Luxury tent city and budget stay options await pilgrims at Mahakumbh

These luxury accommodations are designed to meet world-class standards, featuring amenities such as air conditioning, double beds, modern interiors, electric geysers, WiFi, and picturesque views of the riverbank. (Image: Biswajeet Banerjee)

The Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned in preparing for Mahakumbh 2025, where millions of devotees from across the globe are expected to gather in Prayagraj. Balancing luxury and affordability, the state has initiated projects to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all attendees, including the establishment of a world-class tent city and the promotion of paying guest accommodations.

To cater to the needs of pilgrims seeking a premium experience, a luxury tent city with over 2,000 Swiss cottage-style tents is being constructed in Sector 20 (Arail) of the Mahakumbh Mela area. This ambitious initiative is being led by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (UPSTDC) in collaboration with key partners including Aagaman, Kumbh Camp India, Rishikul Kumbh Cottage, Kumbh Village, Kumbh Canvas, and Era.

The tent city is set to offer a range of accommodations, including Villa, Maharaja, Swiss Cottage, and Dormitory, with daily prices ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 35,000. Additional charges of Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 will apply for extra guests, excluding dormitory accommodations.

“The work is progressing at a rapid pace, and we are confident that the tent city will be ready by January 1. Our goal is to provide a unique and spiritual stay that people will cherish for a lifetime,” said Mukesh Meshram, Tourism Secretary.

The tent city will operate from January 1 to March 5, 2025, with bookings available through the UPSTDC website and the Mahakumbh app. The Mahakumbh is from January 13 to February 26.

These luxury accommodations are designed to meet world-class standards, featuring amenities such as air conditioning, double beds, modern interiors, electric geysers, WiFi, and picturesque views of the riverbank. “Pilgrims will find the same level of comfort and convenience they would expect in a five-star hotel. This initiative is a testament to the state’s commitment to ensuring the best for its visitors,” said Ajay Sinha, a travel industry expert.

Paying guest accommodation

The government has launched a paying guest accommodation scheme for budget-conscious pilgrims, encouraging Prayagraj residents to open their homes to devotees. This initiative not only provides affordable and homely stays but also fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Tourism Department is actively training local homeowners in hospitality, cleanliness, and guest service to ensure high standards.

“This scheme is a win-win for both devotees and the local community. Pilgrims get affordable accommodations, while locals can generate additional income,” said Aparna Gupta, a travel consultant.

Residents can register for the program through a simple process, which includes submitting a Rs 50 challan form, photos of their rooms, and proof of municipal tax payments. After verification, homeowners are issued a three-year license to host two to five rooms. As of now, 50 homes have been registered, with many more in the pipeline.

Suresh R. Chaudhry, a government official, highlighted the initiative’s impact, saying, “The paying guest scheme enables pilgrims to experience the cultural richness of Prayagraj while offering locals an opportunity to contribute to this historic event.” Licensed homeowners receive special training and their properties are listed on the fair administration’s website and app for easy access by tourists.

The paying guest accommodations offer pilgrims a more personalised experience compared to hotels, with room rates determined by homeowners without government intervention. Aparajita Singh, Prayagraj’s Regional Tourism Officer, explained, “There is no need to pay annual fees or adhere to strict hotel regulations. The scheme is designed to encourage maximum participation, ensuring that every devotee has a comfortable place to stay.”

She added, “Once these documents are submitted, a simple verification process by the Tourism Department will follow. After verification, the department will issue a license allowing homeowners to provide paying guest accommodations. Licensed homes will be listed on the fair administration’s website and app, enabling tourists and devotees to find available accommodations.”

According to the Regional Tourism Officer, the license, valid for three years, covers two to five rooms per property. Licensed hosts receive special training from the Tourism Department, covering areas like guest service, interior upkeep, marketing, and security, as well as maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food arrangements.

With these comprehensive arrangements, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to make MahaKumbh 2025 a grand success. From the luxurious tent city to the affordable paying guest scheme, every effort is being made to meet the diverse needs of the millions of visitors expected to attend the world’s largest cultural gathering.