for the VIP darshan because we did not want to lose half a day standing in the sun.

After paying donation and receiving a receipt for it, we kept our shoes in the dedicated shoe stand (paid service) and were directed to enter the temple premises. We reached a looped metal structure where the VIP darshan line had to queue up. It had a sunshade, ceiling fans, and people were waiting patiently.

We moved from one loop to the next every few minutes. We could finally see the Trimbakeshwar Temple structure from a distance in the last loop. The sun was directly over our heads, and all I did was stare at the beautiful black structure in front of me.

We were finally allowed to go inside the sanctum. A dedicated queue was maintained here, and security priests directed where to stand, when to pray and when to move forward. One of them shouted, ‘No mobile phone inside’. A glance at the Shiva Linga, I folded my hands and paid my respects. And within seconds, I was out of the sanctum on the other side.

Queue area in Trimbakeshwar temple

As I came out, I photographed the beautiful structure and ended my visit to this beautiful temple. I also paid a quick visit to Kushavarta, a sacred pond in the temple premises, which is the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India.

Festivals and Celebrations at the Temple

While Kumbh Mela is the most devoted festival, which is attended by people all over India, there are many other festivals which take place and are of importance. Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Millions of pilgrims from far and wide gather here to take a dip in the River Godavari.

Other festivals celebrated here include Mahashivaratri, Tripuri Purnima and Rath Poornima.

Are mobile phones/photography allowed in Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Yes! Mobile phones are allowed in the Trimbakeshwar Temple. But you have to keep it switched off/away while going to the sanctum. Visitors are allowed to take photographs of the temple structure. Even small purses or bags are allowed. No food items or water bottles are allowed inside.

Trimbakeshwar temple visit timings

The Trimbakeshwar temple opens its gates to the devotees at 5:30 am and closes at 9 pm.

Best Time to Visit Trimbakeshwar Temple

Early morning is the best time to visit the temple. Month-wise wise the best time to visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Nashik is October to March, as the weather is pleasant and it is bearable to stand in the sun. But keep in mind that this is a high tourist season. If you want to beat the crowds, visit in the monsoon.

How to reach Trimbakeshwar Temple

Trimbakeshwar is located near Nashik, so the best way to travel from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar is by road, and the time taken to reach is about 45-60 minutes.

By Train

There is no train station in Trimbakeshwar. The nearest railway station is Nashik Railway Station, which is about 41 km away. You can reach Nashik railway station from Mumbai or any other city in India. One can hire a taxi or take a public bus to reach Trimbakeshwar.

By Air

There is no airport in Trimbakeshwar. The nearest airport is Nashik Gandhinagar Airport, which is 30 km away. From Nashik Airport, you can reach Trimbakeshwar by hiring a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.

By Road

Trimbakeshwar is well connected by road. You can reach Trimbakeshwar easily by public or luxury buses or taxis.

Accommodation in Trimbakeshwar

While there are many options to stay in Trimbakeshwar, from guesthouses to luxury hotels, visitors have to pass through Nashik. According to me, Nashik has more accommodation options than Trimbak. My suggestions for the same are:

Luxury: Express Inn, Grape county eco resort

Mid- range: Holiday Inn Express, Grand rio

Homestay: Utopia farm stay, Vihang farm stay

Sustainable travel tips:

Being an ancient pilgrimage site which sees heavy footfall every day, respect the structures by not sitting on them.
Do not enter places which are closed off, and always follow the directions given by the temple security.
Keep your mobile phone away while entering the temple sanctum.
Throw your garbage in the dustbins located at the entrance of each temple.

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Lohagad Fort Trek: A Day trip from Pune

Ketki Gadre — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 01:43:00 +0000

Lohagad Fort is a popular day trip from Pune and especially visited in monsoon. Check out this guide on Lohagad Fort Trek.

Monsoon season in Pune means heading to the Western Ghats. The first rains are especially special and if it is a weekend then day trips around Pune are for trekking, nature walks, camping and chasing waterfalls.

Pune’s surroundings are nature’s bounty thanks to the Sahyadri hills of Western ghats. I reminisce about one such day trip from Pune to Lohagad wherein I contemplated if the Lohagad Fort trek would be as easy as they say it is.

Shivneri Fort in Junnar is another fort worth the climb!

About Lohagad Fort

Lohagad is one of the historical citadels situated on a hillock in the Lonavala region of Maharashtra.

Lohagad Fort is said to be one of the must-visit places in Maharashtra, especially for trekking enthusiasts.

Lohagad in Marathi translates to ‘Iron Fort’ and is backed by the rich history and architectural brilliance which makes it a favourite and a quick getaway for the students, IT professionals and BPO employees of Pune. Don’t get me wrong, others enjoy it equally!

Lohagad Fort divides the river basins of Indrayani and Pavna and is situated at an elevation of 1,033 meters above mean sea level.

