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Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is of great importance to Hindus and other communities. It is one of the popular pilgrimage destinations in India, known for Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three sacred rivers—Ganga, Saraswati, and Yamuna. It is one of the best cities to visit in Uttar Pradesh that offers a perfect blend of spirituality, culture, and history. Prayagraj hosts many festivals annually that attract millions of tourists. Even the sacred Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years in Prayagraj. Apart from the spiritual significance, the city has many historical places from the Mughal era. Along with several temples, the city boasts mausoleums, making it a holy city for many communities. If you are planning a trip with your family or friends, our comprehensive Prayagraj travel guide will help you make the most of your trip.
Best Places to Visit in Prayagraj
From experiencing the sacred rituals at the confluence to exploring the historical heritage of the country, Prayagraj offers a plethora of attractions to explore. We have compiled a list of the top places that every tourist must add to their Prayagraj tour itinerary. Whether you are on a one-day Prayagraj tour or more, consider visiting the following places:
Triveni Sangam
Visiting Triveni Sangam is one of the top things to do in Prayagraj. It is the holiest place where the sacred rivers Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati meet. Devotees from all around the world visit Prayagraj (Allahabad) especially to take a holy dip in the confluence, believing it washes away sins. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. People even enjoy boat rides during sunrise or sunset, when the river shines beautifully, creating a magical spectacle.
Allahabad Fort
Not only cultural and spiritual significance, but Prayagraj is also a testament to India’s rich historical heritage. And, Allahabad Fort is the prime example of this. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, Allahabad Fort stands tall near the Sangam. The fort is known for its massive walls, impressive gateways, and historical value. Inside, you’ll find the Ashoka Pillar, Saraswati Koop, and the famous Patalpuri Temple. Although most of the fort is used by the army, some areas are open for visitors and worth exploring.
Anand Bhavan
One of the most stunning architectural sites you can spot in Prayagraj is Anand Bhavan. It is a beautiful mansion that once belonged to the Nehru family. Today, it is converted into a museum that displays photographs, furniture, and other belongings of the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Along with the exhibits, the palace houses a beautiful, well-maintained garden, making it a beautiful spot to explore.
Khusro Bagh
Another top place to visit in Prayagraj is Khusro Bagh, which is a large walled garden famous for its Mughal architecture. It has the tombs of Prince Khusro, son of Emperor Jahangir, and other royal family members. The sandstone structures are decorated with carvings and floral patterns, giving a glimpse of Mughal artistry. The garden is calm and green, perfect for a slow walk or some quiet time.
All Saints Cathedral
One of the top attractions in Prayagraj is All Saints Cathedral, which is also called Patthar Girja. This is a church in Prayagraj, which is the finest example of Gothic-style architecture in India. Built during the British era, it has high arches, stained glass windows, and a peaceful ambiance. The church looks especially beautiful during Christmas, when it is decorated with lights. It is a must-visit for those interested in architecture and history.
Swaraj Bhawan
Located next to Anand Bhavan, Swaraj Bhawan was once the headquarters of the Indian National Congress. It is also the birthplace of Indira Gandhi. The building now serves as a museum, displaying artifacts, documents, and pictures related to India’s struggle for independence. Visiting this place gives a strong sense of the city’s role in shaping modern India.
Alfred Park (Chandrashekhar Azad Park)
This is the largest park in Prayagraj, named after freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad, who gave his life here. The park has wide lawns, walking paths, and a statue of Azad. It is a popular spot for morning walks and family outings. The history attached to this park makes it more than just a green space.
Festivals
Prayagraj is renowned for its largest religious gatherings in the Kumbh Mela. However, the city hosts many other festivals with great fervor, which bring life to the Ghats and Streets. Many people plan their Prayagraj tour during the festive season to indulge in the enthusiasm of festivity. Here are the grand festivals of Prayagraj that everyone must attend once in their lifetime.
- Kumbh Mela: One of the grandest festivals of Prayagraj is Kumbh Mela. This takes place every 12 years at the Triveni Sangam. It is the confluence of three sacred rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati. Millions of pilgrims gather to take a holy dip in Sangam, believing it cleanses sins. The sight of saints, colorful camps, and spiritual chants makes it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
- Magh Mela: This festival is held every year in January or February, called the Magha month as per the Hindu Calendar. This festival is also a large religious gathering, called the mini-Kumbh Mela. Devotees set up temporary camps on the riverbanks and perform rituals. The main highlight is bathing in the Ganga River during auspicious days.
- Ganga Dussehra: Another popular and holy festival celebrated in Prayagraj is Ganga Dussehra. This day is celebrated as the holy River Ganga descended to the earth. Devotees on this auspicious day bathe in the holy river Ganga or at Sangam.
- Makar Sankranti: This festival marks the change of the sun’s position and is celebrated with a dip at the Sangam. Pilgrims believe bathing on this day brings purity and blessings. The sky fills with colorful kites as families enjoy the winter sun. Traditional dishes like til laddoo and khichdi are made, adding warmth to the celebration.
How to Reach
Being a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination in India, Pyragraj is well-connected to the major cities by road, rail, and airways. The most convenient way to reach Prayagraj is by train, which also saves you money. Still, let’s explore all the travel options you have to reach this holy town:
- By Train: Prayagraj (Allahabad) has its own railway station. Many express and superfast trains run from different parts of the country through Prayagraj Junction. You can board a train from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Visakhapatnam, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore to reach Prayagraj.
- By Air: Prayagraj Airport is the nearest airport to the city. The airport is well-connected to major cities, like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Another way to reach Prayagraj by flight is to land in Varanasi Airport; from there, you can board a train or book a cab to reach Prayagraj.
- By Road: Prayagraj is well-connected by road to major cities. People traveling from nearby cities or neighboring states can take a private or state-run bus to reach Prayagraj.
Best Time to Visit
Well, the winter season from October to February is the best time to visit Prayagraj. The weather remains pleasant, making it easy for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and temple visits. The summer season is also good for exploration, with a few precautions for the heat. But one should avoid travelling during the monsoon or rainy season. Most people visit Prayagraj to take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam. But the water level rises during the season, which is not safe.
