Mahakumbh 2025: The Mahakumbh Mela, the largest spiritual gathering in the world, follows a 12-year cycle and is set to return to Prayagraj in 2025. Scheduled from 13 January to 26 February, the event is expected to draw millions of devotees and visitors from around the globe. With the countdown underway, planning your travel is crucial to fully experience this extraordinary spectacle.
Transforming Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela
During the month-long celebrations, the Kumbh Mela site transforms into a sprawling tented township spanning 4,000 hectares along the riverbanks of the Sangam. This temporary city includes cottages, platforms, and essential civic and administrative facilities. The Sangam, a sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, is about 7 km from Civil Lines in Prayagraj and near the eastern sections of Akbar Fort. Most visitors navigate the mela grounds on foot, though small passenger vehicles are available near bus stations for added convenience.
How to reach Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela by air
Prayagraj Domestic Airport is approximately 12 km from the city center, offering flights to major destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. To accommodate pilgrims, new direct flights from cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Guwahati have been introduced. Taxis and city buses are available to transport visitors from the airport to the Kumbh Mela parking areas.
Delhi to Prayagraj
Flights from Delhi to Prayagraj are priced between Rs 7,500 and Rs 5,000 for the period of January 13-19, coinciding with the first week of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. However, tickets for the earlier dates, January 10-12, are significantly higher, ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 13,000.
Mumbai to Prayagraj
Flights from Mumbai to Prayagraj are available for prices between Rs 7,500 and Rs 12,000.
Chennai to Prayagraj
Flights from Chennai to Prayagraj are on the expensive side, with prices varying between Rs 13,000 and Rs 25,000.
Bengaluru to Prayagraj
Flights from Bengaluru to Prayagraj range from Rs 6,800 to Rs 12,000 for the first week of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
How to reach Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela by road
Prayagraj is well-connected by an extensive road network. The NH2 (Delhi-Kolkata Highway) is a favored route for road trippers, offering convenient access and scenic views. Regular state and private bus services also link Prayagraj with nearby cities, including Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur.
How to reach Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela by train
Prayagraj, a major railway hub and headquarters of the North Central Railway Zone, boasts eight stations, including Prayagraj Junction, Naini Station, and Prayagraj Sangam. Over 13,000 trains, including 3,000 special trains, will connect the city with major destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata during the Kumbh Mela. Special trains have also been announced on routes from Guntur, Moula Ali, and Nanded. The South Central Railway (SCR) has introduced 16 special trains to facilitate the travel of pilgrims.
Vande Bharat (22436): Departure 6:00 AM – Arrival 12:08 PM
A long waiting list exists for January 13 and 14. Tickets are available on January 15, but no availability from January 16 to 18.
Vande Bharat (22416): Departure 3:00 PM – Arrival 9:11 PM
The train has a waiting list for January 13 and does not operate on Tuesdays. Tickets are available for January 15, 16, and 19.
DBRT Rajdhani (12424): Departure 4:20 PM – Arrival 11:08 PM
No tickets are available for January 13. Tickets can be booked for January 14, 15, 16, and 18.
RJPB Tejas Raj (12310): Departure 5:10 PM – Arrival 12:00 AM
Tickets are unavailable for January 13 but can be booked for January 14, 15, and 16.
Howrah Rajdhani (12302): Departure 4:40 PM – Arrival 11:41 PM
Tickets are unavailable for January 13. However, tickets are available for January 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19. Additionally, several other trains are available from Delhi stations, including New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Delhi, Subzi Mandi, and Adarsh Nagar, to Prayagraj Junction.
Whether by air, road, or rail, reaching the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is more accessible than ever, ensuring devotees can partake in this unparalleled spiritual celebration.
