A walking guide to Panchavati's Ramayana sites—Ramkund, Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa, the five banyans, Kapaleshwar and Goraram—with tips.
Panchavati, on the bank of the Godavari in old Nashik, is one of the most important Ramayana places in India. According to tradition, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana lived here during their exile, and it was from here that Ravana carried Sita away. Most of its sites are within walking distance of each other.
The walk (2–3 hours)
1. Ramkund
Begin at Ramkund, the stone tank where Rama is believed to have bathed. It is the main Simhastha bathing site for the Vaishnav akharas and the venue of the Godavari aarti. Families also come here for asthi visarjan. See asthi visarjan at Ramkund.
Look for the Dutondya Maruti statue at the ghats. Locals watch how high the water rises on it as an informal flood gauge in the monsoon.
2. Kapaleshwar Mahadev
Directly across from Ramkund, a few steps up, is the Kapaleshwar temple of Shiva. Tradition says that, unusually, there is no Nandi in front of the lingam here.
3. Kalaram Temple
Walk up to the Kalaram Temple, built in 1792. It is named for its black-stone (kala) idol of Rama, flanked by Sita and Lakshmana. The temple is also remembered for Dr B. R. Ambedkar's 1930 temple-entry satyagraha.
4. Goraram Temple
Nearby, the Goraram ("white Rama") temple offers a quieter darshan.
5. Panchavati and Sita Gufa
Panchavati means "five banyans". Close by is Sita Gufa, a narrow cave where Sita is believed to have worshipped Shiva. The entrance is very low and tight, so it is not suitable for anyone with knee or back problems or claustrophobia.
6. Laxman Rekha and Tapovan (optional)
A short ride away, Tapovan is associated with Lakshmana and with sadhus' camps. The Vaishnav Sadhugram has traditionally been in this area during the Simhastha.
Practical tips
- Best time: early morning, before crowds and the midday rain.
- Footwear: you'll remove it often; slip-ons are easiest.
- On Amrit Snan days, Panchavati is closed to vehicles and packed. Do this walk on another day.
- The Ram Kal Path project is redeveloping walkways and landmarks around Ramkund, so expect changes and some construction.
Do it with a guide
Our Nashik & Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Yatra includes the Panchavati circuit with a coordinator.
By KMII Travel Desk · Updated 7 Oct 2026
