The 2010 Kumbh Mela took place in Hariwdar, at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Here are some travel tips to keep in mind when planning your trip.
- Roads will be extremely congested and traffic diverted well before Haridwar. Therefore, taking the train is the most convenient option of getting there. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance. Find out about options for train travel and booking a ticket. (Indian Railways reservations open 90 days in advance of travel date).
- Do take into account the weather when attending the Kumbh Mela, especially if you want to bathe in the river. Haridwar is quite cold during the winter, but starts warming up in February. By April, the weather will be hot there.
- The massive crowds of millions of people on the important bathing days can be dangerous (people have been killed in stampedes), so do take extra care on these days.
- Reserve a hotel with a view of the Ganges River and Har Ki Pari ghat. If you don't mind splurging, Haveli Hari Ganga is a recommended option. Double rooms cost around $150 per night. The hotel also provides luxury tented accommodations for the Mela.
- Government tent accommodations are also available, however they cater more to the masses of Indian tourists.
- On major bathing days (Royal Bath), the procession of sadhus/holy men starts out from From Lalta Ro Bridge. Spectators aren't allowed to move along with the procession, however. Entry to Har Ki Pari and the surrounding area is also restricted. Only sadhus are allowed to bathe at Har Ki Pari ghat between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Therefore, try and find a strategically located hotel rooftop beforehand.
- There is a hill above Har Ki Pari ghat, where you can safely view the goings on away from the crowds.
- Dress is loose, comfortable clothes in dark or earth colors.
- Giving money is considered to be an important aspect of pilgrimage to the Kumbh Mela. Place money at the feet of sadhus if seeking an audience with them. An amount ending with one rupee is considered to be most auspicious (eg. 51 rupees, 101 rupees).
- Not all "holy" people who attend the Kumbh Mela are authentic. Do be careful of con artists.
- If you would like the added security of visiting the Kumbh Mela with a tour group, there are quite a few companies that conduct escorted tours to the Kumbh Mela. These include Divine Travels, Kumbhmela.net, and Royal Indian Voyages. This type of travel can often provide access to experiences that it would be difficult to have on your own, including access to renowned spiritual leaders.
