The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 marked one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, bringing millions of devotees to Prayagraj. Amidst this massive influx, Gaon Dekho, through its dedicated project KumbhStays, successfully hosted 3,600+ pilgrims, ensuring they experienced a smooth, safe, and memorable spiritual journey.

Backed by our vision of promoting authentic, community-driven, and sustainable travel, KumbhStays was created to address a critical challenge—trusted, comfortable, and accessible accommodation for pilgrims attending the Kumbh Mela.

Our Impact at a Glance

  • Total Guests Served: 3,600+ pilgrims

  • Properties Dealt with: 64+ Properties

  • Accommodation Types: Luxury, Deluxe, Premium, Dormitory

  • Tourism Certification: Certified by Uttar Pradesh Tourism

  • Media Coverage: Featured on Zee News, Dainik Jagran, and Bansal T.V.

Addressing Challenges with Ground-Level Execution

Operating at this scale presented several challenges, which we tackled through a blend of manual intervention and structured processes:

  • Manual Support: Every customer query was addressed individually via WhatsApp, ensuring timely and accurate responses.

  • Host Assistance: We assisted property owners by uploading their property details and guiding them through the onboarding process.

  • Route Guidance: Our team supported customers in reaching their booked accommodations—even assisting travelers late at night using custom maps and directions.

  • Check-In Coordination: On-ground staff were available to facilitate smooth check-ins and check-outs.

  • Route Mapping for Vehicles: We provided proper route maps to ensure that pilgrims’ vehicles could reach our campsites without hassle.

  • On-Ground Visibility: We distributed handbills and pasted stickers at key locations to guide pilgrims toward trusted, comfortable accommodations.

This high-touch approach enabled us to deliver a personalized hospitality experience that reflected our core values.

Technology-Enabled Transparency

Our backend systems and platform integrations played a critical role in managing peak-time operations:

  • A dedicated website was developed to showcase available properties.

  • Secure payment gateway integration simplified bookings.

  • WhatsApp groups connected property owners directly with guests.

  • We introduced unique property IDs to allow hosts to manage their listings independently, promoting transparency.

  • Implemented SEO strategies to improve visibility and organic reach.

Meaningful Stories That Defined the Experience

Several moments stood out during our KumbhStays journey:

  • Helping a group of travelers stranded at midnight reach their accommodation safely.

  • Personally guiding elderly guests to the Sangam for their sacred bath (Snan) via arranged boat rides.

  • Providing wheelchairs to those in need so they could participate in the holy dip at Triveni Sangam with dignity and ease.

  • Assisting families with special needs, reaffirming our commitment to hospitality beyond booking.

These stories reflect the human-centric approach that sets Gaon Dekho apart.

Sustainable Practices

In alignment with our values, we implemented eco-conscious measures:

  • Distributed eco-friendly toiletry kits at various tent stays.

  • Promoted local sourcing and encouraged guests to engage with the local economy.

Handling Peak Days with Precision

As expected, Snan days brought a sharp surge in bookings. Our proactive strategies—automated reminders, continuous guest-host coordination, and responsive customer support—helped us manage the scale without compromising service quality.

What’s Next for Gaon Dekho

Following the success of KumbhStays, Gaon Dekho is expanding its footprint across India. Our goal is to bring travelers closer to the untouched beauty of rural India, offering curated experiences through homestays, farm stays, eco-retreats, and cultural immersions.

Through our platform, guests will continue to explore not just destinations, but the stories, traditions, and people that make them extraordinary.

In Closing

KumbhStays was more than just a logistical success—it was a step toward transforming pilgrimage into a thoughtfully curated experience. At Gaon Dekho, we remain committed to building a future where spiritual, rural, and offbeat travel come together under one trusted platform.

Gaon Dekho. Desh Samjho.