Overview
About Prayagraj
Prayagraj, long known as Allahabad, is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in India. It stands at the Triveni Sangam, the meeting point of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, and a dip at this confluence is believed to wash away sins. The city has been a centre of pilgrimage for millennia and is the site of the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world.
Beyond its religious significance, Prayagraj played a central role in modern Indian history. It was a hub of the freedom movement, home to the Nehru family, whose residences Anand Bhavan and Swaraj Bhawan are now museums, and the city where Chandra Shekhar Azad fell. Its university, its High Court and its literary tradition have long made it an intellectual centre of north India.
A visit usually begins with a boat ride to the Sangam at dawn, followed by temples, Mughal-era monuments and colonial buildings in the Civil Lines. In winter the city also hosts the Magh Mela on the riverbanks, and its famous guavas fill the markets. With good rail links and Varanasi a short drive away, Prayagraj fits easily into a wider journey through Uttar Pradesh.
- Triveni Sangam
- Kumbh Mela
- Anand Bhavan
- Freedom movement history
- Allahabad guavas
- Magh Mela
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Prayagraj
Temples & Ghats
Triveni Sangam
The sacred confluence where the muddy Ganga meets the greener Yamuna. Boats from the ghats near the fort take pilgrims and visitors out to the meeting point for a dip or rituals.
Bade Hanuman Temple
A temple near the Sangam with a large reclining idol of Lord Hanuman, one of the most visited shrines in the city.
Alopi Devi Temple
A revered Shakti shrine where a wooden palanquin (doli), rather than an idol, is worshipped, drawing large crowds during Navratri.
Forts & Monuments
Allahabad Fort
A fort built by Emperor Akbar near the confluence. Much of it is used by the army, but the Patalpuri Temple and the sacred Akshayavat tree inside are open to visitors at set times.
Khusro Bagh
A walled Mughal garden containing the sandstone tombs of Prince Khusrau, his mother and his sister, set among old trees.
All Saints Cathedral
A large Gothic Revival church in the Civil Lines, known locally as Patthar Girja, with fine stained glass and stonework.
Museums & History
Anand Bhavan
The former Nehru family home, now a museum with rooms, letters and photographs from the freedom struggle, and a planetarium in the grounds.
Swaraj Bhawan
The older Nehru family house next to Anand Bhavan, which once served as a Congress headquarters and is now a museum.
Chandra Shekhar Azad Park and Allahabad Museum
A large park where the revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad died, home to the Allahabad Museum with its sculptures, coins and paintings.
Nearby Excursions
Shringverpur
A site on the Ganga about 40 km away, associated in the Ramayana with Lord Rama's crossing of the river during his exile.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Prayagraj
- 1
Take a dawn boat ride to the Sangam
Head out at sunrise, when the river is calm, the light is soft and migratory birds gather over the water in winter.
- 2
Attend the Sangam aarti
Evening aartis on the ghats near the confluence combine lamps, bells and chanting in a moving riverside ritual.
- 3
Experience the Magh Mela
In winter, a tented city springs up on the riverbanks for the annual Magh Mela, a smaller cousin of the Kumbh.
- 4
Trace the freedom struggle
Visit Anand Bhavan, Swaraj Bhawan and Azad Park in a single morning for a sense of the city's role in Indian independence.
- 5
Walk the Civil Lines
Wander the wide avenues of the Civil Lines, with colonial buildings, the cathedral and the city's best-known eateries.
- 6
Eat your way through the old city
Try kachori-sabzi, jalebi, lassi and chaat in the busy lanes around Chowk and Katra.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Prayagraj
The best time to visit Prayagraj is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
April to June
25°C to 45°C
Very hot and dry, with harsh afternoon sun. If you visit, keep sightseeing to early mornings and evenings.
Monsoon
July to September
25°C to 35°C
Humid with heavy showers. The rivers swell, and boat rides to the Sangam may be restricted when water levels are high.
Winter
October to March
7°C to 25°C
The best season, with cool, pleasant days. It is the season of the Magh Mela and the Kumbh, and fog can delay trains and flights in December and January.
Getting there
How to Reach Prayagraj
By Air
Prayagraj Airport at Bamrauli, about 12 km from the city, has flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, about 150 km away, is an alternative with more connections.
By Rail
Prayagraj Junction is a major station on the Delhi–Howrah main line, with direct trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and most large cities. Prayagraj Rambagh, Prayag and Naini are smaller stations in the city that handle some trains.
By Road
Prayagraj is about 120 km from Varanasi, about 200 km from Lucknow and about 650 km from Delhi. National highways connect it to these cities, and state and private buses run frequently.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Prayagraj
Kachori-sabzi
Crisp kachoris served with spicy potato curry, the classic Prayagraj breakfast.
Jalebi and dahi
Hot jalebis paired with thick curd, a sweet-and-tangy combination popular in the mornings.
Lassi
Thick, creamy lassi served in clay cups and topped with malai.
Chaat
Tamatar chaat, aloo tikki and golgappe from the city's busy chaat stalls.
Allahabad guava
In winter, the city's famous guavas, some with pink flesh, are sold fresh everywhere.
What to Buy in Prayagraj
- Guavas and guava products in winter
- Moonj grass handicrafts
- Religious items and brassware near the Sangam
- Books from the Civil Lines and university area
Travel Tips for Prayagraj
- Agree on boat fares before setting out to the Sangam, and wear a life jacket if offered.
- During the Kumbh and Magh Mela, book transport and stays far in advance and follow crowd-management instructions.
- Carry warm clothes for winter mornings on the river, which can be very cold.
- Keep an eye on train and flight status in December and January, when fog causes frequent delays.
FAQs
Prayagraj Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Prayagraj?
October to March is the best time to visit Prayagraj, when the weather is pleasant and the Magh Mela takes place on the riverbanks.
How many days are enough for Prayagraj?
Two days are enough for the Sangam, the fort area, Anand Bhavan and Khusro Bagh. Add a day for a slower pace or a nearby excursion.
What is Prayagraj famous for?
Prayagraj is famous for the Triveni Sangam, the Kumbh Mela, its role in the freedom movement, Anand Bhavan and its guavas.
What was the old name of Prayagraj?
Prayagraj was earlier known as Allahabad, and the old name is still used for many institutions in the city.
How often is the Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj?
The Kumbh Mela is held in Prayagraj roughly every twelve years, with an Ardh Kumbh in between. The Magh Mela takes place every winter.
How far is Varanasi from Prayagraj?
Varanasi is about 120 km from Prayagraj, roughly a three-hour drive, and the two cities are also well connected by train.
