Kumbh Mela Jan 2025
The World’s Largest Spiritual & Peaceful Gathering
TOUR DATES: From 5th Jan to 18th Jan 2025

Delhi – Jaipur – Abhaneri – Agra – Jhansi – Orchha – Prayagraj – Varansi – Delhi – Abroad

Festival Dates: From 13 January 2025 to 26 February 2025.
Place: Prayagraj (Allahabad), India.
Our tour dates:
Arrival in India: 5th Jan 2025
Departure from India: 18th Jan 2025
Extensions are available to South India, Rajasthan, Amritsar, Goa.
Group size: From 8 to 14
Option of customization of your trip is possible if you wish to travel alone.

Kumbh Mela - A Rare Spectacle of Unimaginable Bonhomie

“Dear Heart, if you wish to experience true transformation from a life ruled by the mind, and open to your true spiritual heart; this participation in Kumbh Mela, will melt away those barriers of normal life and allow who you are as a Soul to consciously emerge.

The energy collectively available spiritually at this sacred meeting will continue to engage and empower you long into this lifetime.

May you receive the most beautiful spiritual gifts for heart and soul” Salaam ❤

We invite you to be part of world's largest religious gatherings. With India Personal Tours you will explore Kumbh Mela [festival] in Prayagraj [Allahabad] in January 2025.

This tour is a very special offering exclusively from India Personal Tours.

Your personal hosts and our partners Yasmeen Clark and Jonathan Spark will guide you with this deeply spiritual experience. Yasmeen and Jonathan have many years’ experience guiding spiritual tours in India. Yasmeen is a deeply gifted spiritual teacher who brings an ability to connect and communicate with the sacred and divine which only enhances the magic of these moments.

She has been the channel for a spiritual Master Raman Pascha for the past 37 years and Raman will also be present to support this incredibly important and spiritually impactful event of a lifetime. So be ready for a truly mystical experience.

Our very own Spiritual personal tour guide Jageshwar Kashyap ( Jogi ) will be with you and take you to hidden streets of Tent city in Prayagraj city. Jogi is a beautiful, humble, funny and deeply gifted spiritual guide, he will act as interpreter and a friendly local to meet with Hindu holy monks. Jogi along with Yasmeen and Jonathan will ensure your safety and comfort at all times. This experience is truly once in a lifetime.

We will book your accommodation and arrange transportation in each visiting city. From your arrival to your departure you will be in our care.

This event encapsulates the science of astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, and social and cultural customs and practices, making it extremely rich in knowledge. Kumbh Mela (the festival of the sacred Pitcher) is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth, during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river.

Devotees believe that by bathing in the Ganges one is freed from sins liberating her/him from the cycle of birth and death. Millions of people reach the place without any invitation. The gathering is not only a spiritual event but also a celebration of diversity and unity.

Under the care of Yasmeen, Raman, Jogi and Jonathan, you will experience your own personal Kumbh Mela, giving deep and rich meaning to you personally in what can be an overwhelming experience of humanity and spirit colliding in devotion.

The Kumbh Mela is a vibrant and awe-inspiring event that offers visitors an extraordinary spiritual experience. With millions of pilgrims flocking to the sacred riverside, there are certain things you can expect when attending this grand gathering. Millions of devotees from all walks of life come together to cleanse their souls by taking ritual baths in holy rivers like Ganga or Yamuna during specific auspicious dates.

Prepare yourself for an overwhelming atmosphere filled with devotion and fervour. As you enter the mela grounds, you will witness countless sadhus (holy men) adorned in their distinctive attire, performing rituals and engaging in deep meditation. The air is thick with chants and prayers that resonate through the entire area.

Be ready to immerse yourself in cultural activities and events. From colourful processions of saints on chariots to mesmerizing music performances by renowned artists, every moment at the Kumbh Mela is infused with rich traditions and celebrations. Brace yourself for long queues during important rituals like the Shahi Snan or royal bath. Pilgrims from all walks of life patiently wait their turn to take a dip in the holy river as they believe it cleanses them of their sins and brings them closer to liberation.

