Panchavati is a small place situated on the banks of the holy river Godavari in Nashik in Maharashtra, India. Panchavati constitute of five Banayan (Vats) trees said to be part of the legendary Dandakaranya Forest.
Panchavati occupies a rather high place in the hearts of millions of Hindus all over the world as it is here that Lord Rama--along with Laxmana and Sita--spent much of his time when he had been exiled for 14 years from Ayodhya by his father Dasharatha.
Though the entire Panchavati is holy and revered, there are some spots including Rama Kund, Sita Gumpha, Laxmana Rekha, Kalaram Mandir (built in black stone by the Peshwas), Naroshankar Temple, Sundar Narayan Temple and Godavari Temple which attract tourists and others with a religious bent of mind in good numbers.
Perhaps, the most famous attraction is the Rama Kund. As the name suggests, Rama Kund is the name of the Kund (Pond) where Lord Rama used to take bath when he was in Panchavati. A dip in this holy pond cleanses one of all the worldly sins. Besides being associated with Lord Rama, Panchavati is also related with Mahatama Gandhi. It was here that the ash of the Father of the Nation was immersed.
Sita Gumpha is another prominent attraction at Panchavati. It's a small cave under a Banayan tree. One can enter the cave with the help of a narrow staircase. It was from Sita Gumpha that Ravana, the demon king, abducted Sita. Presently, the Gumpha has the idols of Sita, Rama and Laxmana.
Nashik is 180 Kilometres away from Mumbai and 220 Kilometres away from Pune. Being well connected by road and train it can be reached easily.
