Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Here are some things to know about Prayagraj:
Historical significance: Prayagraj is one of the oldest cities in India, with a rich cultural and historical heritage. It was an important center of the Indian independence movement and played a significant role in the Indian Mutiny of 1857.
Kumbh Mela: Prayagraj is also known for hosting the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. It is held every 12 years and attracts millions of pilgrims from all over India.
Triveni Sangam: Prayagraj is famous for the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. It is considered a holy site and attracts thousands of pilgrims every day.
Religious sites: Prayagraj has many religious sites, including the Allahabad Fort, the Hanuman Mandir, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the Anand Bhavan Museum.
Culture and cuisine: Prayagraj has a vibrant culture and is known for its music, literature, and cuisine. The city is famous for its chaat, sweets, and savory dishes.
Transportation: Prayagraj is well-connected to other cities in India by rail, road, and air. The city has its own airport and is also served by several major train routes.
Climate: Prayagraj has a subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant.
Places to Visit in Prayagraj
Prayagraj is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many places to visit that offer a glimpse into its past and present. Here are some of the top places to visit in Prayagraj:
Triveni Sangam: The confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers is considered a holy site and attracts thousands of pilgrims every day. It is a must-visit place in Prayagraj.
Allahabad Fort: The Allahabad Fort is a majestic structure built by Emperor Akbar in 1583. It is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and is a popular tourist destination.
Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and is held every 12 years in Prayagraj. Millions of pilgrims come from all over India to take part in the festival.
Anand Bhawan Museum: The Anand Bhawan Museum is a historic house that was once the residence of the Nehru family. It has been converted into a museum and showcases the history of the Indian independence movement.
Hanuman Mandir: The Hanuman Mandir is a famous temple in Prayagraj dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is situated on the outskirts of the city and is a popular place of worship.
Khusro Bagh: The Khusro Bagh is a garden and tomb complex that contains the tombs of Prince Khusro, Shah Begum, and Nesa Begum. It is a popular tourist destination and a must-visit place in Prayagraj.
Alfred Park: Alfred Park is a beautiful park in Prayagraj that was built in 1870. It is named after Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh, and is a popular spot for picnics and leisure activities.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Prayagraj. The city has a rich history and culture, and there are many other attractions that are worth exploring.
Best Time To Visit Prayagraj
The best time to visit Prayagraj is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for exploring the city’s historical and cultural sites. The months of October and November are particularly favorable as they coincide with the festival season, including Diwali, Dussehra, and Chhath Puja. The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is also held in Prayagraj every 12 years, with the next one scheduled for 2025. However, it is worth noting that the city can get quite crowded during the festival season and Kumbh Mela, so it is advisable to plan your trip accordingly. The summer months of April to June should be avoided due to the extreme heat and humidity, while the monsoon season from July to September can also be unpredictable, with heavy rains and occasional flooding.
Things to Do in Prayagraj
Prayagraj is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many things to do and see. Here are some of the top activities and attractions in Prayagraj:
Visit Triveni Sangam: The confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers is considered a holy site and is a must-visit attraction in Prayagraj.
Explore the Allahabad Fort: The Allahabad Fort is a historic fort built by Emperor Akbar in 1583. It is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and is a popular tourist attraction.
Attend the Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and is held every 12 years in Prayagraj. It is a unique cultural experience that is not to be missed.
Visit the Anand Bhawan Museum: The Anand Bhawan Museum is a historic house that was once the residence of the Nehru family. It has been converted into a museum and showcases the history of the Indian independence movement.
Explore the Hanuman Mandir: The Hanuman Mandir is a famous temple in Prayagraj dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is situated on the outskirts of the city and is a popular place of worship.
Take a boat ride on the Ganges: A boat ride on the Ganges River is a unique and memorable experience. You can witness the city’s beauty and spirituality from a different perspective.
Visit the Khusro Bagh: The Khusro Bagh is a garden and tomb complex that contains the tombs of Prince Khusro, Shah Begum, and Nesa Begum. It is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit place in Prayagraj.
Take a stroll in Alfred Park: Alfred Park is a beautiful park in Prayagraj that was built in 1870. It is named after Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh, and is a popular spot for picnics and leisure activities.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Prayagraj. The city has a rich history and culture, and there are many other attractions that are worth exploring.
How to get around in Prayagraj
Prayagraj is a well-connected city and has several modes of transportation available for getting around. Here are some of the ways to get around in Prayagraj:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a common mode of transportation in Prayagraj and are easily available. They are ideal for short distances and are relatively cheap.
Cycle-rickshaws: Cycle-rickshaws are similar to auto-rickshaws but are powered by a bicycle. They are ideal for short distances and are a cheaper option compared to auto-rickshaws.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Prayagraj, and they are a more comfortable option for getting around the city. Taxis can be hired for longer distances or for a full day of sightseeing.
Buses: Prayagraj has a good network of buses that connect different parts of the city. City buses and private buses are available, and they are an affordable option for getting around.
Private cars: Private cars can be hired for a day or longer periods for sightseeing and getting around the city. Many car rental agencies operate in Prayagraj.
Walking: Walking is a great way to explore Prayagraj, especially in the old city area where many of the historical sites and attractions are located. Walking tours are also available, and they are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture.
Overall, getting around in Prayagraj is relatively easy, and there are many options available for different budgets and preferences.
