The Maha Kumbh Mela Tour 2025

Delhi, one of Asia's most significant cities with a population exceeding 30 million, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and modernity. As India's political and economic powerhouse, it houses the seat of government and is a critical centre for commerce, industry, and innovation. Its strategic location has been a focal point of power and influence for centuries.

The city's wide, tree-lined avenues and lush green parks offer serene escapes amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. Open spaces provide a harmonious balance, inviting you to relax and unwind amid Delhi's vibrant streets. Delhi's iconic landmarks underscore its historical significance, adding to the city's charm and allure, while it's dynamic markets, cutting-edge infrastructure, and diverse cultural scene fuse the past and present fuse seamlessly.

Delhi offers a captivating journey through time, making it a must-visit destination for travellers. The city's cultural richness is evident in its historic sites and vibrant atmosphere. Begin your exploration in Old Delhi, where the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Mughal grandeur, is a testament to India's Rich history. Stroll through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, where centuries-old shops offer mouthwatering street food, traditional textiles, and spices. Don't miss Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, where intricate architecture meets spiritual serenity.

In contrast, New Delhi reflects colonial elegance and modernity. Walk down the ceremonial boulevard of Rajpath to admire India Gate, a tribute to fallen soldiers, and the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan. Visit Humayun's Tomb, the precursor to the Taj Mahal, and explore Lodhi Gardens, a tranquil green space dotted with historic tombs. Delhi's dual charm awaits your discovery, from historic bazaars to leafy avenues!

Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, is a sacred hub of spirituality and culture, drawing pilgrims and visitors for centuries. Nestled along the Ganges River, this "City of Light" holds immense significance in Hinduism, where devotees bathe in the sacred waters seeking liberation and moksha. It is also important to Buddhism and is home to several Buddhist UNESCO-conferred sites.

Renowned for its thriving silk weaving industry, exquisite Banarasi saris are known for their intricate designs and craftsmanship and are sought after across India and beyond. Bustling markets like Thateri Bazaar and Vishwanath Gali are perfect for shopping for these treasures. But the highlights of any visit to the city are the cruise on the Ganges in a wooden boat, the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony at dusk and the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is a cornerstone of Buddhist history and spirituality. Here, Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment and laid the foundation stone of Buddhist teachings. This sacred event, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana or "Setting the Wheel of Dharma in Motion," makes Sarnath one of Buddhism's holiest sites.

The nearby Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses some fascinating and timeless artefacts.

The largest festival in the world, the Kumbh Mela, is an extraordinary showcase of India’s spiritual and cultural tapestry. It welcomes 200 million people worldwide to experience dynamic and mystical rituals and celebrations. 

Taking place once every four years, in cyclical rotation between four sites over a 12-year cycle. Its exact dates are determined by astrological interpretation of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter. The festival relates to the celestial battle between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) as they churned the oceans of creation, during which amrit, an elixir of immortality, spilled onto four sacred sites along the Ganges. The sites include Prayagraj (Allahabad), Nashik, Ujjain, and Haridwar. Among them, the Maha Kumbh Mela stands as the most auspicious, occurring every 12 years in Prayagraj and is revered as the holiest of all, nestling at the confluence of three sacred rivers, the Ganges, Jumna and the mythical Sarasvati river.

In 2025, the Maha Kumbh return to Praygraj, in glorious spectacle.

For our guests, we organise vantage points to experience the processions, bathing rituals and celebratory feasts that take place daily, in which devotees sit in rows to share a communal meal. Sponsors and volunteers provide and cook the food to feed the millions of devotees for free. Each morning and evening, visitors can experience the spectacular Aarti, where temple priests recite hymns to the sound of conch shells and temple bells as flaming torches waft incense towards the gathered congregation.

We experience boat rides on the Ganges, guided walks, visits to ancient temples, and those who can try yogic exercises and ayurvedic massage and Holy men of various persuasions make themselves available throughout the festival for public discourse, spiritual guidance and philosophical discussions if visitors wish to engage. Pop-ups sprout along the banks, exhibiting and selling traditional and local arts, crafts and street food.

If the best way to understand a place and its people is through its food, this walk around the aroma-filled alleyways is perfect. Lucknow is loved for its street food and restaurants, each with its speciality and cooking technique, whether flame-grilled saffron skewers or curries fused with heady local spices.

Visit some of Lucknow’s most authentic eateries with a self-confessed gastronome to get a taste of what makes the cuisine here so delicious.

Although synonymous with the decadence of its former rulers, Lucknow’s most famous monument is the battle-scarred former British Residency, steeped in the tumultuous history of the 1857 uprising, captivates visitors with its atmospheric ruins and poignant stories, where in 1857, a handful of European soldiers and civilians survived two protracted sieges waged by mutinous Indian troops, lasting 87 and 61 days, respectively. A small site museum houses images and artefacts relating to the events. The 

In addition, Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural splendour. The iconic Rumi Darwaza, a stunning gateway inspired by Persian design, is a testament to Lucknow's rich Mughal heritage.  Adding a unique charm is La Martiniere College, a magnificent blend of Gothic and Indian architecture, embodying Lucknow's multicultural ethos. From exquisite gardens to timeless monuments, Lucknow offers a fascinating journey through its regal past, ensuring every visitor is captivated by its enduring beauty.

One of India’s seven most sacred Hindu sites, Haridwar, is where the choppy, grey-brown waters of the Ganges flow onto the plains of northern India. The many old temples overlooking the river bank attest to the town’s great religious significance. Hindus regard this as one of the key “crossing places”, or Thirtha, capable of giving moksha (release from the cycle of rebirth), which explains why streams of pilgrims make their way to Haridwar year-round to immerse themselves and the ashes of deceased relatives, into the Ganges.

A one-day tour of Haridwar and Rishikesh offers a serene yet fulfilling experience. Start in Haridwar with a visit to Har Ki Pauri, the sacred ghat where pilgrims gather for the Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing spiritual ritual. Explore the ancient Mansa Devi Temple, accessible via a short cable car ride. In Rishikesh, enjoy the peaceful vibes at Triveni Ghat and walk across the iconic Laxman Jhula or Ram Jhula bridges, offering panoramic views of the Ganges. Conclude with a visit to the Parmarth Niketan Ashram or a tranquil moment at Beatles Ashram, soaking in the spiritual ambience without feeling rushed.

The Lotus Temple in New Delhi, close to your hotel, is a stunning architectural masterpiece shaped like a lotus flower. It is open to all faiths and serves as a Bahá’í House of Worship, promoting unity and meditation. Surrounded by serene gardens and reflecting pools, the temple's striking design uses white marble petals to symbolize purity and peace. Located in South Delhi, it attracts millions of visitors annually for its tranquillity and spiritual ambience.