Nashik is linked by road to Mumbai and Thane, Pune, Gujarat, North Maharashtra and Marathwada, and Trimbakeshwar is about 28 km from Nashik. This page tells you, in general terms, which side you will approach from and what to expect on the way during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.
It does not give exact routes yet. NTKMA will publish the final route plans, diversions and the parking for each entry road on this page and in live updates closer to the Mela. Check again just before you set out, as arrangements can change on Snan days. If you are coming by train or by air, see How to Reach.
From Mumbai, Thane and Pune
From Mumbai and Thane: the road climbs a ghat section through the Sahyadri hills before it reaches Nashik. In the monsoon this stretch can have heavy rain and poor visibility, so drive slowly and keep a safe distance. Trains from Mumbai also stop at Nashik Road, and during the Mela the train can be easier than driving. If you are going straight to Trimbakeshwar, there is also an approach to Trimbakeshwar from the Mumbai side; the route plan will say which road pilgrims should use.
From Pune: you come in on the Pune road, one of Nashik's entry roads. If you prefer the train, check the current connections to Nashik Road when you plan. If Trimbakeshwar is your destination, follow the route plan for the way to go during the Mela.
Entry roads: from Mumbai and Thane, you come into Nashik by the Mumbai Road, and into Trimbakeshwar by the Mumbai route via Ghoti. From Pune, you come into Nashik by the Pune Road, and into Trimbakeshwar by the Chh. Sambhajinagar and Pune route. Follow the link for your road to see the parking planned on it and how to go on from there.
From Gujarat
From Gujarat, roads come into Nashik from the Peth and Dindori side. If Trimbakeshwar is your destination, there is an approach to Trimbakeshwar from the Gujarat side, and another by the Saputara–Vani–Dindori road. Parts of these roads are hilly and winding; in the monsoon, drive with care and travel in daylight where you can.
Which road you should take during the Mela will depend on where you are going, Nashik or Trimbakeshwar, and on the day. The route plan will say which entry road and which parking to use.
Entry roads: from Gujarat, depending on your route, you come into Nashik by the Peth Road or the Dindori Road, and into Trimbakeshwar by the Gujarat route or the Saputara route. Follow the link for your road to see the parking planned on it and how to go on from there.
From North Maharashtra and Marathwada
From North Maharashtra: if you are coming from Dhule and beyond, you will come in on the road from the Dhule side, one of Nashik's entry roads.
From Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Marathwada: the road from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is another of Nashik's entry roads.
From either direction you can also come by train to Nashik Road; check the connections from your nearest station. Trimbakeshwar lies beyond Nashik from these directions, and the route plan will show the way to go during the Mela.
Entry roads: from North Maharashtra, you come into Nashik by the Dhule Road, and from Marathwada by the Chh. Sambhajinagar Road. For Trimbakeshwar, the entry road is the Saputara route from the Dhule side, and the Chh. Sambhajinagar and Pune route from Marathwada. Follow the link for your road to see the parking planned on it and how to go on from there.
What to expect on the approach
Whichever direction you come from, the last part of the journey will be managed differently during the Mela, especially on Amrut Snan days.
- Diversions. Some roads may be closed, made one-way or diverted, and vehicles will be restricted near the ghats. Follow the signs and the traffic police, and check live traffic and diversion status.
- Parking for each entry road. Designated parking is planned on each entry road. Use the parking on the road you arrive by, rather than trying to drive across the city.
- Shuttles towards the ghats. From the parking, shuttles are planned towards the ghats, and you walk the last stretch. See parking and shuttles.
- Slow traffic. Expect queues near the entry points on the days around each Amrut Snan, and plan to arrive the day before.
In an emergency on the road, call 112.
Things not to do
- Driving towards the ghats on a Snan day in the hope of parking closer.
- Relying only on a map app, which may not show Mela closures and diversions.
- Parking on the roadside or the highway instead of in designated parking.