On the banks of the majestic River Godavari, various religious activities of the city of pilgrimage, Nasik, are centered. The northern part from where the River Godavari flows in Nasik is called as Panchavati. Panchavati is considered to be the most visited holy and pilgrim spot of Nasik.

It has gained a huge holy importance as it is believed that Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita had resided here during their period of exile. The sacred spot gets its name from the five Vad (Banyan) trees that are situated by the riverside of Godavari. Panchavati is amongst the most prominent places in the epic, tourists from all over India visit this place for taking a holy dip and rinsing all their sins.

The places nearby Panchavati are Sita Gumpha, which is a cave where Sita was supposed to stay for some time and next is Tapovan which actually means the areas that are reserved for penance as well as mediation.

Sita Gumpha: The Gumpha i.e. the caves are situated near the five banyan trees and to the western door of Kalaram Mandir. The entrance of these caves is very narrow and you can enter it through the narrow staircase. This cave has the idol of Shri Ram, Laxman and Sita. It is also believed that Sita Gumpha is the place from where Ravan- the demon king, kidnapped Sita.

Tapovan: Tapovan in Nasik is a very mesmerizing pilgrim place which is covered with lush greenery everywhere. Long years back, Tapovan was used to be a meditation place for the sages. It is also the place where Laxmana, brother of Lord Rama, cut off Shurpanakha's nose, who was the sister of Ravana. The temple of Laxminarayan located here, is also a worth place to visit. River Godavari's calm gurgling stream, closeness of flora and fauna as well as the green woods stretched long are fascinated by the locals and the tourists.