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Preparing your Kumbh Mela guide
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Preparing your Kumbh Mela guide
The Indian Railways is the primary mode of transport for millions of pilgrims attending the Kumbh Mela. This guide covers everything you need to know about arriving at Nashik Road Station, special Mela trains, and navigating the last mile to the holy ghats.
Nashik Road is a major A-category railway station on the Central Railway network. It is the only mainline railway station serving Nashik city.
Train tickets for the Kumbh Mela period (especially around the Shahi Snan dates) sell out within minutes of the IRCTC booking window opening.
Nashik Road station is located approximately 10 km outside the main city center where Ramkund and Sadhugram are located.
This is the cheapest and most reliable option. A massive bus terminal is located right outside the railway station. Frequent buses run to Panchavati (for Ramkund) and Tapovan (for Sadhugram).
Available in abundance. Always insist on using the meter, or negotiate the fare upfront. During peak Mela days, autos are restricted from entering the inner city rings.
On the three Shahi Snan days, all private vehicles and autos are banned from the city center. The administration operates a continuous fleet of free/subsidized shuttle buses directly from Nashik Road Station to the outer parking rings, from where you must walk.
Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours
Multiple express trains run daily, including the popular Panchavati Express and Tapovan Express. Local trains do NOT go to Nashik.
Travel Time: 6 to 7 hours
Fewer direct trains. The Pune-Manmad Express is an option, but taking a Shivneri Bus from Pune is generally faster and more reliable.