Nashik, Maharashtra in 48 Hours: Things to Do

Nashik in Maharashtra is an ancient city on the banks of river Godavari. Three hours away from Mumbai, it is best known for the vineyards that grow in abundance due to its temperate climate. On a recent trip to Maharashtra, we enjoyed a weekend getaway at Sula Vineyards, Nashik. We stayed at the Sky Villa at the Beyond by Sula Resort. This post is dedicated to things we did in the area.

The vineyards and wine dominated our experience!

Drive from Mumbai to Nashik- Food Hub:

Leave early in the day to avoid excessive traffic within Mumbai city limits. There are many fast food/ dhaba style stops along the way. We stopped at the Food Hub in Shahapur, which had many different options to choose from, apart from being generally hygienic.

Address: National Highway 3, Shahapur

Boating Along the Ganga Dhar Dam, Godawari Reservoir:

The Sky Villa at the Beyond by Sula resort was located on the banks of the Ganga Dhar Dam, in the Godawari Reservoir. A quaint boat ride was offered, two minutes away from our villa. No lifejackets were available, but the slow pace of the ride and the still water ensured a safe ride. Half an hour cost around INR 500, for 7 people and 1 child. Boating is open to public, but our villa’s butler arranged for the fisherman to bring his boat to our doorstep.

Quaint boat ride

Gorgeous water-meets-sky moment captured from our boat

Address: Gat 36/2, Govardhan, Gangapur-Savargaon Road

Timings: Best done early morning or late afternoon

Buying Artisanal Cheese from Le Fromage:

This small farm makes organic artisanal cheeses at their premises. They encourage patrons to taste and choose their favourites before buying. Upon request, you can observe the procedure for making the delicious cheeses. My favourites were the Mozzarella, Gouda and Cheddar.

Tasting all the artisanal cheeses

Some of the machines used to make the cheese

Cheese is well-packaged and easy to travel with

Address: 16/3, Gangapur-Savargaon Road, Gangavhare

Wine Tour and Tasting at Sula Vineyard:

With an expertise of sixteen years, Sula has a repertoire of 23 Indian wines including red, white, sparkling and rose. They offer wine tours with an in-house guide where you are told about the history of Sula, as well as wine-making and wine-drinking in general. The tours end with a wine-tasting where you taste six wines under the guidance of their team. You are taught the five steps of wine-tasting.

The Sula Vineyard flanked by grape plants

Posing during the wine tour (it was freezing!)

The tour was quite crowded and a bit rushed. The tasting was a more intimate experience. The place allows babies and children but is not baby-friendly. My toddler threw a tantrum (as is usual at his age!) and I was asked to leave the room by the guide. Do keep that in mind if you plan to travel with children. The guide was a bit rude and circumspect, but the overall experience was interesting and informative. We were offered a 10% discount on most wines sold on the premises which I used by picking up my favourite sparkling brut.

Five steps of wine-tasting. Step 1: Check the colour

Step 2: Smell the wine

Step 3: Swirl the wine

Step 4: Sip the wine, and swirl on your palate

Step 5: Swallow and enjoy!

Address: Gat 36/2, Govardhan Village, Off Gangapur-Savargaon Road

Timings: Tours and Tastings take place every day except dry days.

Every hour from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Price: INR 375 per head

Dinner at Little Italy, Sula Vineyards:

The vineyard offers a couple different dining options, of which we chose Little Italy. The restaurant was baby friendly and the food was good. Each dish was helpfully paired with a signature wine, for those interested. We especially enjoyed the Aglio Olio E Pepperoncino and Alla Zingara pastas, and the pizza Alla Rucola. The sizzling chocolate walnut brownie and tiramisu were fantastic desserts. The menu offered only vegetarian options.