Kumbh Mela is one of the most significant festivals and pilgrimages as per the Hindu religion, in India. Millions of devotees attend this grand mela for a variety of reasons, a significant one being the intention to achieve “Moksha” or the salvation of the soul. It is not only a significant affair in India but also holds major importance in the eyes of the world. Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik, are the four holy Kumbh places. The religious, traditional and cultural Kumbh Mela significance is off the charts.
Most Popular Kumbh Mela Tour Packages 2025
What is Kumbh Mela?
Kumbh Mela, also known as the Kumbh Fair, is a major religious event where millions of pilgrims gather and take a holy bath or dip in a sacred river at one of its four sites. The history of Kumbh Mela and its religious importance are explained in the following;
Historical background
Kumbh Mela is a very old practice, believed to be over 2000 years old. The earliest written information about Kumbh Mela is found in the account of Xuanzang, a Chinese traveller who visited India under King Harshavardhana’s reign. Its origin is said to be tied to Philosopher Shankara, back in the 8th century, who instituted regular gatherings for learned ascetics debate and discussion.
Religious importance
The origin of the Kumbh mela story according to Hindu mythology mentions that Lord Vishnu relinquished drops of nectar of immortality carried in a pot (Kumbh) at the four holy sites of the mela. Beliefs suggest those who bathe in the holy rivers of the Kumbh Mela places are freed from their sins and can attain “Moksha”.
Types of Kumbh Mela
Maha Kumbh
Maha Kumbh is held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh only and comes after 12 Purna Kumbh Mela or every 144 years.
Ardh Kumbh
It means Half Kumbh Mela and is held every 6 years at the sites of Prayagraj and Haridwar. Get your Prayagraj and Haridwar Kumbh Mela package on SOTC.
Kumbh
This Festival, held at four different sites (Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj) and organised by state governments. The venue is determined according to the position of Jupiter, Sun and Moon.
Magh Mela
Otherwise called Mini Kumbh Fair, held every year at Prayagraj only. Due to it being hosted in the month of Magh per the Hindu calendar, it is called the Magh Mela.
Upcoming Kumbh Mela dates
The upcoming Kumbh Mela dates according to location are as follows;
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Year
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Month/Time
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Location and Name
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2025
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Jan-Feb
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Prayagraj Kumbh Mela/Allahabad Kumbh Mela
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2028
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April-May
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Ujjain Kumbh Mela
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2033
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(Yet to be announced)
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Haridwar Kumbh Mela
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N.B.: The Kumbh Mela schedule is subject to change.
Why attend the Kumbh Mela?
Spiritual experience
The divine atmosphere and peace through the constant holy chanting of prayers are bound to purify one’s heart. If your beliefs are in the right place, attending Kumbh ka Mela and taking the holy bath will surely cleanse your soul and body.
Cultural insights
Watching millions of devotees with similar beliefs gather and perform rituals is nothing short of an amazing experience itself. In addition, witnessing Kumbh Mela, one of India’s oldest events, will give you in-depth insights into its culture that you just can get from books or videos.
Kumbh Mela Tour Packages Overview
Types of packages
The Kumbh Mela tour packages by SOTC are available in various types, including budget, customised, luxury, group, etc. You can also choose from Standard, Value and Premium tour types with the Kumbh Mela tour packages on our website.
Inclusions
To make your Kumbh Mela Festival trip smooth and memorable, the Kumbh Mela tour packages by SOTC come with standard inclusions like optional flights, hotels, sightseeing, meals, etc.
Detailed tour package options
Luxury Kumbh Mela tour packages
Luxury Kumbh Mela tour packages ensure you stay at premium hotels and get access to high-quality facilities. Some of its key features include staying at luxury tents with heating, shared butler service, en-suite bathrooms, gourmet food, etc. A 2-night/3-day luxury Kumbh Mela package costs INR 40,900 and a 3-night/4-day plan costs INR 68,900.
Budget Kumbh Mela tour packages
Budget Kumbh Mela tour packages offer great value-for-money trip itineraries, along with basic inclusions and amenities. They are great if you want to experience Kumbh Mela at a low cost.
Group Kumbh Mela tour packages
These Kumbh Mela tour packages cater to large groups. They usually come with shared accommodations, guided tours and transfers, and are quite value for money options. You can find group Kumbh Mela tour packages on SOTC between INR 13,900 to INR INR 68,900 per adult.