Where to eat in Prayagraj
Prayagraj, also known as Allahabad, is a city that offers a wide range of food options, from street food to fine dining restaurants. Here are some of the best places to eat in Prayagraj:
El Chico: A popular restaurant in Prayagraj that offers a wide variety of cuisines including Chinese, Italian, and Indian.
Netram Kachori Bhandar: This is a famous street food stall that offers delicious kachoris, samosas, and jalebis.
Eat On: This is a popular fast food restaurant in Prayagraj that offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas.
Kanhaiya Jalebi Wala: A famous food stall in Prayagraj that offers mouth-watering jalebis, which are a must-try when visiting the city.
The Tamarind Tree: This is a fine dining restaurant in Prayagraj that offers a range of Indian and Chinese dishes.
Bikanervala: This is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Prayagraj that offers a range of Indian street food and traditional dishes.
Goli Vada Pav: This is a fast food chain that specializes in vada pav, a popular street food in Mumbai.
Kwality Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant in Prayagraj that offers a range of Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes.
Overall, Prayagraj has many options for food lovers, and visitors can find something to suit their taste and budget.
Famous street stalls in Prayagraj
Prayagraj, also known as Allahabad, is famous for its street food. Here are some of the most famous street stalls in Prayagraj that you must try:
Netram Kachori Bhandar: This is a famous food stall in Prayagraj that offers delicious kachoris, samosas, and jalebis.
Shiv Bhole Poori Wale: This food stall is famous for its pooris and sabzi, a popular breakfast dish in India.
Pappu Chaat Bhandar: This food stall is known for its delicious chaat, a popular street food in India.
Kanhaiya Jalebi Wala: This is a famous food stall in Prayagraj that offers mouth-watering jalebis, which are a must-try when visiting the city.
Ram Ladoo Wala: This food stall is known for its delicious Ram ladoo, a popular street food in North India.
South Indian Fast Food: This is a popular food stall in Prayagraj that offers a variety of South Indian dishes such as dosas, idlis, and vadas.
Kalika Chat Bhandar: This food stall is famous for its chaat, particularly the papdi chaat and dahi bhalla.
Jhalmuri Wala: This food stall is known for its spicy Jhalmuri, a popular street food in West Bengal.
Overall, Prayagraj has a wide range of street food options, and visitors can explore and try the different street stalls to get a taste of the local cuisine.
Where to stay in Prayagraj
Luxury accommodation
Prayagraj, also known as Allahabad, offers a range of luxury accommodation options for visitors. Here are some of the best luxury hotels to stay in Prayagraj:
The Legend Hotel: This is a five-star hotel located in the heart of the city, offering luxurious rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, a spa, and multiple dining options.
Hotel Harsh Ananda: This is a luxury hotel located on the banks of the river Ganges, offering rooms and suites with river views, a spa, and multiple dining options.
The Grand Imperial: This is a heritage hotel located in the Civil Lines area of Prayagraj, offering luxurious rooms and suites with antique furnishings, a spa, and multiple dining options.
Hotel Clarks Shiraz: This is a five-star hotel located near the Prayagraj Junction railway station, offering luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, and multiple dining options.
Hotel Polo Max: This is a luxury hotel located near the Allahabad High Court, offering rooms and suites with modern amenities, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining options.
Overall, these luxury hotels in Prayagraj offer a range of amenities and services to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Where to stay in Prayagraj
Budget accommodation
Prayagraj, also known as Allahabad, offers a range of budget accommodation options for visitors. Here are some of the best budget hotels and guesthouses to stay in Prayagraj:
Hotel Milan Palace: This is a budget hotel located in the Civil Lines area of Prayagraj, offering clean and comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant.
Hotel Anurag: This is a budget hotel located near the railway station, offering clean and comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant.
Hotel Mandiram: This is a budget hotel located near the Allahabad High Court, offering clean and comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant.
Kumbh Mela Camp: This is a budget accommodation option for those visiting during the Kumbh Mela, offering tents with basic amenities such as a bed and a fan.
OYO Rooms: OYO Rooms has a range of budget hotels and guesthouses in Prayagraj, offering clean and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Overall, these budget accommodation options in Prayagraj offer comfortable rooms and basic amenities at affordable prices, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Travel Tips Prayagraj
here are some travel tips for Prayagraj:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Prayagraj is during the winter months from October to February, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for exploring the city.
Accommodation: There are plenty of budget-friendly and luxury hotels available in Prayagraj, so you can choose the one that suits your budget and preferences. Some popular options include Hotel Milan Palace, Hotel Prayagraj Regency, and Hotel Polomax.
Transportation: Prayagraj is well-connected by roads, rail, and air. You can choose the mode of transportation that is most convenient for you. There are also plenty of taxis and auto-rickshaws available for local transportation.
Places to visit: Prayagraj is known for its religious and historical significance. Some popular places to visit include the Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhawan, Khusro Bagh, and the Hanuman Mandir.
Food: Prayagraj has a variety of street food options that you must try. Some popular dishes include chaat, samosas, kachoris, and jalebis. You can also try some of the local delicacies such as dum aloo, chholey bhature, and petha.
Safety: Prayagraj is a safe city, but like any other city, it is important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone at night. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and valuables with you.
Dress code: Prayagraj is a conservative city, and it is advisable to dress modestly when visiting religious places. It is also important to remove your footwear before entering a temple or mosque.
Language: Hindi is the primary language spoken in Prayagraj, but you can also get by with English.
I hope these tips will help you plan your trip to Prayagraj!