Lohagad is connected to the neighbouring Visapur Fort which is on its eastern side. The fort is still intact and in a good condition as compared to many others in Maharashtra. Lohagad has been declared a protected monument by the Archeology Survey of India (ASI).

Talking about climbing forts how about walking on the Second Longest Wall in the World?

About Lohagad Fort

History of Lohagad Fort

The history of this fort is associated with the great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji. Shivaji Maharaj had captured Lohagad in 1648 and it was handed over to Mughals in 1665 according to the Treaty of Purandar. After five years, the Marathas recaptured it in 1670 and it was used as storage to keep wealth.

It is believed that several other dynasties, such as Rashtrakutas, Nizamshahis, Yadavas, Chalukyas, Mughals, Bahamanis, Satavahanas, have used this fort for several purposes. This is the reason why the fort plays a prominent role in the history of Maharashtra.

Most forts in Maharashtra offer breathtaking views from the top after a hike. Read about Hike to Sinhagad Fort, a half-day trip from Pune that can be combined with a visit to Khadakwasla dam. The kanda bhajjis (onion fritters) are a must eat at Sinhagad fort.

Breathtaking views during Lohagad fort trek

Lohagad Fort Trek: My experience

4 friends on 2 bikes started from Pune on an early Saturday morning towards Lohagad via NH48. An hour into the ride and our stomachs already grumbled for some breakfast. We stopped in one of the roadside shacks selling ‘Chai’ and ‘Pohe’ overlooking the beautiful countryside. After the pit stop, we started again towards Kamshet.

The mundane highway traffic noise was rattled by high-speed bikers who zoomed past us.

It took us over 2 hours to cover the 55km stretch from Pune to Lohagad including the breakfast stop. We reached the Malavli village and upon asking the villagers (works so much better than GPS!), they guided us towards Lohagadwadi village. Lohagad Fort trek starting point is Malavali village for people coming by train and Lohagadwadi village for people on bikes/cars.

We came across the Gaimukh Khind exactly as the villagers had told us the directions and took a right turn towards Lohagadwadi. We promised ourselves to take a left turn soon so as to do the Visapur fort trek, next time.

A small parking area on the foothills near Lohagadwadi village makes it easy to keep the vehicles. It is possible for bikes to go up to the parking area near Bhaja caves. It is generally safe to park there. We found the stairs toward the end of the trekking trail, which would lead us straight to the fort.

500 Stairs to the top of Lohagad fort

We started on the first stairs at about 10:30 am and enquired from the visitors who had already descended the Lohagad fort steps and an enthusiastic guy replied ‘ About 500 EASY steps!

So we started climbing those easy steps breathing in the fresher air with every stair higher.

As we neared the top we came across four doors – the first one is called ‘Ganesh Darwaja’ which houses a broken shrine of Ganapati.

The second one is called ‘Narayan Darwaja’ which houses the shrine of Goddess Parvati postured in crossed legs.

The third one is called ‘Hanuman Darwaja’ which has Lord Hanuman carvings in a dilapidated state, probably because it is known to be the most ancient of all the doors in the fort.

The fourth one is called ‘Maha Darwaaja’ which has a wooden structure built in the Mughal style and the opposite of it houses the cenotaph dedicated to Aurangzeb.

Bhaja caves as seen during Lohagad fort trek

We crossed a room-like looking structure between the Narayan & Hanuman Darwaja. In the yesteryears, these were two godowns that were used for the storage purposes of ammunition. After entering the Maha Darwaja we came across an old mosque. Towards the right of Maha Darwaja, we came across ‘Laxmi Kothi’ which had many rooms. Two cannons are placed here.

We noticed that the entire Lohagad consisted of numerous structures, carvings and caves, some intact and some ruined.

The hill extended to the northwest to a fortified spur which is a 1500 meter long & 30 meters wide part of the mountain, separated from the main part. Viewing from the fort this area looks like a scorpion’s tail and hence it is called Vinchu Kata. This part of the fort acted as a watchtower to keep tabs on enemy activity and attack a launch if required.

We spent the early part of our afternoon and our grumbling stomach reminded us that we need food. The Lohagad fort trek does not have food stalls and the snacks and water that we carried were about to get over. So we decided to climb down and reach the base at 4 pm. We considered going to the nearby waterfalls but we were too tired and hungry and decided to pass it for next time.

All this trekking reminded me of trek to Triund hill.

One of the gates to Lohagad fort

Part of the fort in ruins

Best time to visit Lohagad Fort

The best time to visit Lohagad Fort is during the monsoon months i.e. June to September as it receives heavy rainfall, which makes the trekking track green and spectacular. The top is full of mist. One can also visit it in winter till March when the weather is pleasant and humidity is low.

