The Kumbh Mela 2025 Booking Form is designed to facilitate registration and booking for the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage, set to take place in 2025. This form will help gather necessary details to ensure a smooth and organised experience for all attendees.
The quote provided is an estimate based on the information you supply. Final pricing may vary based on availability, changes in travel dates, and additional details.
The Kumbh Mela stands as the single largest gathering of human beings at any one place and time worldwide. The term "Mela" denotes a gathering or fair, while "Kumbh" in Sanskrit translates to a pitcher. According to mythology, during the "Samudra Manthan," the churning of the oceans, drops of Amrit (the elixir of immortality) fell from the sacred Kumbh at four sites: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik, and Prayagraj, as gods and demons battled for possession.
According to astrologers, the spiritual positioning of planets plays a significant role. The Kumbh fair at Haridwar aligns with Jupiter entering Aquarius and the Sun entering Aries. This planetary position is believed to medicate the waters of the Ganga, turning it into nectar, attracting millions to purify their inner selves through holy bathing rituals. The next Purna Kumbh Mela is scheduled at Prayagraj from the middle of January 2025 to the beginning of March 2025, witnessing the convergence of millions of pilgrims, sadhus, and saints for ritual cleansing baths in the holy River Ganges on auspicious days.
The Mela is celebrated at these four locations. The Ardh (Half) Kumbh Mela occurs every six years at Prayagraj and Haridwar, and the Purna (Full) Kumbh Mela every twelve years. The grand Maha (Great) Kumbh Mela takes place after twelve Purna Kumbh Melas, equivalent to 144 months, at Prayagraj. In Prayagraj, it stands on the site of ancient Prayag, a holy city comparable in fame to Varanasi and Haridwar. Each year, a festival takes place at the rivers' confluence, and every 12th year, a much larger festival, Maha Kumbh Mela, draws millions of devotees.
An extensive network of temporary toilets will be installed throughout the venue to maintain hygiene and sanitation for the millions of pilgrims and visitors.
A dedicated team of 15,000 sanitation workers will be deployed to ensure cleanliness and upkeep of the event area, providing a safe and pleasant environment for everyone.
Each sector will be equipped with a waste transfer station to facilitate efficient waste management, ensuring that litter is promptly collected and disposed of.
The event will feature seven distinct riverfronts, allowing attendees to experience the sacredness of the rivers while ensuring ample space for activities and gatherings.
To cater to the influx of visitors, facilities akin to those found in airports will be available, including information desks, waiting areas, and amenities that enhance the overall experience of the attendees.
Comprehensive medical facilities and emergency response teams will be strategically located throughout the venue to ensure immediate assistance for any health-related issues or emergencies that may arise.
Experience the grandeur of India on the Maharajas' Express - The Indian Splendour tour. Discover the iconic cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, as well as the wildlife of Ranthambore and the beautiful palaces of Udaipur and Jodhpur. With 6 nights and 7 days of luxury travel, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of India on this unforgettable journey.
Discover the luxurious and rich culture of India with the Treasures of India tour on the Maharajas' Express. Explore Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur in just 3 nights and 4 days. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of these iconic destinations with unparalleled comfort and style. Book your journey now and experience the treasures of India like never before.
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The quote provided is an estimate based on the information you supply. Final pricing may vary based on availability, changes in travel dates, and additional details.
Discover the vibrant culture and rich history of India with our Best of India tour. From the bustling city of Delhi to the serene lakes of Udaipur, this 14-day journey will take you through iconic destinations such as Jodhpur, Pushkar, and Agra. Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of India’s top attractions with expert guides and comfortable accommodations. Book now and experience the best India has to offer!
Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel.
Your morning exploration of Old Delhi begins with a visit to the Red Fort, a symbol of Shah Jehan’s Mughal power and elegance, also known as the greatest wonder of all the cities of Delhi.
India’s history has been closely linked with this fort. It was from here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler – Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of a three – century long Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that the first prime. Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free from colonial rule.
Your tour continues with a visit to India’s largest mosque Jama Masjid, originally known as ‘Masjid-I-Jahan-Numa’, meaning ‘The mosque with a commanding view of the world’. This mosque was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan and was completed in 1656
Continue onto Raj Ghat, a simple square platform of black marble found on the banks of the Yamuna, at the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination on 31st February 1948. The memorial has the epitaph Hē Ram, (literally translated as ‘O’ Ram’, but also translated to ‘O God’), believed to be the last words uttered by Mahatma Gandhi.
