[1]High-end travel buffs can now take a dip of spirituality at the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela starting this month. With tour and travel operators offering special luxurious packages, opulence gets a soulful touch at the mega event.
The packages encompass luxury accommodations with five-star facilities and mini camps and excursions at the sidelines of the main event being the highlights. The cost of these extravagant package, per person, may go up to `1 lakh. “Religious pilgrimages attract travellers who are fascinated to be part of the unique culture and practices. We are offering premium arrangements for high-end travellers who want to enjoy world-class treatment in the lap of spirituality,” says Jackson Fernandez, GM, travel company, Wego India.
According to operators, there is a lot of interest among travellers from America, the UK and other European countries, besides non-resident Indians, and they are willing to splurge on these additional facilities. The focus of the delux packages has been foreign tourists, but many companies are now targeting young adventurers too. One package by Goibibo costs around `30,000 per person and includes stay at the wooden cottage along with an English-speaking local guide.
“Excursions offer experiential opportunities for photography, one to one interaction with the sadhus and opportunity to soak in the mystical energy of the Kumbh for youngsters,” says Arup Sen, director, special projects, Cox & Kings Ltd, which has super delux offers like tent house stay, costing `29,000 per night, per person. “Foreigners, young professionals and even some families are asking for customised, super delux options, which include a couple of days five-star stay with single sharing arrangement, multi-lingual guide and a luxury car to move around. For this they are willing to shell out even a lakh,” says Faisal Ahmed of Exciting Travels.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/kumbhjpg-376