How to reach Lohagad Fort

Lohagad is a few kilometres away from Mumbai and Pune and can be reached by the following modes of transport:

By Flight

The Pune International Airport is the closest airport. It is located at a distance of 55kms from Lohagad which takes around 2hrs of a drive on the Mumbai-Pune Highway.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Malavli. It is just 6kms away from Lohagad Fort. Lonavala is another major railway station near Lohagad. It is 12kms away from Lohagad Fort.

By Road

Lohagad is accessible by road. Just follow the Mumbai-Pune Highway to reach.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lohagad Fort Trek

Who built Lohagad Fort?

The fort was built by Guru Govind Singh and it was designed to serve as a prison. However, over the years, it was used for various purposes.

Lohagad trek time/ Time required to climb Lohagad fort Pune?

It took us 2 hours to climb Lohagad with ample photography stops and a first-time visit. For people visiting it often, the trek can be completed within 40 minutes.

What are Lohagad trek timings?

Lohagad trek is open from 9 am to 6 pm.

Is food available in Lohagad?

Food is only available at the base village or in the shacks at the base. Cooking is not allowed inside the fort premises. Carrying dry snacks is allowed.

Are toilets available on Lohagad fort?

There are no toilets available in the fort. Ensure to use a toilet before you start the trek.

Where to stay in Lohagad?

Though Lohagad trek is a one day trip from Pune, it can be combined with leisure stay in Lohagad Boat club on the banks of Pawna Lake. There are also many campsites to choose from.

Lohagad fort photos | As seen from the peak

Is Lohagad fort trek easy? | What is the difficulty level of Lohagad trek?

Lohagad trek is an easy to moderate trek that can be done by anyone. You can be easily be prepared for the trek by following the points below:

Physical fitness: No special training is required for the Lohagad trek, but the fitter you are the better you enjoy it.
Exercise and walk: You need to have good stamina for trekking. Regular walking along with some cardiovascular exercises increases the stamina required for the trek.

Distance from Mumbai to Lohagad / How to reach Lohagad from Mumbai?

Lohagad trek from Mumbai distance is 100 km and three hours drive.

Distance from Pune to Lohagad Distance/ How to reach Lohagad from Pune?

Lohagad from Pune is two hours drive 65 km approx. Car parking is available near the Bhaja village.

Things to Carry on Lohagad Fort trek

Sunglasses
Good trekking shoes or any comfortable shoes
Water-bottle
Hat or cap or stole
Snacks
Medicines if you are suffering from any allergy or you are on any medication.

River basins as seen during Lohagad trek

Sustainable Tips for Lohagad Fort Trek

Carry a bag to store the wrappers and plastic packets. Take it back to the base or even better back to the city for disposal. DO NOT under any circumstances throw the plastic in water tanks at the top of the fort – it is impossible to clean it.
Do not dispose of leftover food during the trek or on the top.
Take food only in the quantity that you will consume.
Do not carry liquor – it is banned to consume it on the fort premises.
Do not write on or distort the rocks of the fort. You are witnessing a portion of history so respect it.

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Diveagar Beach- the Konkan Paradise

Ketki Gadre — Wed, 26 May 2021 13:26:23 +0000

Diveagar Beach is one of the popular Konkan beaches. While the idyllic beach is the star attraction, Diveagar offers a great vacation to unwind.

Diveagar is the perfect combination of rural and town life and is a perfect weekend getaway from Pune.

Diveagar Beach was my second Konkan beach after one day trip to Alibaug.

I woke up to the distant calls of a rooster and the mild fragrance of neem flowers as against the cacophony of city traffic. I walked outside to acquaint myself with the surroundings of the sleepy town of Diveagar. I was in the middle of a Konkan paradise full of mango and banana orchards lined with coconut trees which swayed in the hot summer breeze. I thought to myself, ‘I could get used to this country life!’

About Diveagar

Diveagar is quaint yet stunning of all the Konkan beaches situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is situated 185 km from Mumbai and 165 km from Pune making it a perfect road trip over the weekend.

This coastal town was earlier a flourishing city under the many rulers who ruled Deepagar. It was only after the 14th Century that Konkan town got its name Diveagar during the reign of King Chitaraj. There is a copper plate is known as “Velasi Agar” which is identified with the village Velasi on the Dive Agar Velasi road.

The sleepy Konkan town of Diveagar

Diveagar Beach and Places to visit nearby

I was in Diveagar for the weekend from Pune.

I had started late on a Friday afternoon so by the time I reached Diveagar, it was too dark to see anything. Against the other popular Konkan beach towns such as Ratnagiri, Ganapatipule, Guhaghar, Tarkali, Alibaug, Diveagar is fairly secluded and hence extremely pristine.

However, over the last few years too much tourist activity has made it commercialized with big resorts opening up and the introduction of water sports catering to tourist demands.