This afternoon you will explore ‘Lutyens’ Delhi or New Delhi. Drive through the city viewing the government buildings, President’s House and Parliament House. Also Visit India Gate and drive past the government buildings. Built as an imperial capital by the British, all the main buildings, designed in the 1920’s by the British architects Lutyens and Baker, remain today.
At one end of the avenue known as the Rajpath (literally the “King’s Way”) is the War Memorial Arch, better known as India Gate, a memorial to the 90,000 Indians who gave their lives in World War I. As you drive along the majestic Rajpath – the broadest avenue of Delhi – our first views encompass the enormous Secretariat buildings with their 1,000 rooms and miles of corridors, and the Parliament House, a huge circular building in red and grey sandstone with an open colonnade extending around its circumference.
At the other end stands the Rashtrapati Bhawan, one of the largest and most grandiose of the Raj constructions, built originally for the British Viceroy and now the official residence of the President of India.
Continue to Humayun’s Tomb. Emperor Humayun, the father of Emperor Akbar, lies buried in this magnificent monument built in red sandstone. Haji Begum, Humayun’s first wife and mother of Emperor Akbar designed and supervised the entire construction. Her design was way ahead of the times and is the basis for the design of the famous Taj Mahal, built almost a hundred years later! Your tour ends with a visit to Qutab Minar, India’s tallest stone tower. At a height of 234 feet, the “Tower of Victory” is considered by some to be the world’s most perfect specimen of tower architecture. A mathematical marvel, this building has remained standing for eight centuries. Another important monument within the complex is the Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque, literally translated as ‘The Might of Islam’. Though today the mosque is in ruins, it is believed that twenty-seven Jain temples were destroyed and their materials reused to construct the monuments of the complex.
Overnight at the hotel.
Late this morning you will proceed to the airport and board your flight to Udaipur. With its picturesque setting and long royal heritage, Udaipur offers much to delight the eye. Also known as both the City of Sunrise and the City of Lakes, it is awash in romance. Providing a sharp contrast to its desert neighbours, it presents a serene picture of shimmering blue lakes, green hills and impressive white marble palaces. It provides a kaleidoscope of colour against stark surroundings.
Arrive and proceed to the hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Your morning touring begins with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It is a spectacular complex containing decorated mirror works and galleries adorned with frescoes. The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics and ornamental doors and painted windows.
You will also visit the Jagdish Temple, one of the famous temples of Udaipur. Located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. In 1651, Jagdish temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur during 1628-53. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur. This three-storied temple is a wonder of architecture that comprises beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings, painted walls and lush halls. In those times, 1.5 million rupees were spent to raise this structure. The spire of the main temple is around 79 feet high that undoubtedly dominates the skyline of Udaipur. This shikhar (spire) is festooned with sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians making it truly a sight to behold. Every year, people from far and near come to visit this holy place of worship. The serenity as well as the architectural magnificence of the temple cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this temple to get the blessings of Lord Jagdish. Continue with a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. You will be able to get a view of the Dhobi (laundry) ghats.
Continue to visit Sahelion ki Bari Gardens built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the mid-18th Century. Literally translated as ‘The Garden of the Maidens’, it evokes vivid pictures of the luxurious lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The garden is said to have been made for the 48 girls that the Maharana received in his dowry! The beautifully landscaped discreet gardens are adorned by four pools with dainty kiosks and encompassed with flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains. A series of walls and shady trees protect these gardens. The foundation of the Sahelion ki Bari functions solely by water pressure. To add to the ambience the garden also has a lotus pool and the tingling bells add to the nostalgia of these gardens.
Return to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
This morning you will depart for Udaipur stopping en route to visit the magnificent Jain temple complex of Ranakpur. This complex is believed to have been constructed anywhere between the late 14th to mid-15th centuries. Inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle, Dharna Shah, a Porwad, is said to have commissioned it, under the patronage of Rana Kumbha, then ruler of Mewar. There is an inscription on a pillar near the main shrine stating that in 1439 Deepaka, an architect constructed the temple at the direction of Dharanka, a devoted Jain. Dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara, who’s four – faced image is enshrined in the central sanctuary, this temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. Light colored marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple which occupies an area of approximately 60 x 62 meters. Over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple.
