[blackwasp]

After our last trip to Goa(not a road trip), we were itching for a road trip. Finally after much discussion and adding and subtracting people over a period of one month, we finalised that the four of us would visit Sula at Nashik. Plan was set for the weekend of 5th and 6th March. We decided to hire a Honda City from Zoomcar. It was a diesel. We have had good experiences with them before hence the choice.

The car

We left Inorbit Mall at a leisurely 8am on Saturday. There was no hurry and the goal of the trip was to have maximum fun. We had a breakfast break at the Kamat food plaza.

A bhp-ian is always around. Spotted this Jazz.


Road trip = good food

The hotel we had booked in advanced was the Ginger Nashik. It is well outside the city in the Satpur area. From the Mumbai side, you don't even have to enter the city. It is close to Sula Vineyards as well.

Hotel room - Ginger Nashik


Ample car parking


Hotel corridor


Sunset at Sula


The L lens.


The L lens owner

We had a nice meal at a nearby restaurant - Hotel Radhakrishna. Its located just 300m from Ginger. Typical marathi cuisine; prawns and chicken was excellent. Good rating on Zomato and priced at Rs 400 for 2. The others had a nap while I visited my relatives in Nashik. We reached the Sula Vineyards in the evening around 5pm.

Sula conducts regular tours as well as tasting sessions. Knowledgeable tour guides who answer your questions without hesitation. Tour starts from the history of Sula, different varieties of grapes, their harvest, de-seeding etc. Definitely a different experience. Also, they do not throw away any waste. The grape seeds are used to make grape seed oil, and the left over pulp/waste is turned to manure.

Road to sula


Art from many bottles


Panoramic view of the fields


Ample parking space with covered parking for two wheelers





Sunset at Sula


Main building





Capturing the moment


Trivia - Sula is named after the founder's mother.

[blackwasp]

A special mention of the various flowers captured at Sula. The guide mentioned that they try to keep the use of pest control to a minimum, and hence plant rose plants around the vines. Thus in case of any pest attack, the rose bushes will first be affected alerting the care takers to do pest control.

The vines








How to take close ups

[blackwasp]

After the trip to Sula, we headed back to the hotel to keep the wares we got from there. After a quick Zomato search, we headed to a restaurant for dinner. Called as Al Arabian Express. The food, though slightly oily was amazing. Family owned and operated. Excellent biryani as well.

Fried chicken roll/frankie


Caramel custard was home made, and the owner mentioned that his mother and aunts made this


Morning coffee at the Ginger


Departing the hotel


At the brunch place



Coffee again at La Cafetino, SSK hotel, Tidke Colony


Another City at the scenic spot


Manuvering for that perfect shot


Hmm, location is spot on


Ending the great trip


Let me sit here while you guys manuver the car


THE PHOTO


THE PHOTO 2

End notes - Now that we have shown capability to undertake a road trip with Friends, we will now start planning the next one in earnest. Special thanks to Sid, GC and Bachal for their awesome company and camera work.

The Mum-Nashik highway needs no praise, but please keep the car to it's and the road's limit. Always wear seat belts, even the rear occupants. Never drink and drive.

TIP - for better managing the expenses, the four of us installed an app called "Splitwise" available for iOS and Android. It automatically calculated who owes whom and the exact amount. It has definitely made managing money better.

[Gannu_1]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[arnabchak]

Dear Kanad

Nice pics.

Especially loved the sunset pic taken at Sula.
I am sure you had a great time!!

Would be better if you could also share the tasting, tour and guide rates at Sula.

[debmum]

Nice Kanad! Seems all of you have enjoyed a lot. Keep it coming