The otherwise sleepy town of Diveagar is perfect to unwind, just to be away from the city and be one with nature while switching off technology. I particularly loved walking on the clean beaches and reading a book on the hammock of my homestay. But since I was there, here are some places to visit in Diveagar if you get bored with the beach!

Diveagar Beach

I fell in love with the soft silver sand of Diveagar Beach. There is definitely some magic in Konkan beaches and I always feel belonging to these sandy areas.

The beach was walking distance from my homestay but I decided to take the car anyway, so as to change clothes and keep stuff securely. There are no cemented structures, no pathways, just a countryside road all along the beach. Park anywhere and walk to the beach. A forest of Suru trees opens to the pristine Diveagar Beach.

The beach had very negligible crowds when I visited and it was a perfect morning. The waves were strong and the beach was uneven and wavy, unlike the other calm Konkan beaches. Maybe that is why water sports have flourished so much here – perfect for sea surfing and banana boat rides.

After a long walk on the beach observing the sand-bubbler crabs, seagulls flying over my head, and the locals persuading tourists to ride a bullock cart, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the simplicity of country life overlooking the hills of Western Ghats. I promised myself to come back post-monsoon, to see Diveagar drenched in the green blanket.

I dodged the urge to have tea, coffee, coconut water, and snacks like Vada Pav, Misal and Maggi sold by local vendors around the beach as I wanted to catch some local breakfast back at my homestay.

Diveagar Beach, Maharashtra

Roopnarayan Temple

I headed out to check out the Hindu temple in Diveagar post breakfast. Also known as Sundernarayan temple, the Roopnarayan temple is believed to have been built in the 13th century under the reign of King Shilahar and is devoted to Lord Vishnu, whose statue is 900 years old. The temple is built in black marble rock.

The temple has carvings of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu i.e. the Dashavatar along with the carvings of Lord Brahma and Lord Mahesh are particularly noteworthy. The Vishnu idol has hands each accessorized with Gada (weapon), Shank (Shell), Padma (Lotus), and Chakra (Wheel).

Roopnarayan temple Diveagar

Suvarna Ganpati Temple

Suvarna means gold. According to the legends, on November 17th, 1998 (Sankashti Chaturthi as per the Hindu calendar) a copper box was found beneath the soil in a nearby farm. It weighed 30 kilos, 37.5 cm(27 inches) in length,45 cm(18 inches) wide, and 17.5 (7 inches) in height. The box had a 24-carat gold idol of Lord Ganpati (elephant-headed god also known as Ganesha).

A temple was made to honour this idol which made it special not only for the locals but also for the tourists who visited Diveagar. Unfortunately, in 2012, the golden idol of Lord Ganesha was stolen by a group of thieves.

However, they could not stop the worship. So the temple now has a silver Ganpati idol.

Places to visit near Diveagar

Aravi Beach

Located 5k away from the Diveagar beach, Aravi beach is another pristine jewel of Konkan. Aravi Beach has mountains on one side, a beach on the other, and a road in the middle. The road covers almost 2 km distance where you keep passing by the seashore. Seashore covered with white sand and no trash at all, and blue water until the very end you can see.

Aravi Beach | Photo: Sayali

Harihareshwar

Diveagar to Harihareshwar is only 40 km and these two places can be easily combined.

Harihareshwar Beach attracts a lot of visitors. The beach is also surrounded by four hills namely Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri, and Pushpadrib. The river Savitri flows nearby through the dense forest that adds to the charm of Harihareshwar. The beach is flanked by the Arabian Sea and is famed for its sandy shores and cool atmosphere. Harihara Hill located close by on the seashore serves as the prime attraction.

Graced by the temple of Shiva in the northern part of the town, Harihareshwar is often referred to as the ‘Dev-Ghar’. There are 2 temples in the same complex – one is dedicated to Lord Shiva and another is dedicated to Lord Kalabhairav which is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple premises also has a shrine dedicated to Hanuman.

The Parikrama of this important temple in Maharashtra passes along the seashore. It is an adventure of sorts to attempt to do that as the route for this passes through the woods, where you have to climb, descend and walk through slippery rocks. There are numerous crevices and caves with idols such as Gayatri Tirth and rock carvings, such as Vishnu pad, on the big rocks jotting on this route.

Harihareshwar Hill

The calmer Harihareshwar beach

Resorts in Diveagar | Diveagar Hotels

Diveagar can be best experienced by living in a local homestay surrounded by betel-nut trees and mango orchards. The charm of staying in a Konkani house is unique. And thankfully Divegar offers just that.

There are many homestays, which even offer freshly cooked homemade meals along with the stay. Tandula chi bhakri and sol-kadhi offered in these homestays are so authentic and fresh! There is a mix of Malvani and Konkani meals both vegetarian and nonvegetarian offered during the stay. And I honestly would any day prefer eating here than in any hotel because of the freshly cooked meals from the ingredients in the backyard.

