Nasik Visit

My maiden visit to Nasik, an ancient holy city.

Thambi, my Jigri Dost, though we are related through our wives we move as very close friends for past 35 years, migrated to this small City after having lived in the vibrant colourful magnificent Mumbai for 65 years.

For a Family Function, Me and my ' saga dharma sarini ' had been to Coimbatore.  From there we boarded the Kurla Express at 8 in the morning. Three Tier AC Coach. Till Bangalore Station, we two were there on that Bay. In Bangalore, we were so stove up on boarding by a Group of Youngsters. The Train moved on, so as the Youngsters merriment. We had a very happy time. The typical Gujju Marwari behaviour by the beautiful Chicks ... cheerfulness, cheeriness, merriness, joyfulness, joyousness, jolliness, blitheness, carefreeness, gladness, light-heartedness. 

Next day at 1.30 in the afternoon, alighted at Kalyan. At the Waiting Room. In my life, I had been to Kalyan umpteen times but never glanced the facilities. At 3.30 got into Godavari Express. AC Chair Car. Arrived Nasik Road Station at 6.30 in the evening. Thambi & Renu to Station. Reached Thambi's new home around 7.30 in the night.

Having left cousin Gopalan home at 7.30 in the previous day morning, we had been to a Travelling Exhibition for 36 hours.

Travel fatigue forced to go to bed. As usual, me Thambi one room and sisters in another. Then only me Thambi can freely exchange our stories.

A spacious two bed room flat. Early Morning Sun rays beaming thru Living Room Balcony till noon. Entire Flat sparkles like Diamond. Very Bright. Good for Home as well our Health.

Breakfast. Renu's Upuma. My all time favourite. The ghee soaked, roasted cashew mixed Golden Upuma is Divine. The moment I put a spoon of Upuma into my mouth, it just slips into throat and travels to stomach in a very smooth manner. The taste is "Jeeva Amirdham".  I am having Renu Upuma for past 25 years. The same taste, in fact every time it increases.

Then, dissecting of the family happenings. From the last time we two met to till this day. Lunch, Dinner, Bed.

We decided to explore Nasik.

Nashik has mythological, historical, social and cultural importance. No one knows when Nasik came into existence. It is stated to have been present even in the stone age. Lord Ramchandra Murthy with His Consort Sita Devi and brother Laxman settled down in Nasik for the major portion of their "Vanwas" period. The Sacred River Godavari starts here. And also an important place for Purna Kumbh Mela, which is being celebrated every 12 years. Apart from its temples, Nashik also has forts, waterfalls and vineyards. Almost 22 wineries here and it produces 10000 Tonnes of Grapes per year. In fact, Nasik has a nick name of "The Wine Capital of India". 

We sketched out to visit .....

1) Trimbakeshwar Temple .. one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The Sacred Godavari starts here on top of Brahmagiri hills.

2) Saptashrungi Temple .. religious significance to Divine Mother. It is situated on a hill range, consisting of Seven Hills.

3) Kapileshwarar Temple .. a very ancient Shiva Temple where Nandhi Bagwan is missing.  It has an unique mystery.

4) Panchvati .. a glimpse into the ancient world of where the exile of Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman took place, with banyan trees all around and an air of spirituality.

5) Sita Gufa .. the spot where Sita was kept by Lord Ram while fighting with Asuras. A narrow staircase takes on into the caves, where we can find the idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshmana as well as a Shivlinga, said to be the one Sita installed and worshipped.

6) Anjaneri Hills .. Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, Anjaneri derives its name from Hanuman's mother Anjani. 

7) Kalaram Mandir .. this one derives its name from the black statue of Lord Rama. Sita and Lakshmana &  black statue of Lord hanuman.

8) Pandavieni Caves .. Pandu Leni, also known as Trirashmi Caves, are a group of 24 caves carved between the 3rd century BC and the 2nd century AD, representing the Hinayana Buddhist beliefs. 

9) Dhudsagar Falls and Trek to Forts

10) Vineyards and Famous Maratha style Eateries

During our stay of 17 days, first two days gone on gossiping. Three days Thambi been to Thane on business visit and me to Pune for two days.

One day we had been to the powerful famous Shirdi to have the Darshan of Sai Baba.

The remaining days were not sufficient to cover the above 10 places. So we had been to Trimbakeswar Temple, Saptashrungi Temple, Kapileswar Temple, Panchavati, Sita Gufa and Kalaram Mandir.

I will be describing the Seven Shrine visits in separate Posts with relevant information and photographs.

One day, me and Thambi had been to a nearby vineyard. The Owner gave us a bountiful of Green Grapes.

The Living Room Balcony in Thambi flat is huge. And the views from the Balcony are spectacular.

The Bathroom in the Master Bedroom is very attractive. It has a huge mirror. 

An Artefact is eye catching.
The simple elegant Puja Ghar is superb. 

The night stroll in Thambi Apartments Complex is mind boggling.

Renu exhibited her culinary skills. Everyday had a stomach full. To mention here, I select Dhokla and Sabudana vada.

The Gujarati snack, soft and spongy Dhokla garnished with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut and served with Thenga chutney. Even while writing now, it is mouth watering.

The hot and golden Sabudana vada with green coriander chutney. A Maharastrian snack. Also it is being called as "Upavas Vada".

The D-Day has come. Left Nasik in early morning to Mumbai by road. Thambi is good at wheels but his age and eye sight at times bring shock moments.

On way had breakfast at a roadside eatery. Typical Maharashtrian style Misal Pav. Parked car at Matunga Station Parking Space. Took Über. To Thaker at Kalbadevi. Gujju Lunch. My fav joint for past 40 years. The food, the service, the ambience, the varieties, the tastes are well deserved for 7 Star Quality. You have to have Lunch here to enjoy every bit.  Back to Matunga Station by Über. Thambi drives to Airport.

We have no words to express our Gratitude to Thambi and Renu for their excellent, outstanding, remarkable hospitality. They are simply born for it.

At Gate 47. Chatrapathi Shivaji Airport. Jet to Bangalore. 

Back Home. Sweet Home.

To finish off the visits of remaining places, and to explore more areas in and around, we are planning to have another Trip to Nasik.