Prayagraj, the ancient city of Allahabad, stands as a timeless beacon of spirituality and history where the mythical rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati converge at the revered Triveni Sangam. This is the land of the Kumbh Mela, where millions gather for purification dips, and grand structures like the Akbar Fort echo tales of Mughal grandeur. Beyond its holy aura, Prayagraj offers serene ghats, bustling markets, and a rich cultural tapestry that draws pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and curious travellers alike. It’s a place where faith meets the flow of rivers, creating moments that linger long after you leave.
How to Reach Prayagraj
Getting to Prayagraj is straightforward, thanks to its excellent infrastructure.
By Air: Fly into Bamrauli Airport (IXD), a small but functional hub with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, about 12 kms from the city centre, reachable by cab or auto in 20-30 minutes.
By Rail: Trains are the most popular option, with Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ) and Naini Junction serving as major stops. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi takes just 6 hours, while overnight trains from Mumbai or Kolkata are comfortable and scenic.
By Road: For road travel, UPSRTC buses and private AC Volvos connect seamlessly from Lucknow (5 hours), Varanasi (3 hours), or Delhi (10 hours). Self-drive via the Yamuna Expressway is smooth, with rest stops along the way.
Best Time to Visit: When the Magic Peaks
The ideal period is October to March, when pleasant weather (20-25°C daytime, cooler evenings) makes exploring the city an absolute joy. This season aligns with festivals like the Kumbh Mela (next grand edition will be in 2030, peaking in January), offering a vibrant spectacle of rituals and gatherings. Summers (April-June) can be intensely hot, while monsoons (July-September) bring lush greenery but occasional flooding. Winter mornings by the Sangam are especially magical, with mist rising from the waters.
Where to Stay in Prayagraj
Pro Tip: Choose accommodations near the riverfront or Civil Lines for convenience.
- Hotel Kanha Shyam and Grand Continental in Civil Lines are reliable mid-range picks, just 15 – 20 minutes from Triveni Sangam with clean rooms and vegetarian meals.
- The UPSTDC Tourist Bungalow overlooks the fort area, offering budget stays with river views, perfect for families.
- For more luxury options, Hotel Polo Star or Bloom Mansion provide AC comfort, pools, and shuttles to key sites. Dharamshalas near Raharia Ghat suit pilgrims seeking simplicity.
Must-Visit Places
- No trip is complete without a boat ride at Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence where holy waters blend. Hire a rowboat (₹200-300) for a 30-minute journey, witness the evening aarti or float lamps at dusk for a profound sense of peace.
- The Akbar Fort, originally Illahabas, showcases Mughal engineering with its Ashoka Pillar, Patalpuri underground temple, and towering ramparts. Climb for panoramic city views and explore hidden galleries that whisper of the emperor’s past.
- Other must visit places include the Allahabad Museum with ancient artifacts like Buddha statues and Chola coins, Bade Hanuman Temple with its reclining idol, and Anand Bhavan, the Nehru family home turned museum evoking India’s independence struggle and Khusro Bagh.
What to Do in Prayagraj
Take a coracle ride on the Yamuna river for adventure, or join yoga sessions at the ghats for morning calm. Cycle rickshaws offer nostalgic tours of Civil Lines, while shopping at Chowk for brass lamps and Banarasi sarees is a delight. During the next Kumbh, immerse in the massive tent city, attend sadhu discourses, or participate in the holy bath. Evening walks along the ghats, followed by street food, capture the city’s soulful rhythm.
OЫeat Spots and Detours
Venture to Alfred Park, where Chandra Shekhar Azad’s revolutionary spirit lingers amid quiet gardens, or Mankameshwar Temple with its mysterious underground passages. Phaphamau Ghat provides serene boat rides away from crowds. For detours, head to Kaushambi (60 kms) for ancient stupas or Sasaram (Sher Shah’s tomb). Pair with Varanasi (120 kms) for a spiritual circuit or Lucknow (200 km) for Nawabi heritage.
Street Eats and Classics
Prayagraj’s cuisine is a vegetarian delight, try basket chaat and tamatar chaat at Hari Ram near the fort, crispy bedmi puri for breakfast, and iconic peda from Kalyan Mal, a sweet legacy from royal times. Ghats offer lassi and jalebi, while dhabas serve hearty thalis with thandai. End with kulfi on a winter evening.
Getting Around the City
Autos and e-rickshaws (₹20-50 for short hops) navigate narrow lanes, while Uber and Ola cover longer stretches (take a bike to reach quickly and always wear a helmet). Cycle rickshaws are great for ghats, and shared tempos link outskirts. Walking around Civil Lines lets you soak in the vibe, and everything feels compact as well as cozy.
A 3-Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, head to Triveni Sangam for a boat ride and aarti, Visit Bade Hanuman Temple and explore Akbar Fort at sunset, chaat crawl.
Day 2: Visit the Allahabad Museum, Khusro Bagh and Anand Bhavan and take an evening market stroll.
Day 3: Explore the oЫeat parks, shopping for peda and silk sarees; you can take an optional Varanasi detour.
To Conclude
Prayagraj isn’t merely a pilgrimage, it’s a journey where rivers symbolize life’s confluence, forts stand as history’s sentinels, and every bite and boat ride weaves you into its eternal story. Visit, dip, reflect, and carry its serenity home.
By: Anushka Singhal