Apart from homestays, there are many Diveagar hotels and resorts in Diveagar offering accommodation. Check them out here.

Hotels and Resorts

Cocohut Resort Diveagar, Exotica Beach Retreats Diveagar

Homestay

Heritage Holiday Homes

Diveagar Homestays with greenery around

Food in Diveagar

The delicious Konkani cuisine is a must-have while in Diveagar. There are many eateries in Diveagar serving seafood (Kingfish, Pomfret, Prawns, Salomon, Mackarel). There are equally delicious vegetarian options such as modak, ghavne, and vegetarian meals consisting of tandulachi bhakri, rice, aamti and solkadi.

Todankar’s Sai Centre is a good place for seafood and vegetarian meals. Rane Bandhu Khanaval and Kalaprasad Khanaval are popular among tourists for seafood and vegetarian fare. For pure vegetarian meals, Bapat Khanaval is popular in Diveagar.

A vegetarian Konkani thali meal

Best time to visit Diveagar Beach

I went at the start of summer – mid-March. It was still quite pleasant then and tourists were fewer due to examination month! Peak summer temperature reaches 42-43 degrees and it could get really uncomfortable but on the plus side, one gets to enjoy the local variety of Mangoes – Alphonso! The tourists are fewer, which means the accommodation is more affordable.

I would suggest that you miss visiting Monsoon as the sea is rough and one cannot really enjoy the beach. The approach roads are bad and there is are power cut problems not to mention the dampness everywhere.

Winters or immediately post-monsoon are the best time but this also means there will be larger crowds. Post monsoon can reward you with waterfalls and lush western ghats.

How to reach Diveagar

The best possible way to reach Diveagar is by road. Roads starting from the major cities of Mumbai and Pune are considered to be the most convenient options.

By Rail

The nearest Railhead is Mangaon (about 45 Kms) on the Konkan Railway. From Mangaon State Transport Bus Depot, regular buses ply to Diveagar and Shrivardhan. From Mumbai, it takes approximately 3.5 hours to reach Mangaon and from there it takes a further one hour to reach Diveagar.

By Road

Air-Conditioned state-run as well as private buses, run regularly from Mumbai and Pune to Shrivardhan. On reaching Shrivardhan, you could hire a taxi to Diveagar, which happens to be roughly within a distance of 10 km. State transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to Diveagar. By car from Mumbai, Diveagar can be reached through NH-66 (Panvel Kochi highway), the conventional route – Mumbai, Vashi, Panvel, Palaspe (NH -17 begins here), Vadkhal naka, Nagothane, Mangaon. From Pune, take the road from Chandni Chowk or from Hinjewadi via Paud phata to Tamhini ghat. Drive down to Mangaon in the Konkan region. From Mangaon drive down to Mhasla and ahead to Diveagar.

By Air

Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the nearest airport (about 170 Kms)

Local Transport in Diveagar

Most homestays and resorts are near the beach so one doesn’t really need local transport. And most visitors drive in their cars so it is easy that way. However, if you need, hotels and homestays do rent out a two-wheeler or bikes.

Sustainable tips for Diveagar Beach Trip

Do not dispose of food or plastic bags, wrappers, packets on the beach.
Do not write on the walls of forts or temples.
Do not play loud music while in a national park or anywhere out in nature. This disturbs the balance of the ecosystem. A bird may not be able to hear its mate’s calls

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One day trip to Alibaug from Mumbai

Ketki Gadre — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 14:32:19 +0000

Wondering about places to visit near Mumbai? A one day trip to Alibaug from Mumbai is ideal as there are many many places to visit in Alibaug.

Konkan is special – the beaches, the small temples around villages, the mango trees and slow country life. Diveagar Beach would be one of my favorite beaches in Konkan.

I have vivid memories of visiting the beaches of Alibaug when we used to take the ferry ride from Gateway of India to meet my aunt.

After shifting to Gujarat, I forgot all about those ferry rides and the white sandy beaches of Alibaug till very recently I had the opportunity to visit. I only had a day in Alibaug and I used it to go down memory lane and do the same things I did as a kid and more. Here’s my guide on one day trip to Alibaug.

✦ Pro tip: Book a Guided Day Trip to Alibag-Kashid Beach from Mumbai (transport from Mumbai included)

About Alibaug

Alibaug has always been a sleepy little town close to Mumbai, only the locals commuted between Alibaug and Mumbai and it was undiscovered for a long time.

But the cacophony of Mumbai only made Mumbaikars seek peaceful environs and cleaner beaches. Thus the party shifted to Alibaug for weddings, birthday celebrations and quick weekend getaways from Mumbai. Alibaug tourism flourished and how!

