We have detailed route guides for the five highest-volume origins, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. But pilgrims come to the Kumbh from every corner of India and from around the world. This guide covers the other major origins, with the recommended mode, rough journey time and the best connection point for onward travel to Nashik.
The one rule that simplifies everything
Nashik has limited direct connectivity, its own airport (Ozar, ISK) has only a handful of flights and many cities lack a direct train. So the single most useful principle is this: when in doubt, route via Mumbai. Mumbai has vastly more flights and trains than anywhere else nearby and the Mumbai → Nashik leg is short and frequent, the Tapovan Express does it in about 2.5 hours (see our Mumbai to Nashik guide). For most pilgrims from farther afield, the journey is really "get to Mumbai, then hop to Nashik."
The major secondary origins
Ahmedabad → Nashik
Gujarat's main hub has reasonable rail and road links south into Maharashtra. Direct trains and an excellent overnight sleeper bus are the usual choices, with flight-via-Mumbai for those short on time. See our full Ahmedabad to Nashik guide for fares, trains and the recommended mode.
Indore → Nashik
From Madhya Pradesh, Indore connects to Nashik by road and rail through the Maharashtra interior. Overnight AC buses are a popular option and there are rail links via the main lines; or fly via Mumbai for speed. (Current Indore–Nashik trains, buses and timings to be confirmed before publication.)
Indore → Nashik overnight buses
This corridor is well served by overnight AC operators, compare them with live pricing and cancellation terms.
Compare Indore buses →Kolkata → Nashik
A long eastern haul. The practical choice for most is to fly (typically via Mumbai), though long-distance trains on the Howrah–Mumbai trunk line stop at Nashik Road for budget-minded pilgrims willing to spend a day or more in transit. See our full Kolkata to Nashik guide.
Chennai → Nashik
The southern metro routes most efficiently via Mumbai by air, with the short onward leg to Nashik by train or cab; direct trains exist but are long. See our full Chennai to Nashik guide.
Jaipur → Nashik
From Rajasthan, fly via Mumbai for speed or take a long-distance train on the western network. (Current Jaipur–Nashik trains, flights and timings to be confirmed before publication.) Road is long and not generally recommended for the full distance.
International pilgrims (NRIs)
If you're flying in from abroad, the route is almost always through Mumbai (BOM) or Delhi (DEL), India's main international gateways. From there:
- Via Mumbai (recommended): clear immigration at Mumbai, then take the train (Tapovan Express, ~2.5 hrs) or a private cab (~3 hrs outside peak) to Nashik. The smoothest path, see our Mumbai to Nashik guide.
- Via Delhi: if your international flight lands in Delhi, connect by domestic flight to Mumbai (or, occasionally, direct to Nashik's Ozar airport), then onward, see our Delhi to Nashik guide.
Book the full journey in one place
For a multi-leg journey, fly to Mumbai, then train to Nashik, a single platform makes comparing and booking the legs much easier.
Stitch the whole trip together
MakeMyTrip covers flights, trains, buses and cabs for the Mumbai corridor and most major origin cities, useful when you're combining a multi-mode trip into one booking.
Plan a multi-leg trip →When are your dates?
Whatever your origin, the booking timing tracks the snan dates: trains open 120 days ahead and sell out fast for the peak dates and flights to and via Mumbai climb steeply for the Mela weeks. Lock your long-haul legs as early as you can, especially for the 31 August peak (see our best time to visit guide).
Frequently asked questions
My city isn't listed, how do I get to Nashik?+
Route via Mumbai. Mumbai has far more flights and trains than Nashik or any nearby city and the Mumbai → Nashik leg is short and frequent (about 2.5 hours by the Tapovan Express). Get to Mumbai by the best available means, then hop to Nashik. Some cities also have a useful direct train to Nashik Road, worth taking if the timing suits.
What's the best way for NRIs to reach the Kumbh?+
Fly into Mumbai (BOM), then take the train or a private cab to Nashik (about 2.5–3 hours). Mumbai is the smoothest gateway; Delhi (DEL) is the alternative if that's where your international flight lands, with an onward domestic connection. Book early and keep buffer time between legs.
Is there a direct flight to Nashik?+
Nashik's Ozar airport (ISK) has only a few flights, a handful of routes, some just a few days a week. For most origins, flying via Mumbai and connecting onward is faster and more reliable than waiting for a direct Nashik flight.
Should I take a direct train or route via Mumbai?+
If your city has a direct train to Nashik Road at a convenient time, take it, it saves a connection. Otherwise, route via Mumbai, which has the most options. Our individual city guides note where a direct train is the better choice.