Simhastha Kumbh Mela Travel Guide
Official Guide to Connectivity: Flight, Train, Bus & Local Transport. Complete information on how to reach Trimbakeshwar & Nashik.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Air
- Jump to Section
Local City Travel
Arriving by Air
Arriving by Train
Arriving by Own Car
Arriving by Bus
Nashik to Trimbakeshwar
Nashik to Panchavati
- Jump to Section
Local City Travel
Arriving by Air
Arriving by Train
Arriving by Own Car
Arriving by Bus
Nashik to Trimbakeshwar
Nashik to Panchavati
1. NASHIK ROAD STATION ➔ PANCHAVATI (RAMKUND)
Warning: Do not take a "Special Auto" unless you want to pay ₹200+.
NASHIK ROAD STATION ➔ TRIMBAKESHWAR (DIRECT)
Direct MSRTC buses run from the station but are less frequent (Every 30-60 mins).
- The "Smart" Route (Recommended):
- Take a Shared Auto/Bus from Station to Old CBS (City Center).
- From Old CBS, take a direct MSRTC Bus to Trimbakeshwar (Runs every 10 mins).
This is the #1 complaint of pilgrims. Outside Nashik Road Station, auto drivers often form a syndicate. They may demand ₹500 – ₹800 to drop you at Ramkund (actual value ₹150).
Ignore Touts
Don’t talk to people dragging bags inside the station.
Walk Out
Walk 200 meters to the main road for fair prices.
Use “Seat”
Ask for “Seat” (Shared) to pay ₹30-50 only.
1. THE LOCAL AIRPORT: OZAR, NASHIK (ISK)
Ozar is a Domestic Airport with primary operations by Indigo.
New Delhi
Ahmedabad
Hyderabad
Bangalore
Pune
Note: Routes change seasonally. Pre-paid taxis to city cost ₹800 – ₹1,000.
2. FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
Expert Tip for NRIs:
If you are landing in Mumbai, do not wait for a train or flight. Book a Private Cab (Uber Intercity / MakeMyTrip) directly from Mumbai Airport. It is the most comfortable and reliable way to reach Nashik.”
Know Your Station: Nashik Road (NK)
How to Reach Hubs from Station
To Panchavati (Ramkund):
Best Option: Bus 254 from main road terminal. Drops you at Nimani Stand. ₹25 only.
To Trimbakeshwar:
Smart Route: Shared auto/bus to Old CBS, then catch the “Nashik-Trimbak” Special Bus (runs every 10 mins).
The Highways
- Mumbai – NH3 (3.5 – 4 Hours)
Excellent 4-lane expressway via Kasara Ghat.
- Pune – NH60 (4.5 – 5 Hours)
Via Sangamner. Well-maintained highway.
- Indore/Dhule (6 – 7 Hours)
Agra-Mumbai highway connectivity.
Parking Reality
On Shahi Snan days, the city becomes a “No Vehicle Zone”.
- Barricades stop private vehicles 15km away from center.
- You CANNOT drive to your hotel if it’s in the Red Zone.
- Use the “Park & Ride” shuttle system described below.
Where to Park? (Outer Parking Zones)
From Mumbai
Vilholi / Raywood
From Pune
Sinnar / Chehdi
From Indore
Adgaon / Jatra
From Gujarat
Dindori Naka
The “Park & Ride” System
Park your car securely and board the Free Government Shuttle (MSRTC) to reach the Inner Circle (Sadhugram).
MSRTC vs Private Buses
MSRTC Priority
Government buses (Lal Pari, Hirkani) are allowed closer to the inner circle. During Kumbh, MSRTC runs hundreds of “Trimbak Specials”.
Private Restrictions
Private luxury buses (Neeta, Purple) are often stopped at the Outer Ring Road on peak days, same as private cars.
From Old CBS (The Main Hub)
Best place to start. Frequency: 10-15 mins (24/7 during Kumbh).
MSRTC Bus
Fare: ₹45 – ₹65 Shared Taxi (Sumo/Trax)
Fare: ₹80 – ₹100 per seat (Much faster)
From Panchavati (Ramkund)
Connecting the two holy dips.
1- Take a City Bus to Old CBS (15 mins).
2- Switch to the Trimbak Special Bus.
Direct Auto: ₹600-800 (Hard negotiation required).
| From | Best Option | Fare / Time |
|---|---|---|
|
Nashik Road Station |
Bus 254 to Nimani |
₹25 / 30 mins |
|
New CBS (Thakkar) |
Auto Rickshaw |
₹80 / 15 mins |
|
Trimbakeshwar |
MSRTC to Old CBS + Auto |
₹70 / 60 mins |
|
Mahamarg Stand |
Direct Auto Rickshaw |
₹100 / 20 mins |
- App Cabs Reality (Ola/Uber)
Good within city limits, but drivers often refuse Trimbakeshwar trips because of return booking issues. Book “Rental Packages” for guaranteed returns
Kumbh Ban: On Shahi Snan days, App Cabs are treated as “Private Vehicles”. They are NOT allowed past the Outer Ring Road. Don’t rely on them for bathing days.