My visit to Alibaug

I took the morning ferry from Gateway of India, Mumbai to Alibaug. These are government-approved ferry rides that leave every half hour. Memories came rushing back as I sat on the upper deck of the boat and as the boat reversed leaving the beautiful monument behind.

Gateway of India Ferry to Alibaug

A few minutes into the ride, I saw Seagulls flying around the boat as tourists started feeding them with potato chips! It was so bizarre as parents with kids bought Kurkure packets simply to feed the gulls and make a video of it! A seagulls diet is fish and feeding it with chips was utter idiotism.

As furious as I was looking at this, I had to control myself because people wouldn’t listen to me and call me crazy instead. I saw tourists in other ferry boats doing the same. This was a major ‘Facepalm moment’. The same thing I had experienced while on the boat ride to Beyt Dwarka Camping.

I quietly sat down enjoying the view of the sea, the waves crashing on the side of the boat as the littered plastic happily floated in the morning sun’s glory.

In about 40 minutes, I could notice the land on the other side, which meant I was inching closer to Alibaug. And soon enough I did. I deboarded on the Mandwa jetty and took a rather long walk to reach the main area. From the Mandwa jetty, the town of Alibaug is another 40-50 minutes so one can choose to take a bus from the jetty bus stand or hire a private car for the day’s trip. Since I had my cousin’s car in the town, I took a bus to reach the town.

After the family greetings and a quick breakfast at home, I was ready to explore places to visit in Alibaug.

If you are up for breakfast first thing after reaching Alibaug, Kiki’s Cafe & Deli at Mandwa Jetty is an amazing place overlooking Mandwa Beach.

They have lovely breakfast options overlooking the bay and eating here will be an amazing way to start the day. The cafe itself is super cute with bicycles suspended from the ceiling, quirky illustrations all over the wall, and vibrant colours all around.

Mandwa Beach, Alibaug

Places to visit in Alibaug

Alibaug is a typical beach town but has a lot of other places to visit in Alibaug. There are adventure activities, staycation options in the villas, beach visits as well as biodiversity parks to visit.

Alibaug Beach – Kolaba Fort

I certainly wanted to check out the highlight of Alibaug – Kolaba Fort. As a kid, I was fascinated to walk across the ocean in low tide to reach a fort. What also fascinated me was the fact that this fort has sweet water well!

I parked the car outside and walked over the parapet wall to see the low tide in action.

Being the closest to town, the Alibaug beach always is full of life with horse buggies, coconut water vendors and shops selling street snacks. A sitting area gives a good chance to simply relax and enjoy the beach view.

Alibaug water sports is also what brings a lot of tourists. Water sports such as banana boat ride, jet ski and sea kayaking are some of the most popular adventure activities of Alibaug Beach during one day trip to Alibaug.

Horse buggy at alibaug beach

Kolaba fort alibaug at sunset

Surrounded by the Arabian Sea waters from all sides lies a fortress which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alibaug. Although this 300 years fort now lies in shambles, it was a sight a behold during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra wherein the fort was used as the chief naval station. It is a nationally-protected area under the ASI.

I happily walked to the fort, although taking a horse buggy is also possible! I noticed some local vendors just outside the fort wall selling a local variety of fruits – chana bor, kairi, kakdi, chinch (my mouth is watering as I type this) and others. I got my entry ticket of INR 5 and went in.

Local vendor selling fruits at Kolaba fort

Even though the fort is cut off for half the day, there is a community that has been living in the fort for generations and goes about doing their daily work. They have to shift back to the coast during the monsoons, but they spend the rest of the months in their home praying in the fort temple. Their source of water is that one sweet water well and a tank which gets filled with rainwater.

I walked around the fort, checking out the ocean views from each side, paying my respects at the temple and being in awe of the last remnants of the fort like the cannons!

Houses inside Kolaba fort alibaug

Walls still standing strong at Kolaba fort Alibaug

The ruins of Kolaba Fort Alibaug

Cannons at Kolaba fort Alibaug

Varsoli Beach

The next stop for my day was Varsoli Beach, a 4 km ride from the town. Varsoli beach makes me feel like I am on one of those Konkan beaches. The pristinely beautiful Varsoli beach is one of the clean beaches in Alibaug and that is one of the best Alibaug visiting places. While an evening stroll around the sunset will give you Goa feels, it is equally mesmerizing in the morning.

I love Varsoli beach for the beautiful forests that lead up to the beach. This place always kind of made me reminisce about old Bollywood movies where the actors danced around such trees to melodious tunes. It’s perfect to overlook the waves while sipping water from fresh coconut. The seafood, as well as veg food, served in shacks is delicious.

Varsoli beach near alibaug

Native Biodiversity Garden

This recently opened Biodiversity garden is absolutely worth adding to your one day trip to Alibaug. This 1.25-acre park, in the compound of a government guest house, is owned by the Zila Parishad, sponsored by Shapoorji Pallonji and developed by Mumbai NGO the Centre for Environmental Research and Education (CERE).

