Local Transport Guide

Distance and travel time

The two places are about twenty-eight to thirty kilometres apart. On an ordinary day an hour is enough to cover the distance, but during the Kumbh, with roads closed, traffic diverted and enormous crowds, the same journey can take several hours. That is why present-day planning makes separate arrangements for each place. In Nashik a Sadhugram (camp town for sadhus) is planned in the Tapovan area, while at Trimbakeshwar a separate camp and ghats are being developed. Pilgrims are usually advised to stay in one place and bathe there.

Trains, buses and parking

Temporary tent cities. At the large Kumbhs the government sets up a separate tent city for devotees, where one can stay by paying a fee. Keep an eye on the official government announcements about where the tent city will be at the coming Simhastha and what facilities it will have. Special trains and buses run by the railways, the transport corporation and private agencies, temporary bus stands and facilities like "park and ride" are also part of planning a stay.

Vehicles and parking. On the main snan days private vehicles are stopped far from the city and government buses take devotees from there to the ghats. Some websites say such parking may be as far as fifteen kilometres from the city; rely on the official information once it is announced.

Stations and bus stands

Plan Your Visit

The Simhastha is a long festival with many auspicious days, not only the Amrit Snans. Choosing a less crowded day means a calmer darshan and a safer snan.

• The Simhastha runs from 31 October 2026 to 24 July 2028. The Amrit Snan days are 2 August, 31 August and 11 September 2027 in Nashik, and 12 September 2027 in Trimbakeshwar.
• Check bathing schedules, designated routes, entry points and transport facilities.
• Plan your accommodation, transport and return in advance.
• Amrit Snan days have the heaviest crowds and fall in the peak monsoon. Keep updating yourself from the official pages and news about the information of crowd and transport situation.
• If you are elderly, specially abled, unwell, pregnant or travelling with small children, avoid the Amrit Snan days.
• Stay only in registered accommodation and book only through official or trusted channels. Beware of fake booking websites and agents.
• Check weather alerts and official advisories before starting your journey.
• Use designated parking areas and official pick up and drop off points.
• Follow traffic diversions, pedestrian routes and instructions from traffic personnel.

Travelling towards the ghat

• Pre-decide the ghat which you want to visit from the designated, officially listed ghats only.