Have some fun exploring Nashik beyond the Mahakumbh. Discover Nashik, Maharashtra’s hidden gem, with this ultimate travel guide covering its vineyards, Warli art, local cuisine, Asia’s largest Artillery Museum, and a host of exhilarating outdoor adventures.

1. Nashik’s Historical Footprint: From Trams to Independence
2. Vocal for Local: Embracing Nashik’s Spirit
3. Sula Vineyards: A Taste of India’s Wine Country
4. Indigenous Flavours of Maharashtra: A Culinary Journey
5. Warli Art Workshop: A Glimpse into Tribal Heritage
6. Kumaramangalam Artillery Museum: A Chronicle of Military Might
7.  Fun Activities: Adding a Dash of Thrill
8. Planning Your Nashik Adventure: Tips and Insights
9. Getting to Nashik

An amalgam of life’s many shades, Nashik surprised me. The land of tomatoes, onions, grapes, Nashik is a verdant tapestry. Moving at a gentle pace, home to over 2.2 million souls, and a vital point in Maharashtra’s Golden Triangle alongside Pune and Mumbai, the city rests along the shores of the Godavari River, known as the Ganga of the South. It lies on the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, an ancient volcanic formation, and has been a crucible of revolutionary activities.

Nashik’s Historical Footprint: From Trams to Independence

Even though, I didn’t venture into the city, staying on the emerald outskirts, the cultural narrative brought it alive.

The British introduced the Nashik Tram around 1889, a pioneering venture that lasted nearly 44 years, covering 8-10 km and transporting villagers through dense jungle.

During the Independence Movement, Nashik became the hotbed of the Nasik Conspiracy Case (1910), leading to the lifetime imprisonment of freedom fighters Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and his elder brother Babarao Savarkar, who were deported to the infamous Cellular Jail at the Andaman Islands. The brothers had founded a secret society, Abhinav Bharat, camouflaged under the mask of ‘Mitra Mela’. On December 21, 1909, a member of the society, Anant Kanhere, assassinated Nashik’s then governor, A. M. T. Jackson, while he was watching a play.

In 1930, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar launched a satyagraha for the entry of Dalits into Kalaram Mandir, further cementing Nashik’s role in India’s social reform movements.

Beyond its human history, the region is home to leopards and other fauna, adding a wild touch to its serene landscapes. Today, Nashik thrives on agriculture and diverse industries, a blend of tradition and modernity.

Vocal for Local: Embracing Nashik’s Spirit

Our stay in the green tent city, created by Maharashtra Tourism for the Eco Glamping Festival at Gangapur Dam backwaters, was the perfect haven. Far from the city’s hustle and bustle, yet close enough for all the fun ‘Vocal for Local’ experiences that define Nashik.

Sula Vineyards: A Taste of India’s Wine Country

Dubbed the Napa Valley of India and the Wine Capital of India, Nashik houses almost 40 operational wineries. So, a winery tour is a must.

We headed to the famous Sula Vineyards. Founded by Rajeev Samant in 1996 and named after his mother, Sulabha, Sula is India’s oldest winery, a pioneer in producing wines with an Indian logo.

The winery is a photographer’s dream, with multiple spots for capturing the essence of the vineyards. Its grounds are adorned with indigenous flowers and colourful installations, creating some perfect Instaworthy spots.

The tour begins with a short video, followed by a session on the wine-making process, including a visit to the barrel room, and culminates in a wine tasting session. Sula also features a wine shop, souvenir shop, restaurant, and a boutique hotel.

There are many green practices in place here, such as turning old casks into furniture, rainwater harvesting, solar power installations.

The entry fee starts at INR 1,000 for a day visit. Best to book in advance to avoid the rush.

Indigenous Flavours of Maharashtra: A Culinary Journey

Among the many delightful dishes that Maharashtra offers, the origin of ‘misal’ is said to be somewhere along the boundary of Khandesh and Western Maharashtra, including present-day Nashik and Ahmednagar districts. While I didn’t eat misal pav on this trip, I did try my other favourites—poha, sabudana khichdi, and kokum sherbet.

