Meher Castleino
I had been to Deolali decades ago when I was a child, but my last trip was a delightful one. Deolali is one of the most popular hill stations and health resorts in Maharashtra. It is located 16 kms from Nasik a popular wine growing region of the state. Considered one of the oldest and most important military centres in India, Deolali was set up by the British in 1861. It houses several army sections as well as the School of Artillery of the Indian Army, an air force base and is also known for the Barnes School.
What I love about Deolali is its location amongst the Sahyadri ranges. The town is a relaxing place filled with gardens and wide roads for long peaceful walks. It is well known for the Muktidham Temple, the Khandoba Temple and the Pandava Caves. Our firsts stop was the Muktidham Temple, which is created in pristine white marble and was built by late Shri Jayram Bhai Bytco. The most important things to see are the replicas of all twelve Jyoti Lingas. The walls are beautifully carved with eighteen chapters of the Bhagwat Gita. One of the most important pilgrim centres in India the temple was crowded with devotees when we visited it.
The Someshwar Temple on the banks of the river Godavri was another scenic place we visited. The Pandava or Pandavleni Caves was a ‘must see’. They are a group of one hundred and twenty four rock cut caves excavated around 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. The brilliant sculptures and carved doorways were mesmerising.
The Sita Gumpha or cave is where Sita was believed to have been kidnapped by Ravana and is near the five banyan trees in Panchavati close to the Kalaram Temple where Sita worshipped Lord Shiva during their exile. The cave has idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshmana and can be reached through a narrow staircase. There is an ancient Shivalinga in the small temple and is visited regularly by devotees.
Besides the temples and caves what is worth seeing are the many vineyards, which are a few miles away. The most well-known is the Sula Wines farm where the best wines in India are made and sent the world over.
Shopping in Deolali is just like in any other town in India. The most popular place to shop is the market place where homemade produce like jams, pickles and squashes are available. The cake and bakery shops near the local market attracted us and we bought items to take back as gifts.
Food in Deolali is not a problem at all. There were enough restaurants that offered a wide variety of cuisine that will please both vegetarians as well as non-vegetarian. We tried the Afghani kababs, dal peshawari and ajwain paratha at Kebab and Curry.
Deolali is a town that one can often visit for rest and relaxation, far from the maddening crowds of cities.