Stay safe
Avoid common scams
Common scams at big pilgrimages and how to avoid them at the Nashik Kumbh: fake VIP darshan, fake hotel and tent bookings, donation QR codes, overcharging and fake priests.
Last reviewed
Watch out for
| Scam | How to stay safe |
|---|---|
| ‘VIP darshan’ or ‘special snan pass’ sold by touts | There is no paid shortcut sold on the street. Use only official counters and announcements. |
| Fake hotel or tent city booking sites | Book tent cities only on the official portal. Call the hotel's own number before paying. |
| Donation QR codes stuck on walls or sent on WhatsApp | Donate only at the temple trust or camp office, and get a receipt. |
| Pushy ‘priests’ demanding large fees | Agree the dakshina before any ritual; use the temple trust's priests. |
| Auto and taxi overcharging | Agree the fare first, use the meter, a prepaid counter or app cabs. |
| Calls claiming a family member is lost or hurt and asking for money | Hang up and call your family member or 112 directly. |
If you are cheated
- Online fraud: call the national cyber-crime helpline 1930 quickly, or report at cybercrime.gov.in.
- Theft or cheating on the ground: go to the nearest police help desk or call 112.
- Keep screenshots, receipts and phone numbers.
Sources
Kumbh Path is an independent guide with no paid listings in this article. For official rules, routes and timings, follow notices from the Kumbh Mela authority, Nashik Police and Indian Railways.