Travelling To Prayagraj For Maha Kumbh 2025? Here's All You Need To Know
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26
The kumbh mela, celebrated every 12 years, holds deep significance in Hindu mythology as a symbol of the spiritual quest for salvation. This grand festival rotates among four sacred locations, with Prayagraj hosting the Maha Kumbh, which is considered the largest and most significant gathering.
WHERE AND HOW TO REACH
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The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is set to take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. Prayagraj is well-connected to major cities across India through its extensive railway network, with eight key stations, including Prayagraj Junction, Rambagh, Sangam, and Naini Junction.
Regular trains from cities like Delhi (Rajdhani Express, Vande Bharat), Mumbai (Mahanagri SF, Saket SF), and Kolkata (Howrah-Prayagraj Express) ensure easy access for visitors to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Train routes and bookings are available on the IRCTC website.
Prayagraj airport, located 13 km from the city of Bamrauli, offers regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. For road travel, Prayagraj is connected by a strong national and state highway network, on which state-run buses from UPSRTC and private operators run services from major cities.
WHERE TO STAY
Prayagraj offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors attending the Maha Kumbh Mela. For an authentic experience, consider staying in the tent cities near the mela area, just 1.1 km from Triveni Sangam.
The tented accommodation range from basic setups to luxurious cottages with private amenities, providing easy access to rituals, sacred baths, and a lively festival atmosphere. Prayagraj also has other options, from high-end hotels to budget-friendly lodges equipped with modern amenities.
For a deeper spiritual experience, ashrams provide basic facilities along with spiritual programmes and activities.
DIRECTIONS TO GHATS (FROM RAILWAY STATION, BUS STAND, AIRPORT)
To reach Triveni Sangam Ghat or the main mela grounds, local transportation or government-run buses are the best options. Upon arriving at Prayagraj Junction, you will find various choices, including auto-rickshaws, buses and taxis, to take you to your accommodation or directly to the kumbh mela site.
Navigating the city and the vast mela grounds is made simpler with these local options, especially considering the large crowds and restricted vehicle access near the event area. Auto-rickshaws are readily available for short trips, while cycle rickshaws offer a traditional and budget-friendly means of getting around congested areas.
TOURIST GUIDE
The Maha Kumbh Mela features key ‘Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath) days, considered highly auspicious. Major dates include Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, and Basant Panchami on February 3. Other significant days are Paush Purnima (January 13), Achla Saptami (February 4), Maghi Purnima (February 12) and Maha Shivratri (February 26).
VISITOR GUIDE
To prepare for your visit, ensure vaccinations for MMR, tetanus and influenza are up to date, and consider additional ones for hepatitis A and typhoid. Avoid tap water, raw salads, unpeeled fruit and unhygienic street food. Carry energy bars for convenience.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for uneven and muddy paths. Pack a first-aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, insect repellent and any personal medications.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
The kumbh mela is a religious and cultural gathering held around the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati rivers meet. Taking a holy dip there is believed to cleanse sins and grant liberation.
For a serene experience, Arail Ghat offers a peaceful setting with stunning views of the ‘Sangam’, while Ram Ghat holds historical and spiritual significance. The Ganga Aarti at Triveni Sangam is a must-see, with priests performing a mesmerising fire ritual accompanied by chants and music.
The mela also features cultural performances, including traditional music, dance and theatrical depictions of Hindu epics.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Prayagraj has a rich blend of spiritual and historical landmarks. Key sites include the Hanuman Temple, famous for its reclining statue submerged during the monsoon, the ancient Patalpuri Temple and the Kalyani Devi Temple dedicated to Hindu deity Kalyani.
Cultural attractions include the iconic Allahabad Fort, built by Akbar, housing the Patalpuri Temple, Ashoka Pillar and Saraswati Koop. Anand Bhavan, the Nehru family’s ancestral home, now a museum, highlights India’s independence struggle.
For a peaceful stroll, visit Khusro Bagh, a Mughal garden with the tombs of Khusro Mirza and his family.
FOOD AND THINGS TO DO
The kumbh mela is a feast for the senses, offering traditional north Indian thalis, street food like chole bhature, aloo puri, kachori sabzi and snacks such as pani puri, chaat and samosas. Sweets like jalebi, gulab jamun and rasgulla, paired with beverages like masala chai, lassi, and nimbu paani, complete the culinary adventure.
Langars by religious groups provide free, wholesome vegetarian meals for an authentic experience. Volunteering in crowd management, medical aid, or environmental cleanup offers meaningful engagement, while workshops on crafts, yoga, and vedic rituals deepen the spiritual connection to the festival.
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