Panchavati is the religious and holy place located on the northern part of river Godavari at a distance of 5kms from Nasik. Panchavati is a part of the Dandakaranya Forest which derived its name from the Sanskrit word pañca (five) and vata (Banyan Tree), as this area contain five banyan trees. It is believed that Lord Ram, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, stayed here during their exile. Lakshmana is supposed to have cut off Surpanakha's nose (nasika) at Panchavati. People frequently visit here, since this place has acquire a prominent place in the epic. 

Ramkund, the cave called Sita Gumpha, Kalaram temple, Naroshankar Temple, Laxman Rekha - the place from where the demon Ravana abducted Goddess Sita are some of the tourist spots located in the vicinity of Panchavati.