The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. It is also said that it is impossible to count the pillars. Also all the statues face one or the other statue. There is one beautiful carving made out of a single marble rock where there 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. One cannot find the end of the tails. The image faces all four cardinal directions. In the axis of the main entrance, on the western side, is the largest image. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes.
Continue to Jodhpur, also known as India’s Blue City. Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, it is the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Of Rajasthan’s many princely settlements, Jodhpur is among the most distinctive. This five hundred-year-old settlement was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajputs’ celebrations. A six-mile-long wall surrounds the old Jodhpur City with eight gates serving as entrances.
Upon arrival proceed to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
This morning your exploration of the city includes a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, when he shifted his capital from Mandore, this majestic fort was one of the largest forts in India. Situated approximately 4 miles from Jodhpur, it overlooks the city from atop a 125m high hill. The fort also houses a large museum which houses some unusual artifacts. During your decent you will see Jaswant Thada on your left. This is an architectural white marble memorial built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun’s rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs. The Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers. The grounds are also comprised of exquisitely carved gazebos, a beautiful multi-tiered garden, and a small lake.
This afternoon stroll around the old city of Jodhpur. Life in Jodhpur focuses very much around the Fort. The bazars of the old city are gathered around the tall clock tower with the different areas assigned to different trades. Jalori Gate and Sojati Gate are especially famous for the Bandhni fabric makers, where the fabric is tied in intricate patterns with the help of nails, beads or grain, thus preventing seepage of color into the tied areas during dyeing. Continue to explore the lively local markets and take in the heady aroma of spices. As you walk the streets you will get glimpses of many interesting things. You will pass fabric dyers dipping in yards of fabric into huge pots of boiling colors and magically transforming its appearance. The puppet makers lovingly creating his characters, which will soon entertain the crowds! Spice vendors selling exotic spices that are not just ingredients that add flavour and aroma to foods and have been known to have magical healing powers. Marvel at the infinite detail and then painstakingly pieced together in different patterns of the numerous haveli’s. The vividness of the city remains with you as you return to your hotel!
This morning you will drive to Pushkar – the sacred town for the Hindus is situated 11 kms to the North-West of Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement was so captivating that the great Indian poet, Kalidas, that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Pushkar is famous for the Pushkar Fair. Every November, this little town Pushkar comes alive with a riot of colors and joyous celebrations. Held for five days and culminating on the auspicious Purnima (Full moon) day of the Hindu month of Kartik, the Pushkar Fair casts its magical spell on everyone. Over the next two days you will be able to experience this melee of activity.
This afternoon you will visit the famous Brahma Temple, which is the only temple in the world dedicated to this deity. It stands on a high plinth with the Marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the floor facing the Sanctum-Sanctorum or Girbha-griha. Around the turtle the Marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with donors names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of Lord Brahma’s consort Saraswati. A small image of the milkmaid Gayatri, flanks the four-faced image of lord Brahma and is called Chaumurti The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway.
Enjoy a walk around this small sleepy town. Thereafter you will proceed to visit the holy Pushkar Lake. The lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (a series of steps leading to the lake), where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath, especially around Kartik Poornima (October–November) when the Pushkar Fair is held. Over 500 Hindu temples are situated around the lake precincts. A dip in the sacred mystical water is also believed to cure skin diseases, making Pushkar the Lourdes of the East! The priests at Pushkar are supposed to maintain the genealogical records of all Hindu families and many pilgrims come to visit their priest and get their “records” updated.
This evening you will witness the magical evening aarti ceremony! At sunset, you can see the lights of the temples around the lake come on one after another accompanied by Shlokas sung melodiously by priests at the different temples.
This morning you will drive to Jaipur, a city, whose past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the “pink city”.
Jaipur, whose past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the “pink city”. There is a timeless quality to Jaipur’s bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs.
Arrive and proceed to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
The morning you will drive along the streets of Jaipur, to Amber Fort, stopping en-route to view and photograph the Palace of Winds. Completed in 1799, the Palace was originally built to allow the sequestered ladies of the court to view the bustling life of the city. It is popularly known as Hawa Mahal, because of the perforated screen façade which catches the welcome breeze or Hawa.
Continue on to the Amber Fort. On the crest of a rugged hilltop and overlooking Lake Moata, the fort evokes thoughts of legends and fairy tales. The fort has been constructed in white and red sandstone. The Fort is unique in that it’s outside, an imposing and rugged defensive structure, is markedly different from its inside, an ornate, lavish interior influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles of ornamentation. The walls of the interior of the fort are covered with murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from daily life. Other walls are covered with intricate carvings, mosaic, and minute mirror work.