The garden boasts of 55,000 plants of 525 indigenous species, especially from the Western Ghats. The entire garden is sustainable as it is manicured to look like a typical garden and is run on solar power. The light fixtures have been fabricated from waste material.

The garden is further divided into several sections like sensory, medicinal, butterfly, wetland, etc. to attract birds, butterflies and insects. At the entrance, you can spot the ginormous 8-foot tall hand-carved Deepmaal that signifies the local custom of welcoming guests with lights.

Dashrat Patel Museum

If you love arts and crafts then Dashrat Patel museum is an offbeat place to visit in Alibaug. The museum houses paintings, ceramic pottery, photography and design-related work by Dashrath Patel, the founding secretary of the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad.

By the time this museum visit is over, it will probably be time to head back to Mandwa jetty for the ride back to Mumbai. Before doing that I would recommend you to catch up on high tea at one of the many amazing Cafes in Alibaug.

Where to Eat in Alibaug

Going back to Alibaug town from Dashrat Patel Museum would be a long journey. So instead just head to the exit destination and choose from the many beautifully decorated cafes at Mandwa Jetty.

If you are in for picturesque sea views, I will highly recommend spending time at Boardwalk By Flamboyante. This waterfront restaurant is right between the bridge that takes you to the boats and the parking lots, so saves tons of time in commuting and there’s never a fear of not catching the ferry back. There is an outdoor seating area as well as an indoor area if it gets too hot outside.

With wide arrays of dishes, the menu has something for everyone. Their thin-crust pizzas, fries, burgers and coffee are amazing.

Source: Mandwa Port Website

How to Reach Alibaug from Mumbai?

In order to cover one day trip to Alibaug there is an efficient transportation system.

Alibaug’s distance from Mumbai is about 100 km. The quickest transport to get to Alibaug from Mumbai is by boat from the Gateway of India. It is a 40 minutes ride by ferry and approximately 20 minutes in a speed boat. One can also hire private yachts for groups that take over an hour to reach the Mandwa Jetty. Alibaug Ferry time starts as early as 6 am and the last one from either side is around 6 pm. Tickets are available on the spot.

Note: Alibaug weather is bad during the monsoon and hence ferries are closed during the entire duration of the monsoon (Mid June to the end of September).

Recently, Mumbai to Alibaug Ro-Ro car ferry service has started which will work even in monsoon and reduce the road travel time.

From the jetty, it takes additional 30-40 minutes by bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw to get into town. The buses don’t function past 6 pm and the taxis and autos charge a super expensive fare.

One can reach Alibaug from Mumbai by road which takes up to three and a half hours. Government-run buses ply on this route every day.

One day trip to Alibaug from Mumbai by Ferry

Best time to visit Alibaug

The best time to visit Alibaug in order to enjoy the beaches and the weather is during the months of winter – November to March. If you want to enjoy the monsoon curled up in your blanket, then monsoon is perfect to get away on a weekend.

Where To Stay in Alibaug

While this post focuses on one day trip to Alibaug, a weekend is the best way to chill here.

There is no dearth of options for staying in Alibaug. From renting private villas to bungalows with orchards, from resorts to homestays, there are many options for accommodation in Alibaug.

Resorts in Alibaug: Alibaug U Tropicana, Radisson Blu

Alibaug beach villa: Saffron Stays Crimson Lagoon, Mango Beach House

Farmhouse: Outpost, Sidz Cottage

Guesthouse: Aie Maoli Guest House, Gandhar Ecostay

Beach camping: Paradise Beach Camping, Revdanda Beach Camping

Places to visit near Alibaug

Murud Janjira Fort

Located on an Island off of the coastal village of Murud, the Murud Janjira Fort is a majestic fortification. It is about 55 km from the Alibaug region in Maharashtra. If you are travelling on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra then this fort is a must-visit that you shouldn’t miss.

Other Beaches in Alibaug

If you have more days, then Nagaon Beach, Akshi Beach and Kihim Beach are something to look forward to. Nagaon Beach has water sports activities quite different from Alibaug beach.

Sustainable tips for Things to do in Alibaug

Do not dispose of food or plastic bags, wrappers, or packets in the ocean while on the ferry ride or on the beach.
So not feed anything to the seagulls! ANYTHING!
Do not write on fort walls.

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Holiday Inn Express Nashik (Indira Nagar) Staycation #MoreThanReady

Ketki Gadre — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 16:55:19 +0000

Nashik is popular for two things – Wine because it is the grape capital of India and as a Retirement city because of its chilled vibe. Nashik is blessed with good weather, thanks to its proximity to the Satmala hills which are an integral part of Satpura mountain range. And that is the reason people from nearby big towns of Mumbai and Pune, prefer settling in the calm and cozy city of Nashik. I planned a weekend getaway from Ahmedabad with Holiday Inn Express Nashik to relax and experience luxury on budget.

