For pilgrims who want total immersion, to wake inside the Mela itself, there's nothing like Sadhugram, the official tent city the Maharashtra Government sets up on the Mela ground for the duration of the Kumbh. It offers the closest possible accommodation to the action, in an atmosphere no hotel can match: the sights, sounds and devotion of the Mela on your doorstep from dawn.
This guide explains what Sadhugram is, the tiers on offer, how to book through the official channel and why NRIs and peak-date pilgrims should book especially early.
What Sadhugram is
Sadhugram, literally a village of sadhus, is the temporary tent city erected for the Mela. For the 2027 Simhastha it has been expanded to a reported 377 acres: a substantial, organised settlement on the Mela ground with its own infrastructure. Expect:
- Three tiers of tents, from basic to premium, so you can match comfort to budget.
- Shared and private bathing facilities, depending on the tier.
- Maximum proximity, you're on-site, closest of all to the bathing and the Mela activity.
- Tariffs in the region of ₹1,500–₹4,000 a night, depending on tier.
| Tier | Comfort | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Proximity & atmosphere first | Shared |
| Mid | A comfortable middle ground | Mixed |
| Premium | Most comfortable | Private (where offered) |
It's the choice for spiritual immersion above comfort, though the premium tents offer a comfortable middle ground.
Who Sadhugram suits
A great fit for: pilgrims who want to be in the heart of the Mela, who value the atmosphere and proximity above hotel comforts and who are organised enough to book through the official portal well ahead. The premium tier suits those who want immersion with more comfort.
Consider carefully if you have significant mobility needs or are travelling with very young children or frail elderly relatives, tent-city living and shared facilities can be demanding. Weigh it honestly against a hotel (see our family-friendly stays guide).
How to book Sadhugram
- Reservations open about three months before each Amrit Snan. Mark the window for your date and be ready, demand is intense, especially for the August dates.
- Book through the official portal only. It reportedly supports English, Hindi and Marathi and accepts international payments, with an email or Indian mobile number needed for confirmation.
- NRIs: book especially early. International travel timing makes flexibility harder and the basic and mid-tier tents go fastest. If you're coming from abroad, treat the booking window as a hard deadline.
- The basic and mid-tier tents go first, so decide your tier in advance and book the moment reservations open.
Timing by date
As with all Mela accommodation, the date drives the urgency. The 31 August peak will see the most intense demand for Sadhugram; the 2 August and 11–12 September dates are a little easier; off-peak Parva Snan stays, easier still (see our best time to visit guide). Whatever your date, the official booking window opens months ahead, so plan around it.
Protect your booking
Because peak-date bookings carry cancellation risk, illness, a family emergency, travel disruption, a low-cost travel insurance policy (around ₹500–₹800 per traveller) is worth considering, especially for NRIs with non-refundable international travel.
Low-cost travel insurance
Around ₹500–₹800 per traveller covers a non-refundable booking against illness, emergencies and disruption. We're not licensed insurance advisors, read the terms before buying.
Compare policies →If Sadhugram sells out
If you miss the Sadhugram window or it sells out for your date, the nearest alternatives for proximity are the dharamshalas and hotels of Panchavati, within walking distance of Ramkund.
Nearest fallback: Panchavati rooms
Walking-distance budget and mid-range rooms near Ramkund, the closest alternative if the tent city is full for your date.
See nearby rooms →See our hotels near Ramkund and dharamshalas guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sadhugram?+
It's the Maharashtra Government's official tent city on the Mela ground, set up for the duration of the Kumbh and expanded to a reported 377 acres for 2027. It offers tiered tent accommodation (basic to premium) with the closest possible proximity to the Mela.
How do I book a Sadhugram tent?+
Only through the official Maharashtra Tourism portal, which opens reservations about three months before each Amrit Snan. It reportedly supports English, Hindi and Marathi and accepts international payments. Book the moment the window opens, demand is intense. Never use unofficial agents.
Can NRIs book Sadhugram from abroad?+
Yes, the official portal accepts international payments and bookings, with an email or Indian mobile number for confirmation. NRIs should book especially early, as international travel timing reduces flexibility and the cheaper tents go fastest.
Is Sadhugram comfortable?+
It ranges from basic to premium tents. The basic tiers prioritise proximity and atmosphere over comfort (shared facilities); the premium tents are more comfortable. It's best for pilgrims who want immersion in the Mela, those needing high comfort or full accessibility may prefer a hotel.