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Deolali Camp
Nashik Overview
Situated on the outskirts of Nashik city, Deolali Camp is a tiny hill town known for its scenic landscapes. Nestled within the laps of the Western Ghats, this hill station is a perfect weekend escapade for the residents living in nearby cities as it is approximately 150 away from Mumbai and Pune. During the Colonial era, this place was used as an important military base camp. In fact, it is one of the oldest army cantonments in India. In addition to this, Deolali is known to house various health-related resorts and retreats and is known for its serene ambience and pollution-free fresh air. Most of the tourists visit this place in order to stay at these resorts and simultaneously rejuvenate their soul and mind.
A visit to the stress relief and rehabilitation centres at this place is a must for those who are troubled by various thoughts or are recovering from illness. This makes Deolali a perfect healing place. The town has very less traffic and the pristine air adds to the healing process. There are a few temples where you can explore the rich culture of the town. It also has a number of food joints and shopping centres.
More on Deolali Camp
History of Deolali Camp
Deolali camp is an army base which was established in 1861 by the British Government. In those times, this place was known for its Army Staff College which now has been transformed into the Defence Services Staff College of India and the Command and Staff College of Pakistan. Since the beginning of time, this place has been under the influence of army related activities and hence, the region is clean, safe, and aesthetically beautiful.
The town also finds a mention in the British colloquial vocabulary and the army personals who worked here under the British rule came up with the term ‘Doolally Tap’ which implies camp fever. This word generally means the anxiety that the army men underwent while they waited for the ships to take them back home once they had completed their tenure of duty at this camp.
Things to do at Deolali Camp
Stay in the health resorts: The health resorts are Deolali are known for their unique healing atmosphere. The luxurious suites here are rented out to the visitors for a month or two and while their stay, the visitors can actually see the positive change in their mental as well as physical health. Staying in a secluded and quiet place amidst the greenery attracts a lot of visitors looking for a peaceful vacation to Deolali.
Evening walks along the camp bylanes: The well-organised residences at this cantonment area with well-maintained roads are a perfect place to take a walk without any disturbance. The area is clean and devoid of any sort of pollution. The serene ambience that prevails will soothe all your senses. Here, you can plug in your earphones while walking and feel completely feel safe at the same time.
Empire Bakery: The Empire Bakery is the famous bakery shop in the town that sells a wide range of pastries, cakes and sweets. Do not forget to try mawa cakes and crispy milk toasts as they are the speciality of the region.
Places to Visit Near Deolali Camp
Khandobachi Tekadi or Temple Hill
Khandobachi Tekadi is a 500 years old temple situated on top of the hill near to Deolali. This temple is devoted to Khandoba Maharaj who is believed to be an incarnated version of Lord Shiva. From the hilltop, you will get a breathtaking view of the entire Nasik city and you might as well stay here longer to get a glimpse of a beautiful sunset. A splendid garden is situated adjacent to this shrine which is endowed with beautiful water fountains and a narrow path where the visitors can opt for a relaxing walk.
Artillery Centre Museum
As the name suggests Artillery Centre Museum is the place situated near to the Deolali where the weapons and aircrafts that were used by the Indian Army in the last decades are put on display. The most popular attraction of this museum is the MIG 23UM and AOP aircraft. The museum is open to the general public from 8 am to 1 5 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 11 pm on Saturdays.
Note: This place remains closed on Mondays and there might be some alteration in its timings on few days due to military orders.
Pandavleni Caves
Pandavleni Caves are a group of 24 the ancient rock-cut caves that were built during the 3rd and 2nd century BC. These caves were constructed during the Hinayana sect of Buddhism and hence, is a rich source of knowledge about ancient India. Mainly, a learning centre for the ancient monks, these caves depict the evolution of Buddhist culture in the form of arts and paintings. Most of the caves here are Viharas, however, the cave numbers 18 is the only Chaitya which is, in turn, a huge worship hall. The inscriptions and carvings found here depict the names of the rulers, merchants and other local people that made contributions towards the development of the caves.
Muktidham Mandir
An interesting aspect of this shrine is that this holy place is devoted to several Hindu deities, namely, Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Vishnu, Hanuman and goddess Laxmi and Durga. You will be awestruck to know that eighteen chapters of Bhagwad Gita are inscribed on the temple’s marble walls. This holy place is situated very close to the camp and can be reached by hiring a local taxi.
How to Reach Deolali Camp?
The best way to travel to Deolali Camp from Nasik is by hiring a taxi. You can book a cab for your entire tour around the town, provided that you are planning to stay here for a few days. However, for those who are planning to stay here for a month or two can commute around the town by opting for shared rickshaws and buses.