This afternoon you will explore the city. Your program begins with a visit to the City Palace complex that continues to evoke the splendour of a bygone era. In an unending series of delights, from its grand aged entrance to the play of ornamental fountains, the City Palace is a dazzling showplace of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Amongst the pleasures of the Palace is a museum with ample evidence of opulence.
Next to the city palace is Jantar Mantar, literally translated as Calculation Instrument. This Observatory was built between 1728 and 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar was built on a grand scale and was way beyond its time. This was modeled after the one that was built in Delhi, the then Mughal capital. He had constructed a total of five of which the one in Jaipur is the largest.
Return to your hotel.
This morning you will depart for Sawai Madhopur, and home to the Ranthambore National Park originally was the hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Jaipur and it was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1972 this park came under Project Tiger and finally in 1980 it became a National Park. Ranthambore is one of the best locations to get a close view of the tigers with a viewing sometimes as near as 30 feet.
Upon arrival proceed to your resort and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Lunch and dinner at the hotel.
Early this morning you will enjoy a pre-booked game drive in a sharing jeep through the Ranthambore National Park. You will be accompanied by a naturalist. This is the perfect time and place to indulge in wildlife photography.
Numerous animals are found in this park and it is common to spot antelopes, nilgai, sambhar and chital (different species of deer). Down by the lake and at the water holes many other animals can be sighted like the sloth bear, wild boar, porcupine, jackal, leopard, jungle cat and crocodile. A large number of birds are also found within the park and there are over 300 different species of birds here. But of course it is the tigers that everyone comes to see. And seeing these magnificent animals in the wild is a fantastic experience. Ranthambore is one of the best locations to get a close view. They are sighted almost daily somewhere in the park – especially early in the morning. The luckiest visitors may catch a glimpse of tigers hunting, and the females taking care of their cubs.
Return to your hotel for lunch
In the afternoon you will visit the Ranthambore Fort, balanced on a hilltop and often shrouded in mist at the time of early morning game drives. A visit to its thousand-year-old ramparts provides a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Built by the Mughals, the fort was given as a gift to the Maharaja of Jaipur in the 17th century. Its breath-taking interiors display intricate workmanship, and the Hammir Court is known for its acoustics – even a whisper can be heard at the other end of the building.
Later, you will set out on another game drive by sharing jeep.
Dinner at the hotel.
This morning you will be transferred to Sawai Madhopur railway station to board Jan Shatabdi Express to Bharatpur (0705 / 0923). On arrival you will drive to Agra stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri or “The City of Victory – the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed.
After your visit you will continue to Agra, the capital to the Mughals in the 16th and 17th Centuries. Agra was also the repository of many of the Mughals most famous monuments. The city has long astonished visitors and many places of interest date back to the Afghans, who predated the Mughals.
Arrive and proceed to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
This morning you will visit the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Visitors are asked to remove their shoes prior to entering the interiors of the Taj Mahal.
Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants! Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (literally translated as Jewel of the Palace). She died at the age of 39 giving birth to her fourteenth child and he went into mourning for two years, turning away from the business of running an empire and becoming more involved with his other great love – architecture! Feast your eyes on the exquisite intricate marble inlay work! Legend has it that the cenotaphs were inlaid with diamonds. A blanket woven of pearls covered Mumtaz’s shroud. A railing of gold circled the cenotaphs, which was later on replaced by a marble one. Gold leaf was said to have covered all or part of the dome.
Later you will visit the Agra Fort. Set on the bend of the River Yamuna. Emperor Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1565-1573. This magnificent fort, with its imposing gates, walls of red sandstone and moat, dominates the center of the city. The fort was built by three different Mughal Emperors: Akbar the Great erected the walls, gates and first buildings; Emperor Shah Jehan built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque; while Emperor Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. A visit to the Hall of Public Audience and the Royal Pavilions is a must! At the end of his life, Aurangzeb imprisoned his father, Shah Jehan, at Agra Fort — a mild punishment considering the luxury of the fort. Legend states that Shah Jehan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with an excellent view of the Taj Mahal.
This afternoon you will drive to Delhi. Upon arrival Delhi, you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight to onward destination.
Proceed to the airport for your onwards flight.