Why did I choose Holiday Inn Express Nashik?

I love how the brand Holiday Inn Express Nashik is not just focused on men travelers but solo woman travelers who are traveling for work. For all the smart woman travelers, who travel for both business and leisure purposes and when she travels, she feels, security, hygiene, functionality and efficiency during the stay. The brand wants to promote a solo woman traveler with their unique hashtag #Morethanready .

I loved their philosophy which is focused on smart and fast travelers that travel should be without hassle or complication and should offer more where it matters most. True to this philosophy, the hotel is still very much rooted and you can see the pride they take in showcasing their heritage and culture. All hallways are adorned with photo frames of architecture around Nashik including temple and caves and will encourage even the busy business traveler to visit them.

About Holiday Inn Express Nashik

The hotel lives to its name – Express and literally from the online reservation to the check-in to the services, everything is in Express mode. You can instantly know that the hotel is designed for the generation of express travelers who want to book for a short work stay, a short rejuvenating break or a layover between travels. But don’t get me wrong. It is equally friendly for relaxed tourists and families on religious tours.

The hotel is conveniently located on the Mumbai-Agra Highway and is strategically located within 5 km radius from most tourist attractions in Nashik. It is a short 20 minutes drive from Nashik Road Railway Station and 30 minutes from the Nashik airport.

Rooms

Compact yet comfortable is how I would like to describe the rooms at Holiday Inn Express Nashik. With over 100 smart rooms both in deluxe and twin categories spread across 5 floors, guests can work and relax in their own space. The rooms are equipped with a cozy bed which promises a good night’s sleep ensuring, the guests wake up refreshed and energized. There is a study table, high definition TV, tea/coffee maker and a mini fridge – perfect for a work stay or staycation. The bathroom is separate from the toilet and the wash basin is in the room instead of all of it being in one unit. The room as well as bathroom were uber clean with modern amenities and toiletries (not in a small size throw away bottles but in refillable big bottles, so yaay!). A high speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel will ensure you are connected with your boss or family at all times.

Also Read about my Staycation in Laos: Luang Say Residence, Luang Prabang

My superior queen room at Holiday Inn Express Nashik

Fully equipped modern room at Holiday Inn Express Nashik

Food @ Holiday Inn Express Nashik

Being an express, the availability of breakfast is early! Express Breakfast or Grab & Go option starts as early at 6:30am ensuring you have a good early morning flight or are fueled up before a religious day tour.

I was really impressed with the array of options in the buffet ranging from Indian to continental dishes suitable for vegetarian and non vegetarian palette. The availability of baked products and fresh juice was an added advantage.

The Express cafe is also equipped for à la carte for lunch and buffet for dinner. The limited menu on the à la carte will ensure you are filled up. The Indian dinner buffet is also good and worth trying. Feeling lazy after work to grab the food? There is always room service option available.

Facilities/ Amenities for the Fast and Smart Traveler

Worried about the dirty laundry and do not want to pay hefty charges? Put on the shoes and get to the self laundromat. Set up a timer and grab dinner or the latest episode of your favorite netflix series and your laundry will be done! It is a 24 hours available free laundromat on the first floor of the hotel. Holiday Inn Express Nashik has really thought about the convenience of travelers and this is the cherry on cake.

You need to take care of your health on the go. A small gym will ensure you burn those extra calories from the breakfast buffet.

There is availability of a small conference/meeting room where you can conduct your meetings or small gathering, without leaving the hotel premises.

Sustainability initiative

The entire hallway across the hotel is equipped with auto light sensors which turn on and off sensing movement which saves a lot of electricity.

Final thoughts about Holiday Inn Express Nashik

From the time I checked in until check out, I had a flawless experience. The friendly staff also helped me with recommendations to see around. The hotel also arranged a car on one of the days to visit places around Nashik. I had a great staycation at Holiday Inn Express Nashik and would highly recommend to anyone coming to Nashik for business, religious tours, attending a wedding or just sipping wine at Sula Vineyards. The service is excellent and the warm hospitality is a warrant I would love to come back and stay here. A sincere thanks to Mr Niketan Jadhav, Sales Executive for showing me around ensuring that I had a memorable experience.

Contact & Bookings: Holiday Inn Express Nashik Indira Nagar

Address: Survey No. 882, Near Lekhanagar Mumbai-Agra Highway Maharashtra, Nashik, 422009

Contact no.: +91 253 6644666

Email: reservations.iskin@ihg.com

Instagram: @hiex.nashik

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Holiday-Inn-Express-Nashik-Indira-Nagar-2293279874283930/

Click here to book a room for yourself!

Disclosure – I was a guest at Holiday Inn Express Nashik Indira Nagar. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

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