Eco glamp in a stylish pod

Susheela Nair

Nashik is the grapes and wine capital of Maharashtra, but it is also home to one of the 12 holy Jyotilingas from where the sacred waters of the queen of Deccan rivers, the Godavari, emerges. And Nashik is also one of the four cities that host the greatest of Hindu melas — the Kumbh. Yet, if one looks beyond the temples and wineries there is much to explore in Nashik.

The current rage is riverside eco glamping — a one-of-a-kind retreat that combines the charm of adventure with the comfort of lavish accommodation, offering a perfect getaway for families, couples and solo travellers. Eco glamping is a form of luxury camping that combines the experience of being in the lap of nature with the comfort of high-end accommodation with an enhanced focus on minimizing environmental impact.

Camping under a starry sky in a luxurious tent pitched amid sylvan surroundings  next to the backwaters of the Gangapur Dam was an exhilarating experience for us. This first of its kind riverside glamping has been organized by Maharashtra Tourism. White tents of three categories (Deluxe, Royal, Presidential) and four modern pods are pitched in a sprawling tract of farmland far from the din and bustle of Nashik city. The modern pods overlooking the backwaters give you the best view. However, we discovered that ‘roughing it out’ was more of a euphemism when it came to the tents. They  are furnished with more than adequate furniture, en suite toilets and baths with running hot water, toiletries and more.

On our arrival, we were ushered to a large and aesthetically done reception-cum-living area which showcases Warli art by UNESCO World Craft Council awardee Anil Vangad and wildlife photos by Hiren Khatri, a Nashik-based naturalist, researcher and photographer.

The Gangapur Dam unfolded a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, from cycling tours around serene ponds to sunset boat cruises. Birding, bonfires, cave exploration, camping on the shores of the reservoir, trekking, and visits to farms are all part of the eco escape. We flitted from one activity to another at this dream destination. One can dive into thrilling water sports, enjoy captivating riverside adventures, savour Maharashtra’s authentic flavours, indulge in yoga and wellness workshops, and end the day with magical evening entertainment under a starry sky. We even indulged in stargazing sessions which provided glimpses of Jupiter and Mars through sophisticated telescopes.

The Kumaramangalam Artillery Museum is Asia's largest artillery museum

There’s so much to do at Maharashtra Eco Glamping. It arranges sightseeing to Panchvati and the Trimbakeshwar temple, vineyard tours and wine experiences, and farm and museum visits. We had an early morning walk by the backwaters, and did some bird watching and photography, guided by Khatri. One can feast on a lavish culinary spread, attend cultural evenings, go parasailing and paramotoring, or even try one’s hand at archery and air rifle shooting, ATV riding, kayaking, and more.

 

Museum hopping

Apart from these activities, we went museum hopping in Nashik. The intriguing Coin Museum promises an experience that resonates with both history buffs and curious minds of all ages. We saw exhibits like moulds, dyes, replicas, and photographs of coins since ancient times. The museum additionally has a unique assemblage of machines that are used for casting and striking, tableaux depicting coin minting and manufacturing, and other numismatic materials.

We delved into the world of punch-marked coins, cast coins and Holkar’s coins, each retelling stories of a glorious era. We were captivated by the museum’s expansive array of exhibits which also features bronze and terracotta objects, copper-hoard artefacts, paintings and historically significant antiques, and intricate dioramas that illustrate the coin minting and manufacturing techniques of yesteryears. With its new identity as the Shanti-Krishna Museum of Money and History it includes engrossing displays on themes of natural history, archaeology and anthropology, among others.

But the highlight of our trip to Nashik was our visit to the Kumaramangalam Artillery Museum, Asia’s largest artillery museum. Established by the Regiment of Artillery Association (RAA), it was renovated, renamed and inaugurated in 2024. Strolling around the museum, we saw a mindboggling display of vintage and modern weaponry, from ancient catapults to contemporary tanks and aircraft. Spread over two floors with multiple galleries, the sprawling museum houses a rich array of artillery pieces, including a brass cannon used by Babar in the Battle of Panipat in 1526, Tipu Sultan’s 102-barrel Rattonvan and Maratha artillery, a T-59 tank used in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war and the Bofors gun. One cannot miss the gigantic aircraft and radar systems spread across the grounds.

Modern exhibits include the 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-23 UM, alongside a captivating movie on the Kargil War. The Evolution Gallery traces artillery’s development from 400 BC to modern rockets and missiles. Separate galleries honour the bravery of soldiers from the First World War to the Kargil War and counter-insurgency operations.

The museum houses weapons of surveillance that pre-date the internet era — the good old telescopes and brass guns of the Sikh artillery from the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and swords in varying sizes. The museum also features a Roll of Honour, commemorating the sacrifices of gunners, and exhibits on their contribution in sports and Siachen Glacier operations. As we returned from the museum, we realized that it is not just a repository of artefacts but a living testament to the courage and commitment of our defence forces.
 

Fact File: 

Nearest airport and railhead: Nashik 

Contact:  [email protected]