Prayagraj, once known as Allahabad, is a city where spirituality meets history at every turn. Located in northern India, it is revered as the sacred site of the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers. This divine meeting point makes Prayagraj one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and the heart of the grand Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering.
Beyond its spiritual energy, Prayagraj tells tales of India's rich past. It is home to monumental landmarks like the mighty Allahabad Fort and Anand Bhavan, the residence of the Nehru family and a key location in the freedom movement. With its deep cultural roots and vibrant present, Prayagraj offers every traveller a mix of devotion, legacy, and living heritage.
History of Prayagraj
Historically, the name of Allahabad or Prayagaraj has been mentioned on various occasions in our Hindu Puranas as well as our epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that Lord Brahma himself had chosen a place to perform a yajna on the occasion of the beginning of creation. And that place was none other than Prayagraj.
Apart from these mythological mentions, many travellers like Hiuen Tsang, the famous Chinese traveller, have also mentioned this place in their writings.
Since the beginning, this city has been under the influence of many tribes who have tried to conquer the city at many times in history. These include the Marathas, Mughals, as well as the Britishers.
Major Attractions in and Around Prayagraj
1. Triveni Sangam
This is considered to be one of the holiest places in Central India. As the name suggests, it is the meeting point of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. This is also the very place where Kumbh Mela is held once in every 12 years.
2. Khusro Bagh
Khusro Bagh is quite a popular tourist destination in Allahabad. It is basically a gorgeous historical remnant of the Mughal architecture. The Bagh has a total of three sandstone tombs that belong to the Jehangir family. These tombs are of his wife - Shah Begum, his oldest son - Khusrau Mirza as well as his daughter - Sultan Nithar Begum.
3. Allahabad Museum
This museum is situated inside the Chandrashekar Azad Park and is very much renowned for its historical and cultural prominence. In the museum, you will find a lot of artefacts related to Indian art, history, architecture, archaeology and literature. It is indeed a treasure trove of Indian glory.
4. Allahabad Fort
This fort was built during the reign of Akbar and is famous for its amazing architecture. Sited at the bank of the Ganga and Yamuna's confluence, this is one of the largest forts built by Mughal Emperor Akbar ever. However, on a general basis, the fort is closed to the public and is opened only during the time of Kumbh Mela.
Things to Do in Prayagraj
- Take a boat ride at Triveni Sangam and witness the divine confluence.
- Experience the grand Kumbh Mela or Magh Mela if visiting during festival time.
- Visit historical landmarks like Allahabad Fort and Anand Bhavan.
- Enjoy street food like Allahabadi chaat, kachori, and jalebi.
- Explore colonial-era architecture and markets for a mix of old and new.
- Attend the Ganga Aarti at Saraswati Ghat and soak in the spiritual ambience.
- Walk through Alfred Park also known as Chandrashekhar Azad Park and learn about its historical importance.
- Admire the architectural beauty of All Saints Cathedral in the heart of the city.
- Visit Khusro Bagh and explore Mughal-era tombs in a tranquil setting.
- Explore Prayag Sangeet Samiti for a glimpse into the city’s musical heritage.
- Pay a visit to Hanuman Mandir which houses a unique lying idol of Lord Hanuman.
- Spend time at Jawahar Planetarium for an engaging experience with space and science.
- Take a heritage walk through old Prayagraj to discover ancient temples and hidden gems.
Read More : Places To Visit In Allahabad
Best Time to Visit Prayagraj
- Winter (October to March) - Best time for sightseeing and religious tours (8°C to 25°C).
- Summer (April to June) - Hot and dry (30°C to 45°C), not ideal for travel.
- Monsoon (July to September) - Moderate rainfall, making the city lush but humid.
How to Reach Prayagraj
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is a city where history and heritage blend seamlessly. Located 692 km from Delhi, 1,389 km from Mumbai, 793 km from Kolkata, and 1,733 km from Bengaluru, the city is well connected by air, rail, and road.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bamrauli Airport (IXD), a civil enclave managed by the Indian Air Force and Airports Authority of India. It offers limited flight connectivity to nearby cities. From the airport, taxis and local transport are available to reach the city centre.
By Train
Prayagraj Junction (formerly Allahabad Junction) is a major railway hub on the Howrah–Prayagraj–Mumbai line. It's part of the North Central Railway Zone and is well linked with major Indian cities.
- From Jaipur: Take the BKH HWH SPL from Jaipur Junction to Prayagraj Junction.
- From Patna: Board the RJPB NDLS AC SPL from Patna Junction.
- From Ahmedabad: Travel via ADI GKP SPL from Ahmedabad Junction.
By Road
Prayagraj enjoys good road connectivity with well-maintained national highways. You can drive, take a taxi, or board private and state-run buses.
- From Jaipur: Approx. 711 km via NH19
- From Kanpur: Around 203 km via Lucknow Road
- From Lucknow: About 210 km via Lucknow Road
Conclusion
Prayagraj is more than just a pilgrimage—it's an experience of faith, history, and culture. Whether you're drawn by the spiritual vibe of Triveni Sangam or the historical charm of Anand Bhavan, this city promises a journey worth remembering.
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Read More : Hill Station Near Allahabad
Frequently Asked Questions about Prayagraj
Q1: What is Prayagraj famous for?
A1: Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is famous for being the site of the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. It is also known for hosting the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world.
Q2: How can I reach Prayagraj?
A2: Prayagraj is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The city has its own airport, Bamrauli Airport, with regular flights to major cities. Prayagraj Junction is a major railway hub, and the city is accessible by road via National Highways.
Q3: When is the best time to visit Prayagraj?
A3: The best time to visit Prayagraj is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. This period also coincides with major festivals and events, including the Kumbh Mela (held every 12 years) and Magh Mela (held annually).
Q4: What is the significance of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj?
A4: The Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is a major Hindu pilgrimage and one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. It is believed that taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam during the Kumbh Mela purifies the soul and helps attain salvation.
Q5: What are the top tourist attractions in Prayagraj?
A5: Top tourist attractions in Prayagraj include the Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhavan (the ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family), Khusro Bagh, and the historic Allahabad High Court.
Q6: What is the historical significance of Prayagraj?
A6: Prayagraj has a rich historical significance, dating back to ancient times. It has been mentioned in ancient scriptures and was an important city during the Mughal era, particularly under Emperor Akbar, who built the Allahabad Fort. The city also played a crucial role in India's freedom struggle.
Q7: What is the local cuisine of Prayagraj?
A7: The local cuisine of Prayagraj is a blend of North Indian flavors. Popular dishes include chaat, samosa, kachori, and Prayagraj's famous sweet, imarti. The city also offers delicious street food and traditional Mughlai cuisine.
Q8: Is Prayagraj safe for tourists?
A8: Prayagraj is generally safe for tourists. However, like any other city, it is advisable to take standard precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings, especially during crowded events like the Kumbh Mela.
Q9: What religious significance does Prayagraj hold?
A9: Prayagraj is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, revered for its Triveni Sangam, where devotees believe the sacred rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet. The city is also associated with various mythological events and is considered a significant pilgrimage site.
Q10: Are there any festivals unique to Prayagraj?
A10: Apart from the world-renowned Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj hosts the annual Magh Mela, a smaller but equally important religious gathering at the Sangam. Other festivals celebrated with great fervor include Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri.
