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.
Get a customised quote. Share your travel dreams, and we'll craft a personalised itinerary for you!
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.
Did you ever dream about walking on a bridge that is made from roots which are alive? It seems like it’s from some kind of storybook, right? Well, in the magical place called Meghalaya located in India this dream turns into reality. Greetings, here we enter the realm of living root bridges – wonders created by nature herself and cherished by explorers worldwide.
Think of a bridge that gets bigger and tougher as it ages, one which doesn’t rust or rot but flourishes. Living root bridges are exactly like this. They are constructed using Ficus elastica tree roots that are guided and encouraged by Khasi and Jaintia tribes, local people from Meghalaya state in India (as well as Bangladesh), to form strong natural crossings across rivers or streams. The living bridges, some of them reaching beyond a hundred feet in length, are structures that breathe and exist in harmony with the rainforest environment surrounding them.
The story of living root bridges is very old, from more than 500 years. The local tribes in Meghalaya had a problem crossing the rivers that are numerous in their state during monsoon time. They did not construct normal wood or stone bridges but chose to use natural methods. They trained the roots of rubber fig trees to grow across gaps and entwine with each other, forming living bridges. This method has been inherited over time, making these bridges not only useful but also a demonstration of human cleverness and unity with nature.
Making a living root bridge is like creating an artwork. You start by putting young Ficus elastica trees on different sides of a stream or river, and then you guide the roots across this space with help from hollowed-out betel nut trunks acting as paths for them to follow. With time, these roots increase in size and robustness. They link together, converting into a firm bridge. The process might need even 15-20 years to make the bridge functional completely. However, once it is done; they remain for centuries with little maintenance requirement – almost like witnessing an ongoing construction project of nature itself.
When in Meghalaya, there are a few must-see living root bridges:
Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Cherrapunji: This one is possibly the most well-known, showing two bridges on top of each other.
Ritymmen Root Bridge: It is located close to Nongriat village and considered as one of the longest root bridges in this region.
Mawlynnong’s Root Bridge: Found in Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, this bridge provides a calm and charming atmosphere.
Meghalaya is always beautiful, but the most suitable time to go see the living root bridges would be from October till April. In this period, it’s not too hot or cold and monsoon rains have refreshed everything making surroundings very green. Avoid going during heavy monsoon (June to September) as trails may become slippery and difficult.
For the Khasi and Jaintia tribes, living root bridges are not only a useful structure but also a representation of their connection with nature and skill in using its resources in sustainable manner. Usually found around holy forests, these bridges hold significant importance for the daily activities of local community. They represent the perfect blend of tradition, culture, and innovation.
Planning a visit to see these natural wonders? Here are some tips:
Put on Comfortable Footwear: The ground might be uneven and smooth, hence you require strong shoes.
Consider Engaging a Local Guide: A guide from the area could share their deep understanding of the bridges’ background and importance.
Respect the Environment: These are living structures; avoid causing any damage or littering.
Stay Hydrated: The trek can be strenuous, so carry plenty of water.
Ready Yourself for a Hike: To get to certain bridges, you need to walk quite a bit in thick woods.
The living root bridges in Meghalaya are not only a wonder of nature but also a proof of human cleverness and balance with the environment. If you go to see these bridges, it will give you special insight into a place where nature and people live together in harmony. So, prepare your luggage and be prepared to witness one among the planet’s most remarkable natural creations.
1. How old are the living root bridges in Meghalaya?
Living root bridges, which have been looked after by Khasi and Jaintia tribes for many generations, can be more than 500 years in age.
2. Are the living root bridges safe to walk on?
Yes, root bridges that are alive are very much safe. They get stronger as the roots keep growing and interlacing together.
3. How long does it take to create a living root bridge?
A living root bridge needs 15 to 20 years for becoming fully functional.
4. Can I visit the living root bridges during the monsoon season?
Though possible, it is not advised because the trails could become slippery and difficult to navigate when there are heavy rains.
5. Do I need a guide to visit the living root bridges?
Not necessary, but a local guide can make your experience more rich by giving you extra understanding about the history and cultural importance of bridges.
