Haridwar Ardh Kumbh 2027: a preparation checklist for hotels and dharamshalas

1. Make sure pilgrims can find you

• Google Business Profile complete: correct category, phone, photos of rooms and entrance, and a link to your website or WhatsApp.
• Fresh photos of every room type, the reception, parking and the view, if you have one.
• Reviews: ask happy guests from this season to leave a Google review now.
• A fast mobile website with room types, prices and a "Book on WhatsApp" button.
• Your name, address and phone written exactly the same everywhere online.

2. Set up bookings and advance payments

• Decide your advance policy for snan days (for example, one night's tariff) and write it down.
• Write a clear cancellation policy and share it before taking payment.
• Accept advances by UPI or a payment link, and send a written confirmation with a booking number.
• Keep one source of truth for availability, a register or a shared sheet, so two staff members never sell the same room.

3. Plan your pricing

• Mark the major snan dates once the official schedule is published, and set date-wise prices for them.
• Consider a minimum stay on the busiest dates.
• Keep a fair, transparent price list. Pilgrims compare, and trust brings repeat visits.

4. Answer every enquiry, fast

During peak weeks you may get far more WhatsApp messages than your staff can handle while also checking guests in. Missed messages are missed bookings.

• Set up a greeting message and quick replies in the WhatsApp Business app at the very least.
• For high volumes, use an automatic booking assistant that shows availability and sends payment links 24×7.
• Prepare answers in Hindi and English for the common questions: price, distance from Har Ki Pauri, parking, food, check-in time.

5. Prepare guest communication

• A pre-arrival message with your location pin, nearest landmark and parking guidance.
• Remind guests to check official Mela traffic advisories, as routes may change on snan days.
• A check-in message with Wi-Fi details, meal timings and emergency contacts.

6. Operations and compliance

• Collect valid photo ID from every guest at check-in, as required for hotels.
• For foreign guests, submit Form C through the official FRRO process.
• Plan staff shifts for early-morning snan days and keep extra linen and supplies.
• Keep a printed backup of bookings in case of network problems on crowded days.

Suggested timeline

Frequently asked questions