Accommodation options
Hotels
Hotels are available in all budget categories near the Kumbh Mela sites, ranging from budget to luxury options. Though hotels are usually a bit far from the main mela site, they come with all essential amenities and added facilities for comfort and convenience.
Ashrams
Ashrams for Kumbh Mela offer a simple yet fascinating stay experience, holding the true spirit of the event. The tranquil environment, meditation spaces and simple meals let you get in sync with the theme of the Kumbh Mela.
Tents
You can consider staying in tents, which are also available in budget and luxury categories with planned Kumbh Mela tours. They are located close to the Kumbh Mela sites, circulating the spirit of the mela and featuring all basic and luxury amenities. Get Kumbh Mela tour packages with executive and luxury tent stays on SOTC.
Transportation details
Modes of transport
To make your Kumbh Festival trip simple and hassle-free, our Kumbh Mela tour packages come with the choice of optional flights. Further transfers during the Kumbh Mela trip may be arranged by the tour operator, and you can find out about it in the specific tour package itinerary. One can easily reach the Kumbh Fair sites, that is Prayagraj, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Nashik, from any major Indian city, like Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc., by flight. For example, a direct flight from New Delhi to Prayagraj Airport takes an hour and 15 minutes to complete. Similarly, to reach Haridwar for the Kumbh Festival, one can fly to Dehradun and then hire a cab or bus to the site. To reach Nashik for the Nashik Kumbh Mela from Mumbai one can take a direct 4-5 hour train to Nashik and to reach Ujjain, one can fly to Indore and take a 1-hour cab to reach Ujjain. You can easily get a Kumbh Mela tour package from Bangalore on our website.
Airport transfers
Transfers from and to the airport/railway station to/from the campsite are included in some Kumbh Mela tour packages by SOTC.
Itinerary highlights
Each Kumbh Mela tour package comes with a unique itinerary, featuring key events, rituals, and sightseeing opportunities. For example, with the 4N/5D Prayagraj Kumbh Shahi Snan Special plan, you will get to witness:
Key events
Participating in spiritual activities like Hawan, Meditation and Yoga, religious discussions, attending the Peshwai Procession, going for Darshana, etc., are surely some of the best things to do in Kumbh Mela.
Rituals
Alongside the Shahi Snan, the main rituals of the Kumbh Mela are Aarti, Deep Daan, mass-feeding the poor and women while singing devotional tunes, etc.
Sightseeing
Certain elements of nearby sightseeing are included in the Kumbh Mela tour packages, such as visiting the nearby temples for Darshan and exploring the site of Kumbh Mela.
Travel tips for Kumbh Mela
Health and safety
Make sure to identify crowd exit routes beforehand, carry a first-aid kit, stay hydrated, keep local emergency numbers on standby, try exploring with a companion or in a group, take care of your personal belongings, etc.
Packing essentials
Pack light but modest clothes, photocopy of ID and other documents, OTC and prescribed medication, sunscreen, comfortable pair of shoes, your spiritual essentials, etc.
Etiquettes
Some general etiquettes to follow on your Kumbh Fair visit include wearing modest clothing, observing silence near temples or during rituals, maintaining patience, respecting all practices, abiding by photography and other restrictions, etc.
Booking information
How to book
To book Kumbh Mela tour packages from SOTC, visit the official website, search for Kumbh Mela tour packages, choose a plan and click “Book Online”, enter the required details, get a quote and complete online payment to finalise the booking.
Payment options
The payment methods available on SOTC for Kumbh Mela package booking are Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, PayPal and UPI.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation charge is the initial deposit amount per person for amendment notice received up to 30 days before the date of departure, 50% of tour cost or initial booking (whichever is more) for notice received between 15 days to 29 days before departure and 100% for notice received less than 14 days before departure.
Conclusion
SOTC presents Kumbh Mela tour packages ranging from budget trips to luxury plans. You can find group travel plans, solo trips, spiritual journeys and different theme vacations with us. Our planned trips ensure you get the best experience on your Kumbh Fair trip, hence it comes with unique itineraries and standard itineraries like flights, meals, hotels, sightseeing, etc. You too can fulfil your dream of attending the largest and most significant peaceful religious gathering in Hinduism and gain spiritual and cultural benefits that are beyond the explanation of mere words with the exciting range of Kumbh Mela pilgrimage tour packages available on our website. Note that the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is just a few months away, in Allahabad. So, learn all about Kumbh Mela and schedule your trip with us in a few easy steps.