About Prayagraj

Country: India | State: Uttar Pradesh

Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 Days

Nearest City to Prayagraj: Prayagraj, Lucknow (202 Kms)

Best Time to Visit Prayagraj: October to March

Peak Season: November to February

At a distance of 100 km from Sultanpur, 125 km from Varanasi, 168 km from Ayodhya, 200 km from Kanpur, 202 km from Lucknow, 242 km from Gorakhpur, 366 km from Patna, 525 km from Agra, and 721 km from Delhi, Allahabad, now officially known as Prayagraj, is a sacred city located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in India and among the must-include places in Uttar Pradesh tour packages.

Also known as Illahabad and Prayag, Allahabad is one of the most religious cities for Hindus in India, and among the famous places to visit near Kanpur. It is believed to be the spot where Brahma offered his first sacrifice after creating the world hence the name Prayag or Prayagraj where Pra means 'first' and Yag means 'devotion'. Prayag also signifies Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. This is the place where Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest Hindu gathering on the banks of the Sangam, is held every twelve years and is attended by millions of pilgrims from all across the globe as part of Allahabad tour packages.

Allahabad is the second oldest city in India with its origins traced back to the Vedic period. Legend says that the city was once the part of the Kuru dynasty, who made it their capital after the destruction of Hastinapur by floods, and later their capital was named Kaushambi. The city became a part of the Delhi Sultanate after it was annexed by Muhammad of Ghor in 1193. After the Mughal invasion in 1526, Emperor Akbar, impressed by the location named the city Illahabad which meant 'Abode of God'. Emperor Shah Jahan renamed the city Allahabad. Later, the city was conquered by the Maratha Empire, and then it was ceded to the British East India Company in 1801. It played an active role during the mutiny of 1857, after which the British moved the capital of the North-Western Provinces to Allahabad, for the next twenty years.

Allahabad is known as the City of Prime Ministers because seven out of 15 prime ministers of India since independence have connections to Allahabad (Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Gulzarilal Nanda, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, and Chandra Shekhar). All seven leaders were either born in Allahabad, were alumni of Allahabad University, or were elected from an Allahabad constituency.

Allahabad is a holy city known for its historic, religious and cultural wealth. The city is home to many many-faceted jewels of Indian culture, full of ancient tombs, and gorgeous parks. Triveni Sangam, Khusro Bagh, Allahabad Fort, Allahabad Planetarium, Chandrashekar Azad Park, Anand Bhavan, Allahabad Museum, etc. are some of the top places to visit in Allahabad. Built during the reign of Akbar, Allahabad Fort is also a fine example of the curation and craftsmanship of the Mughal era. Allahabad can be visited as a day trip along with Kashi Darshan packages.

Kumbh Mela is one of the major festivals celebrated in Allahabad, held once in 12 years when the planet Jupiter enters into the zodiac sign Aquarius and the planet Sun enters into the zodiac sign, Aries. A huge crowd of devotees, sadhus, saints, and tourists gather during the Mela to undertake their ritual bathing at the Sangam and to offer their prayers and tribute to the Sun God. Continues for over a month, it is attended by millions of people, making it the largest gathering in the world. Magh Mela, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Dussehra, Diwali, etc., are some of the other festivals celebrated in Allahabad with great pomp and fervor.

About 11 km away, Allahabad Airport is the nearest airport that has well-flight connectivity from New Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Pune, and Bangalore. Allahabad Railway Junction is well-connected by trains with Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Kochi, Rameswaram, Mumbai, Gaya, Ajmer, Bangalore, Howrah, Darbhanga, Dibrugarh, Ranchi, Guwahati, Jharkhand, Jaipur, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ayodhya. Allahabad Bus Station is the nearest bus stand which has well-connected buses from all the major cities of Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi.

The best season to visit Allahabad is during the winter months of October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing. Magh Mela and Maha Kumbh Mela typically happen in the month of mid-January - early March, and this is the time when thousands of people flock to the town to take a dip in holy Sangam. Summers in Allahabad are hot and dry and it is best to avoid this time. Monsoon is indeed the most suitable time to visit Allahabad when the weather is pleasant as the city receives scanty rainfall.

...read more

Other Info
Internet Availability: Average
STD Code: 0532
Languages Spoken: Hindi, Awadhi, Urdu & English
Major Festivals: Kumbh Mela, Magh Mela, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Dussehra, & Diwali
Notes/Tips:
None

How to Reach Prayagraj

By Air

Nearest Airport: Prayagraj - Prayagraj Airport (11 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Prayagraj Junction (0 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: PrayagrajBus Station (3 Kms)

Top 12 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

Pilgrimage

#1 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 8 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Triveni Sangam is a sacred place located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Uttar Pradesh, and among the must-include places in Allahabad tour packages.

