The most important place in Panchavati is Ramkund, which is at a distance of 1km from Central Bus Stand. It is so called because Lord Rama is believed to have taken bath there. In Hindu culture the body after dealth if dedicated to Fire and the ashes are then flown in to Godavari, Ramkund is the place where ashes are set free in the water.A dip in this sacred kunda is considered very religous. Situated nearby is Gandhi Lake (Talav) having a memorable monument made out of white marble, in memory of the Father of the Nation. The ashes were dropped in Ramkund after Gandhiji passed away on 30th January 1948.
saptsungi
Panchavati
Panchwati is situated in the northern part of Nashik. According to a legend Lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Lakshman (also spelt as Laxman) stayed at Panchavati for some time. Thus, it is a significant place. Panchavati derives its name from the five Banyan (Vad) trees present here.
sita gumpha
Sita Gumpa
The literal meaning of Gumpha is a cave, the Sita Gumpha is located near the five Banyan trees in Panchavati. It is one of the major attractions of Nasik. There is a narrow staircase used to enter the cave. In the cave one can see idols of Shree Ram, Laxman and Sita. It is believed that Ravan kidnapped Sita from the same place
ramkund
Ramkund
The Ramkund in the river Godavari, attracts innumerable pilgrims. Here devotees take a holy dip. The Ramkund is considered the Ganges of the south. It is the spot from where the river Godavari turns to right at an angle of 90 degrees. It is said that Lord Rama took a bath here, during his stay at Nasik. Thus, it is a significant place.
nashik-panchabati2
Pandav Caves(Pandav Lani)
These caves were built by Jain Kings and are 2000 years old.The engravings inside the gumpha are believedto be of Pandavas of 17th Century and thus these caves are named as "Pandav Caves".
nashik-panchabati7
NandurMadhmeshwar
Through ceaseless efforts of Bombay Natural History Society, World Wildlife Fund and Forest Department of the Government of Maharashtra, this sanctuary which houses more than 220 species of birds, 400 species of vegetation, 24 species of fish and several smaller mammals came into existence along the Nandur Madhameshwar dam at the confluence of Godavari and Kadwa. Spread over the protected area of 10000 hectares, lies the core area of 1765 hectares, where the large variety of water birds,resident and migratory birds congregate in season. It is now counted as one of the important water fowl habitats in the region by the International Union of Conservation of Nature.
