Take a holy dip in the Ganga during the Mahakumbhmela this year. About 1.5 lakh devotees from the state are expected to attend the biggest religious gathering in the world, the mega festival that comes after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh Melas’ or 144 years, in Allahabad.
The AP Paryatak Bhavan Temple Tourism has organised a special tour to Mahakumbhamela for devotees who wish to take the holy bath and perform rituals and pay homage to elders.
Devotees are given the option to travel by special sleeper coaches in trains, by air or by direct buses (only based on demand). For a six-day visit to Allahabad, a pilgrim would have to spend about `6,500 which includes food, travel and accommodation.
If a pilgrim wishes to visit Varanasi and Gaya apart from Allahabad, a trip of 8 days would cost about Rs 8,500 inclusive of food, travel and accommodation. And if a pilgrim wishes to visit Ayodhya, Naimisaranya and Kanpur Panki Hanuman, the trip will last for 9 days and cost about Rs 12,000 per head.
“There is a daily train- Partha Express from Hyderabad. Only limited tickets are available and only when tickets are confirmed for return journey, will the pilgrim be sent. Those with railway concessions or concession for physically challenged can avail the benefits,” said D Nagarjuna Sharma, CEO, Temple Tourism, adding that bookings would be done only from AP Paryatak Bhavan.
In 2001, more than 40 million people gathered on the main bathing day at Allahabad, breaking a world record for the biggest human gathering. The Ardh (half) Kumbhamela is celebrated every six years at Allahabad and Haridwar, the Purna (complete) Kumbhamela takes place every 12 years at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. The Maha (great) Kumbhamela is held after completion of 12 Purna Kumbhamelas or 144 years, in Allahabad.
The Andhra Pradesh Temple Tourism charges Rs 5000 plus ticket charges in case one wishes to travel by air.
For further enquiries, contact 8142209782, 9885089092