Triveni Sangam is the confluence of two physical rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible or mythical Saraswati (supposed to have dried up more than 4,000 years ago). All three rivers are highly revered in Indian mythology, and hence the confluence point of these rivers holds tremendous religious importance. As per Hindu mythology, taking a dip in the holy Triveni Sangam will wash away sins and free from the cycle of rebirth, thereby achieving Moksha.

Triveni Sangam is the place where Maha Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years when the planet Jupiter enters into the zodiac sign Aquarius and the planet Sun enters into .....

...read more

Heritage

#2 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 3 km from Triveni Sangam, and 7 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Allahabad Fort is an ancient fort in the holy city of Prayagraj. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Uttar Pradesh, and among the top places to visit in Prayagraj.

Allahabad Fort was built in 1583 CE by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, and is well-known for being the largest fort ever built by Akbar. Standing at the banks of the confluence of River Yamuna and River Ganga, the fort is a fine example of the curation and craftsmanship of the Mughal era. In the olden days, this massive fort was considered among the best garrisons in the entire Mughal Empire. Now, it has been recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance.

This huge fort has three galleries flanked by high towers. With the glorious outer wall rising .....

...read more

Heritage | Park

#3 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 1 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Khusro Bagh is a large walled garden and burial complex located at the Lukarganj area of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Situated near Allahabad Junction, it is one of the most popular tourist places in Allahabad.

Covering an area of 40 acres, Khusro Bagh is a large quadrangle-shaped walled Mughal garden surrounding three tombs belonging to the family of Emperor Jahangir. This is the burial ground for Prince Khusro- the eldest son of Emperor Jahangir who rebelled against his father when he was only 19 years old, Sultan Begum - Khusrau's mother, a Rajput princess and Jahangir's first wife, and Princess Sultan Nithar Begam, Khusrau's sister. They were buried within this complex in the 17th century.

The three sandstone mausoleums within this walled garden, represent an exquisite example of Mughal architecture. Most of the design of the place is credited .....

...read more

Heritage | Museum

#4 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 5 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Anand Bhavan was the ancestral home of Jawaharlal Nehru located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Situated in the Allenganj, it is one of the must-visit places during your Allahabad tour.

Anand Bhavan was constructed by Indian political leader Motilal Nehru in the 1930s to serve as the new residence of the Nehru family when the original mansion Swaraj Bhavan was transformed into the local headquarters of the Indian National Congress. This double-storeyed mansion was personally designed by Motilal Nehru. The house was beautifully adorned with wooden furniture imported from China and Europe and was decorated with various artifacts from all around the world. It was visited by many famous freedom fighters to develop the conspiracies to drive Britishers out of the country. Several momentous decisions and events related to the freedom struggle also took place inside this Bhavan.

The .....

...read more

Park

#5 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 3 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Chandrashekar Azad Park is a public park located in the George Town, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Also called Company Bagh, it is one of the beautiful parks in the city and among the best Allahabad places to visit.

Chandrashekar Azad Park was established in 1870 to commemorate Prince Alfred's visit to the city of Prayagraj. It was then called the Alfred Park or the Company Bagh which was further renamed as the Chandrashekar Azad Park after the freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad, who sacrificed his life here in 1931 during the Indian independence struggle. Today, the massive green lawn is a fun recreational spot for tourists and locals alike.

Covering an area of 133 acres, Chandrashekar Azad Park is the biggest park in the city and is open for walks, jogs, and picnicking. The park houses Chandrashekar Azad Memorial, where Chandrashekhar Azad .....

...read more

Heritage | Pilgrimage

#6 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 1 km from Allahabad Railway Station, All Saints Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral located on M.G. Marg in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Also referred to as Patthar Girja, it is one of the beautiful churches n UP, and among the well-known places to visit as part of Allahabad holiday packages.

Locally known as the 'Church of Stone', All Saints Cathedral was started in the year 1871 by Lady Muir Elizabeth Huntly Wemyss. Post its consecration in 1887, the church was further completed in 1891. The church was designed by the British architect Sir William Emerson who is known for such masterpieces as the Crawford Market in Mumbai and the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. The church was designed in such a way as to keep the indoors cool and pleasant during the hot summer season.

The church displays a striking 13th-century Gothic revival architecture and is 31 meters in height. Encompasses an area of approximately 1250 .....

...read more

Pilgrimage

#7 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 6 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Mankameshwar Temple is a revered Hindu temple located on the banks of Yamuna River in the Cantonment area of Allahabad. Situated near the Saraswati Ghat, it is one of the most popular temples in Allahabad, and among the most visited places as part of Prayagraj Darshan.

