I always say this line, Why travel the world when you have everything in India. I’m not against exploring the world. Obviously, aboard has its own scenic beauty and its own culture. But I feel you should explore “your” country first. I have visited only two destination. One is Thailand, of course that is the cheapest destination for me and the second one is Maldives. You can’t go swimming at any other beach if you have swim at Maldives beaches. Maldives has crystal clear water. But I can’t go to the Maldives every time. When I need a break, I can opt for Goa or any Konkan region. So this time, there was a short break and lockdown was also eased. And since, by god’s grace, I am fully vaccinated, we were welcome by all. And this time we were welcomed by the largest producer of grapes, Nashik.
Nashik, falls under Maharashtra and has mixed climate. The best season is from December to February. As it is winter there and also it’s the time for harvesting the grapes. Nashik is the only place in India where Wine is constructed. If you live in the same state, buying Wine in traveling is not an issue. But still why visit Nashik? We can get wine anywhere in Mumbai. Why is it so special in Nashik?
As I said, Nashik is famous for grape cultivation. and hence there are many small restaurants inside that grape farm. One such restaurant is “Grape Embassy & Zatka Misal”. Located in fields of grapes, this place has a very positive vibe. Though, we didn’t go in grape season, and hence we missed that bunch of grapes hanging around. But Still, the feeling of eating under the grape farm was stupendous. In this restaurant, you get only “Misal Pav” (you can check the details of this dish here). But believe me, it was delectable Misal Pav. Like I said earlier, there were positive vibes and that positive vibes were reflecting in the food as well. Apart from this, they have created a mini park with a kind-of toy train. Kids enjoyed every bit of it. Now; who doesn’t like to take selfies and photos in such places. Yes, they have created that space too. Have a look at this restaurant here. Now, There are few more such restaurants. One is just opposite to Sula Vineyards.
Grape Embassy & Zatka Misal, Image Courtesy @MakeTimeForThingsYouLove
The next destination spot is the MTDC Boating Club. Boating !! Uhh Boring, Right? So were my views too. But Believe me, if you don’t want to go boating, then this place has a neat and clean restaurant inside the club and has an almost 180 degree view of the sea. You have to pay an entry fee to enter their premises. But we had booked a boat ride from BookMyShow.com and hence our entry fee was waived off. Before visiting this place, do check BookMyShow.com for the offers or else it will be a little expensive. Do avoid going on weekends, because the rates are double at that time. They have other water sports too like Banana Ride, Jet Ski, Flying Fish and Boat Ride (normal and luxurious). If you don’t want the boat ride then pay the entry fee, buy yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy your evening with the scenic beauty.
MTDC Boat Club, Image Courtesy @MakeTimeForThingsYouLove
Nashik, and you didn’t go to Sula Vineyards? Oh well, waste of money. But now, there is one more. Not as big as Sula Vineyards, but yes, you can enjoy wine tour and wine tasting there as well. This place is called “York” and it is ahead of the Sula Vineyard. In this tour, they will explain how wine is made, what’s the difference between the wines, etc. But now, this place is now under Sula. Sula has a huge crowd. Yes, of course for wine tasting and clicking pics. But to avoid that crowd, you can opt for York and then go to Sula for a photo session and for some munching. Obviously, the look around in Sula is much better than in York. In both Sula n York, you have an entry fee, but it gets redeemed if you eat in their restaurant.
Sula Vineyards, Image Courtesy @MakeTimeForThingsYouLove
Apart from this, Nashik has various holy places. One of the places is Triveni Sangam. Where three rivers meet. This is the place where the famous Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years.
York, Image Courtesy @MakeTimeForThingsYouLove
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