Nashik - Unexpected Surprise

Nashik - An Unexpected Surprise

Introduction : 

Nashik is located about 190km north of Mumbai in Maharashtra, India. There are two theories behind the city being named "Nashik". One is, at this place Lord Laxman cut the nose of "Shurpnakha" and hence Nashik. Second is, Nashik is surrounded by nine hills therefore Nashik. Nashik was known as Panchvati previously. Nashik has rich historical and mythological past. It's located near the banks of Godavari river and hence is considered very holy. 

My college organized a study tour to Nashik. I wasn't sure about going because how good can Nashik be but I was so wrong. This tour has turned out to be one of the best decision of my life. It unexpectedly surprised me. It was such a bizarre experience. I'm so impressed with you Nashik. 

What we saw:

First, we went to the MET college of architecture. It looked like a movie set. It was so spacious and planned so beautifully. Even walking in lobbies was fun. There was such great landscaping. Huge atrium that added connectivity to all the floors and had fresh green plants which made the place look fresh throughout the day. There was an amphitheater for group meets and open discussions. The facade of the building was such that you could tell it was designed for the purpose of architecture college. It had a humongous terrace which gave a view worth coming to that college from any part of city.

Then, we visited Ar. Dhananjay Shinde's office. I have never seen an office space like this one. The concept of his design is "Nature" and he displayed it so well. The entrance had a minimalist wooden frame. As we moved in, there was lush green lawn with artificial animal structures. The concrete of the slab was left raw and it had a pattern of leaves on it. There was a central courtyard with a small open amphitheater. There was a koi fish pond in a corner and the staircase above it lead to the terrace. Even the staircase was left raw. It was made of steel and was spineless. Terrace had a guest room and the walking area was covered with rubble. The working space was spacious and naturally lit. The Bougainville glabra tree was the highlight of the space. The office was the most outstanding mix of nature and minimalism I have ever witnessed. 

Next, we went to Ar. Shailesh Devi's office. Again, didn't look like a typical office but what an amazing twist. The building it was in worked like a magician's curtain that hides the empty table to reveal a dazzling girl. Similarly, enter the office and voila, a dazzling place that takes you by surprise. The office had great emphasis on levels. It was a two storey office but had around five levels. Every workspace was on different level. This created an interesting harmony in the entire space.

Mahiravani Farmhouse by Ar. Sanjay Patil. You get to the site through a very scenic route between a lake and valley. You enter the farmhouse and there's some beautiful landscaping, rubble pathways, bamboo trees, timber frames, wild grass and so much more. Then, you reach his house and are flabbergasted. The entire house was built in phases. First, was just the front half where he used to work. Then, came the second half when they decided to stay there. Then came the swimming pool and there was still construction going on while we were there. This house is built with only locally available material. It's 'Wada' turned into a modern house. There's not only green outside the house but also inside the rooms. The house starts with a beautiful verandah, then there is amazingly curated central courtyard and ends with a lovely backyard which has an amphitheater. This house was my favorite part from the entire tour. What a treat it was. 

Then, we visited Jalalpur, Nashik, It was a small part of town with vintage houses and very friendly people. Nashik being a religious city has many temples. Almost after every second house there is a temple. One such temple we got to study was Varhareshwar temple. It is situated on the banks of Godavari river and that adds more importance to the temple. You can visit it through 'peth galli' via the Godavari bridge. It is devoted to Lord Shiva. There are three temples in total. One has 'Nandi' and second has a 'Shivling'. The Temple is decorated with colorful 'Shikharas'. All three temples looks almost same except a few differences. There's also an old 'kund' near the temple. Surely visit for some peace and meditation. I'll suggest coming here during sunsets to have a majestic look of the temple and river as the sun sets and the sky becomes pinkish.

Pandav Leni located at hills of outskirts of Nashik city. These are 23 Buddhist caves. Here, you can see the Viharas and Chaityas. They were built between 1st century BCE to 3rd century BCE. These caves were financed by Jain kings. So, with sculptures of Buddha, you can also see sculptures of Jain Tirthankara. Here, you can witness intricate rock carving and inscriptions. The columns, pillar are carved all out of stone and are worth an audience. Even the planning of these caves was done intentionally. They face south for passive sun and to avoid harsh rains. The caves also have facilities for water storage and sleeping arrangements. It is amazing to see how advanced they used to think before building a cave. This is one of the place which has very rich history and conveys enlightening inscriptions. 

Personal Note: 

Nashik has one of the best architecture I have witnessed. It has obviously surpassed my expectations. They play with nature a lot and that results in alluring masterpieces. Central courtyard seems to be a theme throughout. Almost every place has an amphitheater whether it's small or big. They  have spacious spaces and focus on natural lighting and natural ventilations creating a very positive and healthy environment. You should definitely visit Nashik, whether for it's numerous temples, holy Godavari River, beautiful structures, mind-blowing hill views or Sula Vines. It's all worth a try. 

By Isha Mutha

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