Also known as Pishach Mochan Tirtha, Mankameshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is maintained by Sri Shankaracharya Trust. Mankameshwar means the God of the fulfillment of wishes and the temple derives its name from an interesting legend. Goddess Sita desired to pray to Lord Shiva following her ritual bathing at the Sangam. Since there was no Lord Shiva temple in the vicinity, Lord Rama built this temple to fulfill her wish. It is still believed that wishes made at this temple are fulfilled.

The temple houses a 3 and a half feet black stone Shivling and is said to have been installed by Lord Ram .....

...read more

Pilgrimage

#8 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 1 km from Triveni Sangam, and 7 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Bade Hanuman Temple is a well-known temple located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Situated near Allahabad Fort, it is one of the popular religious places to visit in Allahabad.

Popularly known as Lette Hanuman Mandir, Bade Hanuman Temple is dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey god. This temple is an underground pit that houses a huge lying idol of Hanumanji, which is six to seven feet below the ground. This is the only Lord Hanuman temple in the world where the idol is in a reclining position. As per the mythology, Hanuman rested here after burning Lanka. Another interesting thing to know about this temple is that one side of Lord Hanuman's statue is half immersed in the water of the River Ganges. In the monsoon season when the water level rises, it is believed that the water of the river rises to touch the feet of the deity. During this time, a lot of devotees come to visit this sacred sight.

The .....

...read more

Museum

#9 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 5 km from Allahabad Railway Station, the Allahabad Museum is a national-level museum located in the George Town area of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Situated within the premises of Chandrashekar Azad Park, it is one of the popular museums in India, and among the must-visit places during your Allahabad Trip.

The Allahabad Museum was first set up in 1879 as a public library and a small museum by Sir William Muir and the Maharaja of Vijaynagar with the help of donations from the Province British government. However, the museum was soon shut down in 1881. It started with a small collection of models of birds and animals in 1931 under the Allahabad Municipality, but the number increased at such a fast pace that a need for a separate arrangement to keep all the collections arose. The foundation stone for the present museum was laid down by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 and the construction of the museum was completed .....

...read more

Pilgrimage

#10 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 3 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Lalita Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Situated in Meerapur, it is one of the revered Shaktipeethas in India, and among the must-visit places in Prayagraj.

Lalita Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lalita Devi, who is a manifestation of Goddess Sati. The temple is considered as one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in India, and among the three Shakipeeths present in Allahabad. It is believed that the right-hand finger of Sati had fallen here while Lord Shiva carrying her corpse. The Lalita Devi Shakti Peeth in Allahabad is particularly important and revered among the 51 Shakti Peethas because this goddess is worshiped by Maharishi Bharadwaj and possibly also by Rama. It is believed that the Pandavas visited the temple and offered prayers here.

The construction of the Lalita Devi temple is based on the Sri Yantra. The temple has been renovated several times and the last renovation was in the year .....

...read more

Pilgrimage

#11 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 3 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Kalyani Devi Mandir is a revered Hindu temple located in the Kalyani Devi area of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Also known as Mahashakthi Siddhpeeth, it is one of the revered Shaktipeethas in India, and among the must-visit places of pilgrimage in Allahabad.

Kalyani Devi temple in Prayagraj is regarded as one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of India. It is believed that three fingers of Goddess Sati had fallen here while Lord Shiva carrying her corpse. This temple is among the most ancient of the Shaktipeeths and finds mention in many ancient texts and manuscripts. Shakti is the spiritual energy of Maa Durga which bestows the ultimate mercy of Moksha and reunion with Param Brahma.

The present temple was constructed in 1883 but the idols of the goddess are supposed to be around 1500 years old. Kalyani Devi Temple house three deities of Mother Goddess in the form of three fingers of Mother Sati. Kalyani Devi is in the center flanked by .....

...read more

Pilgrimage

#12 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj

At a distance of 6 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Alopi Devi Mandir is an ancient temple located in Alopi Bagh locality of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Situated near Triveni Sangam, it is one of the revered Shaktipeethas in India, and among the must-visit temples in Allahabad.

Dedicated Goddess Sati, Alopi Devi Mandir is a special temple where no idol of the mother or a mark of any organ has been kept instead a cradle is worshipped. According to legend, the paw of the right hand of Goddess Sati fell here and became invisible or missing, that is why this Siddhapeeth has been named Alop (disappeared) Shankari and a cradle has been placed here as a symbol. As per alternate legend, Alopi Mata is the newlywed bride who disappeared from the wooden carriage when the marriage procession was attacked by a group of robbers. The strange disappearance of the bride was deemed as a miracle and a temple was erected at the same site to worship the divine bride. There lies a wooden cot in the sanctum .....

...read more