Exploring nearby attractions during the Maha Kumbh Mela
Exploring nearby attractions during the Maha Kumbh Mela is like a whirlwind of spirituality and devotion, attracting millions of people from the four corners of of India and from all over the world. If you’re lucky enough to go, you’ll be immersed in a unique atmosphere, with rituals, prayers and sacred baths in holy rivers. But why not take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area? Here are a few ideas for combining your Mela experience with some interesting escapades.
Short Excursions from the Mela Site
Each city hosting the Maha Kumbh Mela – Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain – has its own treasures to discover nearby.
Allahabad:
Varanasi :
About a three-hour drive away, Varanasi is a real gem. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. The ghats along the Ganges are incredible, especially at sunrise and sunset. Don’t miss the evening aarti, a spectacle of lights and prayers on the banks of the river.
Chitrakoot:
Two and a half hours away, it’s a super peaceful and spiritual place, mentioned in the Ramayana. The Ramghat waterfalls and Kamadgiri temple are must-sees.
Haridwar:
Rishikesh:
Just an hour away, Rishikesh is a yoga paradise. Here you can take a yoga class, go rafting on the Ganges, or simply relax and look out over the river and mountains.
– Mussoorie: Three hours away, this mountain resort is perfect for escaping the heat and admiring spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Nashik:
Trimbakeshwar:
An hour away, this temple dedicated to Shiva is surrounded by magnificent mountains, perfect for a short hike.
Shirdi:
Two and a half hours away, this pilgrimage site dedicated to Sai Baba is a must for millions of devotees.
Ujjain:
Omkareshwar:
Two and a half hours away, this sacred little town, with its Om-shaped island on the Narmada River, is super interesting to visit.
Mandu:
Three hours away, Mandu is full of historic ruins and ancient architecture, offering a lovely journey into the past.
Nearby historical and cultural sites
As well as day trips, each city in the Kumbh Mela has its own historic sites to explore. In Allahabad, the Allahabad Fort, built by Akbar, is a fascinating place with underground temples and an Ashoka pillar. In Haridwar, the Mansa Devi Temple, accessible by cable car, offers incredible panoramic views. In Nashik, visiting the local vineyards can be a unique experience, especially if you like wine. And in Ujjain, the Mahakaleshwar Temple is a must for all pilgrims.
How to Balance Mela and Local Tourism
The Maha Kumbh Mela
is intense. To balance this spiritual immersion with a little tourism, plan your visits. Choose specific days to take part in the main ritual baths, and set aside other days to explore the surrounding area. Hiring a local guide can be a great idea to really understand the history and legends of the places you’ll be visiting.
In short, the Maha Kumbh Mela is an experience like no other. By adding excursions and visits to historic sites to your trip, you can discover even more of India’s richness and diversity. Enjoy this extraordinary adventure!
