Prayagraj: As Uttar Pradesh gears up for the upcoming Mahakumbh-2025, significant developments are underway in Prayagraj to enhance the region’s tourism infrastructure. One of the key projects, Nishadraj Park, is poised to become a major hub for religious and spiritual tourism. The park, currently under development in two phases, will soon be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Monument to Lord Rama at Nishadraj Park
Nishadraj Park is being developed in two stages, with approximately 90% of the construction completed. The park will feature a monumental 52-foot statue of Lord Rama embracing Nishadraj, a revered figure in Hindu mythology. According to Aparajita Singh, the regional tourism officer for Prayagraj, this statue symbolizes Lord Rama’s connection with the Nishad community during his exile. It’s an important cultural and spiritual landmark, marking a key point in the story of Lord Rama’s journey. The park will offer visitors an immersive spiritual experience, with its serene surroundings and deep cultural significance.
Phase 1 and Phase 2 Developments
The first phase of Nishadraj Park includes essential infrastructure such as a pedestal, gallery, and entry parking. The second phase is focused on enhancing visitor amenities and includes a caretaker’s room, a café, a children’s play area, an open-air theater, and a meditation center. The park’s overall design aims to provide a blend of religious, cultural, and leisure activities to cater to a diverse range of visitors. The park’s inauguration is scheduled to take place soon, with the completion of the remaining work in the final stages.
Tent City for Mahakumbh Pilgrims
In addition to the park, the Prayagraj administration is focusing on providing high-quality accommodations for the millions of visitors expected during the Mahakumbh 2025. The development of a large-scale tent city is part of this effort. Vivek Chaturvedi, the Additional District Magistrate of Prayagraj, announced that 2,000 luxury tents will be available for booking, with five-star amenities and international standards of comfort. These tents will be part of a temporary infrastructure to accommodate pilgrims and tourists during the Mahakumbh festival, running from January 1 to March 5, 2025.
Lodging Options and Pricing
The tent city will offer a variety of lodging options, including four types of tents: Villa, Maharaja, Swiss Cottage, and Dormitory. Rates will range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 35,000 per day, catering to a wide range of budgets. For those choosing accommodations outside of dormitory options, additional charges of Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 will apply. The tent city is expected to cater to approximately 45 crore tourists from around the world, ensuring a comfortable stay with all essential services available. This initiative aligns with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision to position Uttar Pradesh as a leading destination for spiritual tourism.
Collaborations and Services
The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (UPSTDC) is partnering with several organizations to implement the tent city project, including Aagaman, Kumbh Camp India, Rishikul Kumbh Cottage, Kumbh Village, Kumbh Canvas, and Era. The collaboration ensures that the tent city will offer high-end services and modern amenities, elevating the overall experience for visitors. Pilgrims and tourists will also be able to book their accommodations through the Mahakumbh app or the UPSTDC website.
A Vision for Spiritual Tourism
This ambitious project is part of Uttar Pradesh’s broader strategy to develop the region as a premier spiritual and religious tourism destination. The focus on providing world-class amenities, coupled with the rich spiritual heritage of the region, is expected to make Prayagraj a key hub for both domestic and international tourists. The development of Nishadraj Park and the tent city aims to provide a memorable and comfortable experience for the millions of pilgrims expected to visit during the Mahakumbh, further solidifying Prayagraj’s status as one of India’s most important religious sites.
With the completion of these initiatives, Prayagraj is set to become a shining example of how religious tourism can be combined with modern infrastructure to create a seamless and enriching experience for all visitors.