History and Significance:
The history of Kumbh Mela is related to the days when the Gods and the Demons conjointly produced nectar of immortality as depicted by the legends. Kumbh Mela is an important and religious festival which is celebrated four times over the course of 12 years. The location of the festival keeps rotating between four pilgrimage sites situated on the banks of the holy rivers. These places are Haridwar on the Ganges in the Uttarakhand, Ujjain on the Shipra river in Madhya Pradesh, Nashik on the Godavari river in Maharashtra and Prayagraj at the confluence of three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in the Uttar Pradesh

The name Kumbh is derived from the immortal pot of nectar which the Gods and the demons fought over as described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the Puranas. Mela, as we all are familiar, is a Sanskrit word meaning 'gathering' or 'to meet.

Dipping in the water is the main religious ceremony of Kumbh Mela. Hindu devotees’ belief is that while bathing in these sacred rivers will purify the mistakes that have done in the past. Sadhus and saints from various orders and backgrounds gather, each group bringing its unique practices and philosophies. They engage in deep spiritual discourses, perform rituals, and lead the masses in prayers and holy baths. These holy men, known for their asceticism and spiritual prowess, are a central attraction of the Maha Kumbh Mela, representing the rich spiritual heritage of Hinduism.

The Kumbh Mela is a rare opportunity to witness these Sadhus performing rituals and engaging in spiritual discussions, an experience that encapsulates the essence of ascetic devotion. Ash-smeared Naga Sadhus are a huge draw at the world's largest religious congregation at Prayagraj. Sadhus of 13 akharas are the first one to take holy dip in Ganges known as 'Shahi Snan.' [Royal bath] The march of Naga Sadhus will grab your attention as they march without clothes on their bodies except garlands and smoking wooden pipes. They are known as people who are in search of God and denounce the worldly pleasure. They eat very less just as much as required for survival. Nagas follow stringent rules, they are known for renunciation.

The Difference we Bring
With this exclusive India Personal Tour package, we have drawn together the most skilled western and Hindi guides and teachers. This is not a tour to experience at arms distance or from the analytical mind. This is a tour that blow out your senses and open you to your own rich divine experience held in great care.

From these powerful, mystical, life changing days at the Kumba Mela, we will then move to a beautiful property for 2 days to integrate share and relax so that what you experience can really take firm root within you. Before moving onto ……

Tour Highlights :

Kumbh Mela is world’s oldest and most significant religious gatherings
40 crore (400 million) pilgrims expected to attend 2025 Kumbh Mela
The 2025 congregation will be spread over 5,000 hectares divided into 25 sectors.
Religious fair will be a 45-day event.
Kumbh Mela is About 2000 Years Old
Meet with Reclusive & enigmatic Naga Sadhus [ religious ascetic naked Hindu monks]
Interaction with religious people and pilgrims
Personal guide on your disposal to explore each corner of tent city
Stay in comfort of your tented accommodation near the fair venue.
Visit of Varanasi the Holi city
In 2017, UNESCO added the festival to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, citing the event’s “central spiritual role in the country.”
Indulge your taste buds in authentic local cuisine
A unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the essence of one of the world’s largest spiritual and cultural congregations.

Day 1 – 5th Jan 2025: Arrive in Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport our representative having a placard displaying your name will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Today only an airport transfer is included and no sightseeing or any other visit is planned or included. If you arrive in Delhi early morning and wish to do sightseeing then kindly let us know and we shall do the needful and include a visit to Delhi attractions. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 2 – 6th Jan 2025: Delhi visit

Following breakfast at the hotel you will meet with your hosts Yasmeen and Jonathan and tour guide Jogi, and be introduced to your fellow intrepid spiritual adventurers.

We will go to Old Delhi and enjoy the Old Delhi heritage walking tour. Old Delhi is fascinating and a total contrast to New Delhi. Shajahan the fifth Mughal emperor shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. We start our walk through Silver street, Decoration market (Kinari Bazaar), Food street (Parathe wali Gali), Spice Market (Khari Baoli). It is Asia's biggest wholesale spice market. You will be mesmerized once you enter the market with the sight of various spices and dry fruits accompanied with a rich smell of each.

