Multi-modal Route Options

On ordinary days you might drive or take a taxi close to Ramtirth or Trimbakeshwar. During the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, and especially on Amrut Snan days, vehicles will be restricted near the ghats, so it is best to plan the journey in stages: a long-distance leg to Nashik, a local leg by shuttle or city transport, and a final stretch on foot.

NTKMA's transport plan, with shuttle routes, pick-up points and timings, will be published on this page once it is ready. Until then, use the general advice below, and check live updates before you travel.

By train or bus, then onward

1. Train or long-distance bus to Nashik. Nashik Road station is the main railhead, and long-distance buses come into Nashik from across Maharashtra and neighbouring states. Book early for the days around each Amrut Snan.
2. City transport or Mela shuttle. From the station or bus stand, continue by city transport, or by Mela shuttles where they run. Look for official signs, help desks and volunteers, and be wary of touts.
3. On foot to the ghats. Expect the last stretch to the ghats to be on foot; see the advice below.

If Trimbakeshwar is your destination, the onward leg from Nashik is by road, about 28 km. How it will work during the Mela will be set out in the transport plan.

The railway stations near Nashik are listed below with directions to each.

Park, then take the shuttle

If you are coming by car, two-wheeler or hired bus, the simplest plan during the Mela is to leave your vehicle in the designated parking on the road you arrive by, and take the shuttle towards the ghats. Driving further in is likely to mean slow traffic, closed roads and nowhere to park.

• Note where you parked, and which shuttle you took, so that you can find your way back.
• Do not leave valuables or documents in the vehicle.
• Find out how the return shuttle works before you set off for the ghats.

When the park-and-ride arrangement is in force (on Snan days and other busy days, as announced), you park at the outer parking (Park & Ride), take the official shuttle to the inner parking and walk from there to the ghat. For each entry road into Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, Directions to Ghats and Parking shows the outer parking, the inner parking and the nearest ghat, where one is confirmed. Shuttle timings will be published by NTKMA closer to the Mela, and arrangements can change: on the day, follow the official signs and the directions of the police and volunteers, and check live updates before you set out.

The last stretch on foot

Expect to walk the final part of the way to the ghats, and back again. On Snan days the walk may be long and slow, and some routes may be one-way.

• Wear comfortable footwear that you can walk in for hours.
• Carry water and a light bag; leave heavy luggage where you are staying.
• Follow the marked routes and the directions of police and volunteers. Do not push, and do not try to move against the flow of the crowd.
• Agree a meeting point in case you are separated.

Tips for groups, families and the elderly

Every change of mode, such as getting off a train, leaving the parking or boarding a shuttle, is a moment when people get separated. A few habits help:

• Choose one person to lead and one to walk at the back, and count heads at every change.
• Agree a meeting point at each stage (station exit, parking, shuttle stop) in case anyone is separated.
• Give children, elderly members and anyone who may need help a card with their name and an emergency contact number.
• Board and get off shuttles together, and let those who need more time go first.
• Plan rest breaks, and for elderly members choose less crowded days if you can; see Accessibility Guidance.

If someone goes missing, tell the nearest help desk, a police officer or a volunteer at once. In an emergency, call 112.