28 Jan,2025
Travel Mahakumbh
Welcome to the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj: A Spiritual Journey
Prayagraj, the holy city, is all set to host the world’s largest religious gathering, the Mahakumbh 2025. This sacred event brings together millions of devotees from around the world to experience a divine and spiritual atmosphere. It’s an event where a single dip in the holy rivers is believed to wash away sins and grant the blessings of liberation.
What is the Mahakumbh? The Kumbh is held once every 12 years and is celebrated at four places in India — Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik, and Ujjain. The Mahakumbh in 2025 in Prayagraj is expected to attract over 40 crore (400 million) people! The event will take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, and will span 45 days.
In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to reach Prayagraj, where to stay, the best ways to experience the holy dip, and must-see places during this extraordinary spiritual event.
How to Reach Prayagraj
Prayagraj is easily accessible by rail, road, and air:
- By Train: Prayagraj has multiple railway stations like Prayagraj Junction, Prayagraj Rambagh, and others. Indian Railways has arranged over 3000 special trains for the event. You can reach Prayagraj by any of these stations from different parts of the country.
- By Bus: Several buses from across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states run to Prayagraj. There will also be 7000 special shuttle buses within the city.
- By Air: Prayagraj has an airport, but if you’re coming from far-off cities like Lucknow, Banaras, or Patna, you can take a flight to those cities and then travel to Prayagraj.
Where to Stay in Prayagraj During the Mahakumbh
During the Mahakumbh, hotels and dharamshalas fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance. Here are a few options:
- Hotels: You can find hotels in a wide range of budgets. From basic rooms starting at ₹2000 to luxury hotels priced at ₹7000 or more.
- Tent Cities: For a unique experience, you can book a tent in the official Kumbh Tent City. Prices for tents start at ₹8000, and you can choose between luxury, deluxe, semi-deluxe, and VIP options.
- Rain Shelters: There are also free and paid rain shelters where you can stay. Some charge ₹100 to ₹200, depending on the facilities.
How to Take a Holy Dip (Snan) at the Sangam
The highlight of the Mahakumbh is the Shahi Snan or royal bath, which is believed to purify your soul. The main bathing area is at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati rivers meet. People believe that bathing here on auspicious days will cleanse all sins and fulfill desires. You can bathe at any of the designated clean ghats. The best time for a holy dip is during the Shahi Snan, which falls on specific dates like January 13 (Poush Purnima), January 14 (Makar Sankranti), and several others. You can also take a boat ride to the Triveni Sangam and bathe in the sacred waters. Boat rides cost between ₹50 to ₹200, depending on the route.
Major Attractions and Places to Visit in Prayagraj
While you’re in Prayagraj, there are many temples and historical sites to explore:
- Kumbh Mela Temples: Visit the famous Akshay Vat, Patalpuri Temple, and the large Hanuman Mandir at the Kumbh Mela site.
- Triveni Sangam: The place where three sacred rivers meet, a must-visit for a holy dip.
- Shri Allahabad Fort: A historic fort built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, located near the Triveni Sangam.
- Mankameshwar Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near the New Naini Bridge.
- Hanuman Mandir: A temple dedicated to a reclining form of Hanuman, where devotees seek blessings.
- Anand Bhawan: The ancestral home of the Nehru family, which is now a museum.
Travel Tips for Mahakumbh
- Plan your visit early: Mahakumbh attracts millions, so plan your travel and stay well in advance.
- Private vehicles restricted: On Shahi Snan days, no private vehicles will be allowed near the ghats. Public transport and special parking facilities are available for easy access. Clothing and essentials: Dress modestly and carry essentials like water, food, and a change of clothes.
Budget for the Mahakumbh Visit
- Here’s a rough estimate of your budget: One-day visit: ₹3000 to ₹4000 (including travel, meals, and basic stay). With one night stay: ₹5000 to ₹6000 or more, depending on your choice of accommodation.
The Mahakumbh is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, filled with spiritual significance and incredible energy. It’s an opportunity to cleanse your soul, seek blessings, and witness the unity of millions in their devotion. Plan your trip, and make sure to enjoy not just the sacred bath, but also the historical and cultural heritage of Prayagraj.