After we visit Old Delhi, drive to India Gate, a memorial to 70,000 soldiers who died during the first world war. Drive past Parliament house, President house. Later visit of Humayu's tomb and the Lotus Temple. Return to hotel for overnight.

Day 3 – 7th Jan 2025: Delhi – Jaipur

After breakfast we drive to Jaipur. Arrive and check into your hotel. Later you have an option to relax at your hotel and visit Govinddev ji temple and watch the prayer ceremony. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 4 – 8th Jan 2025: Jaipur visit

After breakfast we gather with your hosts Yasmeen, Jonathan and guide Jogi for a short satsang to deepen your personal spiritual connection. Then head out to explore the pink city.

Jaipur is considered as first planned city of India. It was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Jaipur has morphed itself into India’s capital of cool. There is a subtle sass in its stride. A silent swag. And it is all under the radar. Very few cities in the world carry the weight of tradition with the gait of cool. Jaipur does that. It plays effortlessly on the seesaw of the then and the now.

Jaipur has lot of attractions to visit. We will offer you a wonderful mix of heritage and spiritual experiences, while tasting Jaipur’s magic.

Visiting the magnificent Amber fort, the Wind Palace (Hawa Mahal), the Water Palace (Jal Mahal), and the monkey temple.

Jaipur provides extraordinary art and cultural shopping opportunies which will be made available during your visit.

Enjoy a heritage walking tour in the Old City. Specially designed walking tours will give you an opportunity to maximise your understanding about the city and experience the hidden corners of Jaipur city. Your guide will take you through vibrant bazaars and lanes of the Old City. You can also interact with locals and try some of best street food delicacies of Rajasthan.

Return to hotel for overnight.

Day 5 – 9th Jan 2025: Jaipur – Abhaneri - Agra

After breakfast we drive to Agra. On the way visiting an ancient and magnificent stepwell with 3500 steps in Abhaneri, the city of brightness. Step wells had leisure, religious and, of course, functional purposes. The step well was built in 9th century AD. After the visit drive further to Agra. Arrive and check into your hotel. Later visit of Agra fort built by Mughal empror Akbar.

Day 6 – 10th Jan 2025: Agra – Jhansi – Orchha (By Train)

Early morning sunrise visit of Taj Mahal. In December and January due to heavy fog the sunrise view of the Taj Mahal can sometimes be hampered. Our experienced guide Jogi will direct us to the best experience with this extraordinary architectural marvel, with it’s rich and somewhat controversial past. The Taj Mahal really deserves it’s wonder of the world title, a truly heart opening experience.

Check out & transfer to Agra railway station to board an express train for Jhansi. On arrival in Jhansi we will transfer you to Orchha in an easy 30 minutes drive. This Indian town wrapped in legends of feudal chivalry and romance packs more history into every square metre than even Agra or Udaipur. Overnight.

Day 7 – 11th Jan 2025: Orchha – Panna Tiger Reserve

After breakfast, here we will gather on the banks of the river Betwa and experience sacred Sattsang with Raman ji. This will be an opportunity to receive direct spiritual guidance for your unfolding inner journey.

Visit of Orchha: Romancing the past & present in Orchha.
The tiny town of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh is home to marvels that pay tribute to the erstwhile Bundela kings.

The word Orchha means hidden, and this small town lives up to its name. Visiting Orchha and you will feast your eyes on forts, palaces and temples left behind by former Bundelkhand rulers, all located on the banks of the lazily flowing Betwa river.

Once considered to be one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of central India, Orchha was founded in the 16th century by Bundela king, Rudra Pratap. We will visit Jahangir Palace and Ram Raja temple.

After the tour in Orchha we will drive to Panna Tiger Reserve. Arrive and check into your hotel/camp. Overnight.

