Homestay boom: 14,000+ tourists flock to rural retreats during UP's Magh Mela

PRAYAGRAJ: The Magh Mela in Prayagraj has been a huge hit, with nearly 14,000 tourists opting for homestays this year. As of February 5, the district had 72 licensed homestays, with rural homestays leading the pack.

Prayagraj Division has taken the top spot in the state, with its homestays, farm stays, and rural tourist villages giving a boost to rural tourism. According to officials, during the Magh Mela 2026, over 13,583 visitors availed the homestay facility in the district.


The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has confirmed Prayagraj's success, highlighting the district's efforts to promote rural tourism.

Providing high-quality and secure accommodation facilities to tourists and pilgrims visiting Uttar Pradesh has always been an utmost priority for the Yogi Adityanath govt. With the implementation of the Home Stay and Bed and Breakfast Policy-2025, the state tourism department's efforts to promote homestays, incorporating diversity, affordability, and job creation in the tourist experience, are yielding positive results. In fact, Sangam City has registered an encouraging trend in the homestay sector, with more tourists showing increasing interest.

The state govt is pulling out all stops to make UP a top tourist destination, focusing on diverse experiences and top-notch services. They're banking on rural and agricultural sectors, promoting homestays to give tourists a taste of village life. This move is part of the UP Home Stay and Bed and Breakfast Policy 2025

DM Manish Kumar Verma notes that mega events like Maha Kumbh and Magh Mela 2026 have put Prayagraj on the tourist map, drawing crowds to the city and nearby areas. As a result, homestays are sprouting up to meet the growing demand, capitalising on the tourism boom. The tourism department has awarded the title of the Best Rural Homestay to Radha Madhav Homestay in Mangarh, Pratapgarh. BK Pandey, the homestay operator, saw 821 visitors at his rural retreat last year. He took it up a notch, offering more than just a place to stay – he immersed guests in rural life, culture, traditional food, and local vibes, and they loved it

Shringverpur Dham Uparhar in Prayagraj is a rising star among the state's tourist villages. Its rich heritage and tourism services drew 4.6 lakh visitors last year, says the village coordinator. Prayagraj's also killing it in farm stays, with Living Green Farm House, Lavyan Kala, bagging the top spot.