The road to Trimbakeshwar temple, the site of the 2027 Mahakumbh, was lined with vendors selling saffron milk, ginger tea, vada pav, poha, dosa, and Indian mithais. But that’s normal fare for a city dweller.

Imagine a picnic in the fields with a farmer, under a gigantic old tree, savouring home-cooked, finger-licking food, cooked by true blue natives. Well, we relished that at Dattavandan Agro Biotech farm in village Mungasare.

Surrounded by grapevines, fields of capsicums, cabbages, onions, and more, we were immersed in the famous Nashik ruralscape. I planted a light metal portable camping stool under a huge mango tree, right next to a deep well. Even the sun couldn’t penetrate the green cover of this old grandfather tree.

Then, I relished my meal of boiled Indrayani rice (native to Nashik) with a really spicy amti (lentil water laden with special Maharashtrian spices) and hot bhakris (bajra rotis). I ended it with ghee-laden fresh puranpolis (rotis stuffed with finely ground lentil) and yummy aamras (fresh and thick mango pulp). The natives preserve the mangoes during the season. There was chicken curry as well, but I am a vegetarian.

This meal ended with a Nashik siesta in my luxury tent.

Warli Art Workshop: A Glimpse into Tribal Heritage

Sitting in a makeshift thatched gazebo at the tent city, we time travelled to the tribal era, and the homes of the Warli tribe and their art.

At first glance, Warli paintings appeared to be simple white geometric figures against an earthen backdrop, adorned with nature-inspired motifs. However, a closer look revealed a complex world intricately woven with nature’s rhythms. What initially seemed like a straightforward art form proved to be a deeply thoughtful expression, a revelation I experienced during a workshop with an award-winning artist, Anil Vangad.

Hailing from Dahanu village in Palghar district, Vangad has dedicated over two decades to preserving and evolving this artistic legacy. Tracing his lineage to the Warli tribe, he inherited the art from his mother, an early mentor.

Warli paintings reflect the tribe’s profound connection with the natural world and their animistic beliefs. Using fundamental geometric shapes—triangles, circles, and squares—Warli artists traditionally depicted vibrant narratives of daily life: farming, festivals, hunting, and village scenes, all painted in white on the earthen walls of their homes.

Yet, Vangad has pushed the boundaries of tradition, showcasing the evolution of human existence from natural surroundings to urban landscapes. He has also expanded the medium, incorporating charcoal and indigo backgrounds, adding depth and contrast to his work. Through his dedication, this folk art, rooted in rural Maharashtra, has garnered international acclaim. His works have graced exhibitions in the USA, UK, France, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and were notably introduced to the Santa Fe Folk Art Market in New Mexico. In 2014, his contributions were recognized with the prestigious WCC Award of Excellence from UNESCO.

The Warli tribe, historically residing in the mountainous and coastal regions along the Maharashtra-Gujarat border, derives its name from “warla,” meaning “a piece of land.” Their dialect, “Varli,” is classified as a variant of Marathi. Warli painting is predominantly created by the indigenous people of the North Sahyadri Range in Maharashtra, flourishing in locales like Dahanu, Talasari, Jawhar, Palghar, Mokhada, and Vikramgad.

Traditionally, Warli paintings were the domain of married women, who used a rice-flour paste to create white designs against the backdrop of red mud or cow dung walls. This ancient form of interior decoration symbolized good fortune for newlyweds. However, as times changed, particularly around the 1970s, male artists began to adapt the art form, transferring it from hut walls to paper and canvas to supplement their farming income.

The beauty of Warli art lies in its minimalist aesthetic and the artist’s ability to convey complex narratives with simple strokes. Using a thin bamboo brush, white acrylic paint, red mud (gerue), and cotton cloth, artists create scenes without preliminary pencil sketches. The composition is conceived in the artist’s mind and directly expressed on the canvas.

Working with acrylic paints demands precision, as there is little room for error. Artists must have a clear vision of their composition, including the placement of figures and motifs, to effectively convey their intended message. Planning is crucial, as I learned firsthand during my workshop. The process requires fluid movements and a delicate touch.

