Ramkund, Nashik
The principal Kumbh ghat of Nashik — a stone kund built into the Godavari in the heart of Panchavati.
Location
Panchavati, Nashik
On the Godavari, in the old city
Built
1696
Stone kund; later renovated in the Peshwa era
From Nashik CBS
~3 km
About 10 km from Nashik Road station
The place
What Ramkund actually is
Ramkund is a rectangular stone tank built directly into the bed of the Godavari as it passes through Panchavati, the oldest part of Nashik. River water flows through it rather than around it, so bathing here counts as bathing in the Godavari itself. It is the principal ghat of Nashik and the focal point of the city's Kumbh.
The kund's name comes from the tradition that Rama bathed here during the years of exile he, Sita and Lakshmana are said to have spent in the Panchavati forest. That association is why the whole riverfront here is dense with Ramayana-linked shrines.
According to the Nashik district administration, the present structure was built in 1696 by Chitrarao Khatav, a landholder from Khatav in Satara district, and was later renovated by Gopikabai, mother of the Peshwa Madhavrao. It is one of a chain of kunds cut into the riverbed along this stretch.
Asthi Vilaya Tirth
Part of Ramkund is known as Asthi Vilaya Tirth, the "bone-dissolving" tirth. Families from across Maharashtra and beyond bring the ashes of relatives to immerse here, so on any ordinary day you will see small groups performing last rites with priests alongside bathers. It is a working ritual site, not only a festival venue — worth remembering when taking photographs.
The riverbed
The chain of kunds around Ramkund
Ramkund
The largest and most important kund, where the Vaishnava akhadas take their ritual bath on Amrit Snan days.
Lakshman Kund
Immediately next to Ramkund in the same channel; used by general pilgrims and a common overflow point when Ramkund is closed for akhada processions.
Sita Kund and the smaller kunds
Further tanks along the same riverbed stretch, each tied to a figure of the Ramayana. Together they form a continuous bathing front.
The Godavari ghats
Stepped banks on both sides of the kunds. During the Mela these are extended with temporary ghats to spread the crowd along the river.
Worth knowing
The river gauge you can see
Near Ramkund stands a stone Hanuman figure locally called Dutondya Maruti. Nashik residents use it as an informal flood gauge: how far up the statue the Godavari reaches tells people how high the river is running. During the monsoon — when the Nashik Kumbh's main bathing days usually fall — it is a quick way to read the river.
Around the kund
Temples within walking distance of Ramkund
Panchavati is compact — everything below is within roughly a kilometre of the ghat.
| Place | Distance from Ramkund | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Kapaleshwar Mahadev Temple | Across the road, up the steps | Shiva temple overlooking the kund, known for having no Nandi in front of the deity |
| Kalaram Temple | ~500 m | Late-18th-century black-stone temple with black-stone images of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana |
| Sita Gufa | ~700 m | Narrow cave shrine near the five banyan trees that give Panchavati its name |
| Naroshankar Temple | On the riverbank nearby | 18th-century temple famous for its large bell |
| Sundarnarayan Temple | Near the Ahilyabai Holkar bridge | 18th-century Vishnu temple on the Godavari bank |
Distances are approximate walking distances. More in Places to visit in Nashik.
Getting there
Reaching Ramkund on foot and by road
| From | Approx. distance | How |
|---|---|---|
| Nashik CBS (central bus stand) | ~3 km | Auto-rickshaw or a 35–40 minute walk |
| Nashik Road railway station | ~10 km | Auto-rickshaw, city bus or cab |
| Nashik Airport (Ozar) | ~24 km | Cab |
| Tapovan / Sadhugram | ~2–3 km | Walk along the river side or auto-rickshaw |
| Trimbakeshwar | ~30 km | Bus or cab via the Nashik–Trimbak road |
Access during the Mela
The lanes of Panchavati are narrow and were never designed for motor traffic. During the Kumbh, vehicles are normally stopped well short of the river and the final stretch to Ramkund is on foot, with separate entry and exit routes. On Amrit Snan days the kund itself is reserved for akhada processions for part of the day; general pilgrims bathe at the surrounding ghats until it reopens.
For the Amrit Snan timetable and procession order, see Kumbh Mela Dates.
On the ghat
Practical tips for bathing at Ramkund
Mornings are best
The ghat is calmest from dawn until mid-morning. Evening aarti draws a second crowd.
Watch the steps
The stone steps are worn smooth and stay wet. In the monsoon they are genuinely slippery — go barefoot or in grip sandals, not flip-flops.
River level changes
Water depth depends on releases from Gangapur Dam upstream. Check the level before stepping in, and stay within the marked area.
Keep valuables minimal
There are no lockers at the ghat. Carry only what you need and bathe in turns if you are in a group.
Respect the rites
Asthi immersions and shraddha rituals happen here daily. Ask before photographing families or priests.
Priests and fees
Priests offer puja services at the ghat. Agree on what is being performed and the dakshina before starting.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring Nashik
Nashik–Trimbakeshwar overview
The whole region in one guide.
Kushavarta Kund
The other bathing venue, 30 km upstream.
Sadhugram & Tapovan
The akhada camps, 2–3 km from Ramkund.
Questions
Frequently asked
According to the Nashik district administration, Ramkund was built in 1696 by Chitrarao Khatav, a landholder from Khatav in Satara, and later renovated by Gopikabai, mother of Peshwa Madhavrao.
Tradition holds that Rama bathed here during his exile in the Panchavati forest, which is also why the area is dense with Ramayana-linked shrines.
A part of Ramkund where families immerse the ashes of the deceased. Its name means the tirth where bones dissolve.
The Vaishnava (Bairagi) akhadas. The Shaiva, Udasin and Nirmal akhadas bathe at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar.
About 10 km. Auto-rickshaws, city buses and cabs run between the station and Panchavati.
Yes, it is an active ghat year-round. During the Kumbh it is reserved for akhada processions for part of each Amrit Snan day.
Only limited parking in Panchavati on ordinary days. During the Mela, vehicles are usually stopped at the city's edges and the last stretch is on foot.