Day 8 – 12th Jan 2025: Panna Tiger Reserve – Prayagraj

Early morning enjoy the Panna Tiger Reserve Safari filling up in this beautiful natural environment. Return to hotel for breakfast and meditation preparation for Kumbh Mela.
Drive on to Prayagraj. Arrive and check into your tented accommodation in tent city.

Day 9 – 13th Jan 2025: Prayagraj – Explore and immerse in Kumbh Mela

We will spend two full days at the fair ground to understand the relevance of rituals and faith and to understand why people from all walks of life take this profound journey.

We will be meeting with Naga Sadhus & Sadhvis [Hindu Holy men and Women], the holi saints, pilgrims and sages.You will experience an immersion like no other into the Indian spirit, culture and history. A highlight will be to watch the Royal procession when Sadhus go to take the Holi dip in the river Ganga.

You will be guided, supported and assisted by Jogi, Yasmeen, Raman and Jonathan in your own spiritual unfolding and realisations. This will make for you a very personal and enriching Kumbh Mela experience.

This unique event blends religious and cultural features alike. To watch the Kumbh Mela procession is to witness the march of the ages. You will feel overwhelmed by the palpable spiritual vibrations and powerful shakti (energy) that pervade the entire atmosphere. As the holy saints pass by on elephants, horses, palanquins, chariots, cars, and camels –it truly is a once in a lifetime experience.

Day 10 – 14 Jan 2025 - Prayagraj – Full day exploration at Kumbh Mela

Another exciting day await us. We will explore Kumbh mela today with our tour guide and spritual masters. Meeting Naga Sadhus, religious heads, devotees, locals and other people will be an experience to cherish for lifetime. Khumbh Mela immersion will reveal the journey of your own soul, the development of your consciousness and it’s meaning for your current lifetime. You will be given personal spiritual information to assist your life meaning and purpose. This experience has the ability to transform your sense of who you are and what your soul seeks to accomplish.

Be open to realisations and personal spiritual experiences. You will not remain as you were before Kumbh Mela. This is heart opening, deeply divine change.

You will understand why millions of people journey here from all walks of life in the ultimate spiritual quest. Its meaning, relevance, and rituals.

The festival is organized very well; backed by high governmental organisations. You will be very well cared for throughout your whole experience. Overnight in the comfort of your tent in tent city.

Day 11 – 15th Jan 2025: Prayagraj – Varanasi

Drive to Varanasi. Arrive and check into your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. There will be an opportunity to process and intergrate all you have experienced and witnessed in the Holy city of Varanasi.
There will be an opportunity to speak with Raman to receive personal guidance and support.

Day 12 – 16th Jan 2025: Varansi

Morning meditation and satsang with Raman. Full day free at leisure. Our hotel will be 15 km away from the city.

Day 13 – 17th Jan 2025: Varanasi – Transfer to City hotel

Morning meditation and satsang with Raman. After lunch we will transfer you to a city hotel. Check into the hotel.

In the afternoon drive to Varanasi city and further enjoy a heritage walking tour, explore these hallowed lanes, shops and sites, this will be an opportunity for you to find something of spiritual significance that captures your journey. Your walking tour will end with a participation in the most spectacular Aati [prayer ceremony] on the Ghats of Maa Ganga.

The Ganga aarti (prayer) of Varanasi is a shining beacon of devotion and bliss that makes us experience the divinity in and around us.

Since ages, no day has gone by when the holy Ganga River has not been adored. The priests in-charge of performing the aarti sport dhoti and kurta well-tied with a long gamcha (or towel). They prepare the set-up by gathering five elevated planks, a layered brass lamp, idol of Ganga Devi, flowers, incense sticks, conch shell and other ritual ornaments.

Devotees throng the site from across the city to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle. It is an organised activity that begins by lighting up the multi-tiered ceremonial brass lamps and beautifully synchronised and rhythmic chanting of the holy mantras. Priests blow the sacred conch shells to sanctify the atmosphere, while other priests wave the incense sticks to worship Mother Ganga. An ancient experience that eternally captures the heart.

Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 14 – 18th Jan 2025: Varanasi – Delhi - Abroad

Our final blessing from mother India will be the Dawn Aarti ceremony at the ghats of river Ganga. You will be taken by a boat along the river to experience the Dawn prayer ceremony where we will give thanks and gratitude for all we have learned and transformed on this sacred journey together.

Return to hotel for breakfast. Check out. We will transfer you to Varanasi airport to board an internal flight to Delhi. As per your convenience and requirement you can book your flight back home. Your flight to your onward destination must be after 8 pm from Delhi airport. We can arrange an extra night near the airport if your flight is departing next morning.

Hotels: 4 Star Category to be booked.

S. No	Dates	Destination	Hotels - 13 Nights
1	05-Jan	Arrive in Delhi	Jaypee Sidhartha
2	06-Jan	Delhi visit	Jaypee Sidhartha
3	07-Jan	Delhi - Jaipur	Alsisar Haveli
4	08-Jan	Jaipur visit	Alsisar Haveli
5	09-Jan	Jaipur - Agra	Grand Mercure
6	10-Jan	Agra - Orchha	Amar Mahal
7	11-Jan	Orachha - Panna	MPT Jungle Camp 3 *
8	12-Jan	Panna - Prayagraj	Tented accommodation
9	13-Jan	Prayagraj	Tented accommodation
10	14-Jan	Prayagraj	Tented accommodation
11	15-Jan	Prayagraj - Varanasi	Om Vilas Benares
12	16-Jan	Varanasi	Om Vilas Benares
13	17-Jan	Varanasi	Rivatas
14	18-Jan	Varanasi	Delhi-Abroad

Cost: Based on minimum 8 persons travelling together.

USD 2870 per person on Twin sharing room.

USD 1190 single room supplement.

COST INCLUDES :

Hotel accommodation in one double sharing base category room in above mentioned 4 star category hotels or similar category for 13 nights
Daily breakfast in all hotels
2 Lunches and 3 dinners at tented accommodation in Prayagraj
Airport transfers by private vehicle AC Tempo Travelller
Tour and sightseeing by private vehicle AC Tempo Travelllerwith driver for whole tour
Fuel, toll, parking, taxes or any other vehicle related expenses
Monument fee and entrances as per the itinerary
Private accompanying tour guide for whole trip
Driver’s food and accommodation allowances
Internal flight from Varanasi to Delhi in economy class
Train ticket from Agra to Jhansi in 3rd AC class
Cycle Rikshawa ride in Old Delhi
Boat ride on river Ganga in Varanasi
Tuktuk ride in Jaipur
Mineral water on all days

Cost does not include :

Any paid activity fee not listed in cost includes
Your lunches and dinners
International flight, travel insurance, visa fee
Tipping
Anything not mentioned above under "Cost includes"

Please Note :

Travel Logistics & Important information:

You will be expertly guided and supported physically and spiritually throughout this journey.
If you seek to go beyond your comfort zone, are prepared to experience an altered state of self, to see one of humanities greatest spiritual gatherings and be completely opened and stimulated by this profoud experience then this tour is for you. It is not for the faint of heart, but for the courageous spiritual explorers. This will be real adventure and spiritual transformation.
Real adventure and exploration happen when you immerse yourself in such local culture and traditions.
Tented accommodation in Prayagrag is located about 6 kms from Sangam and fair ground. Guests will be providedtravel to fair ground to be able to see all activities and participate in Kumbh Mela. A tour guide will be with you at all times. Travel to fair ground will be in a local wooden boat or with your own private vehicle.
Due to the religious environment, while at your stay at tented accommodation in Prayagraj, only vegetarian food will be served.
No alcohol will be served during your stay at tented accommodation in Prayagraj
You are advised to carry an extra pair of socks for your comfort when visiting the temples.
The area is very busy, and bridges, roads and dust paths can be uneven although there aren’t many stairs and some of the temporary toilets are designated for disability access.
Your tented accommodation will be not far from the fair ground and there will be some noise of people walking and doing activities. For your sleeping comforts you may wish to bring your own personal earplugs.