Despite conducting workshops both in India and abroad, Vangad remains committed to traditional mediums. He prefers gerue, gobar, charcoal, and rice paste over synthetic dyes and paints, and encourages his family and students to do the same. He also calls Warli ‘a lipi’, that is a form of language, symbolic narrative in this case. His passion extends beyond painting to farming, the Warli tribe’s traditional occupation.

In 2014, Warli art received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India, recognizing its unique cultural heritage and its association with the Maharashtra-Gujarat border region. The Adivasi Yuva Seva Sangh (AYUSH) played a crucial role in securing this recognition, ensuring the preservation of this invaluable cultural treasure.

Kumaramangalam Artillery Museum: A Chronicle of Military Might

Through the picturesque foothills of the Sahyadri Mountains, we drove to Deolali Gaon to see Asia’s largest artillery museum—the Kumaramangalam Artillery Museum. Amid the serene enclosure of the military cantonment, the museum occupies a portion of a former British-Indian military centre from World War II.

Tracing the evolution of artillery, wars, and commemorating the courageous actions of bravehearts, the foundation stone for this museum was laid on November 16, 1968 by General Paramasiva Prabhakar Kumaramangalam.

Established by the Regiment of Artillery Association, the museum underwent renovation in the last few years. It was renamed and inaugurated on July 1, 2024.  The dedication to General P.P. Kumaramangalam underlines the significance of the bravery and valour of one of the largest armed forces in the world.  

General Paramasiva Prabhakar Kumaramangalam, referred to as General P.P. Kumaramangalam, served as the 6th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army from 1966 to 1969. In along and illustrious military career, he participated in World War II. Hereceived several honours, including the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHS).

There is a mindboggling display of vintage and modern weaponry, from ancient catapults to contemporary tanks and aircraft. Walking through the outdoor exhibits amid thick trees and blooming flowers, it’s difficult to imagine what wars in real life look like. A light and sound lights up this space during the weekends.

The main foyer displays stories of valour, including Umrao Singh’s Victoria Cross and the Tangail airdrop. Spread over two floors with multiple galleries, the spacious museum houses a rich array of artillery pieces, including a brass cannon used by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE), Tipu Sultan’s 102-barrel Rattanban, and Maratha artillery. 

Modern exhibits include the T-59 tank from the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the Sexton self-propelled gun from World War II, and various howitzers and mountain guns, each with a story to tell.

The museum’s highlights include the AOP aircraft and MIG-23UM, alongside a captivating 3D movie on the Kargil War. The Evolution Gallery traces artillery’s development from 400 BC to modern rockets and missiles, while separate galleries honour the bravery of soldiers in conflicts from World War I to the Kargil War and counter-insurgency operations.

The museum also features a Roll of Honour, commemorating the sacrifices of Gunners, and exhibits on their contributions in sports and Siachen Glacier operations.

Address: Artillery Centre, Gandhi Nagar Airport Area, Deolali Gaon, Nashik, Maharashtra – 422101

Visiting Time: 10:00 am – 1pm, 5 pm- 7 pm (Closed on Thursday and public holidays).

Entry Fee: Adults: INR 25; Students (Indian nationals): INR 10

 Fun Activities: Adding a Dash of Thrill

If you don’t feel like moving out of the tent city, then find your mojo right there. The Eco Glamping Festival is on till March 31.

There is a separate play area for children.

Or you could head to the Gangapur Dam waterside and take an ATV ride. You might like to try paramotoring or parasailing or simply take a boat cruise at sunset with a glass of wine.

Planning Your Nashik Adventure: Tips and Insights

To make the most of your Nashik trip, consider visiting between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Ideal stay is 4 days.

Pack light, comfortable clothing, and sturdy walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the vineyards and historical sites.

Don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Nashik.

For wine enthusiasts, try exploring the many wineries in the region for a diverse tasting experience.

Food lovers will find many Maharashtrian dishes at the dining space within the tent city or they could go for a temple and city tour.  

Remember to respect local customs and traditions and support local artisans and businesses.

Getting to Nashik

Nashik is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Ojhar Nashik International Airport, and the Nashik Road Railway Station is a major rail hub. By road, Nashik is easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune.

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge with theme word ‘Fun’.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.