Allahabad/ Prayagraj is an important pilgrimage site since ancient times. The confluence of three holy rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and the mythological river Sarasvati (now extinct) makes the place all the more important. This confluence of three rivers is known by the name Sangam or Triveni.

The religious importance of Allahabad/ Prayagraj

In Hindu mythological texts, the city has been referred to as Prayagraj.

The ritual bathing at Sangam especially during the Maagh Month (January & February) has been referred to in the ancient scripture The Mahabharata.

Allahabad also hosts the worlds largest fair called ‘Maagh Mela’ every year (in the month of January and February) and ‘Kumbh Mela’ every 12 years. The next Kumbh mela is scheduled to be held in the year 2023.

How to Reach Allahabad/ Prayagraj

Railways: Station code PRYJ

The city of Allahabad/ Prayagraj is well connected by other major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata by railway route. The main railway station is Prayagraj Junction, located at Civil Lines. It has two gates, the main gate towards the old city, Chowk and one towards the Civil lines area.

Trains from Delhi to Prayagraj Include Prayagraj Express, Vande Bharat(New Delhi-Varanasi), Shiv Ganga, Humsafar and many more. it takes about 8-10 hours from Delhi to Prayagraj by train.

Popular trains between New Delhi and Allahabad/Prayagraj is Prayagraj Express and Humsafar Express

Airways: airport code is IXD

The city of Allahabad has an airstrip at Bamnauli, about 12 kilometers from the city center Civil Lines. There are few direct flights for Delhi. It takes about 1.5 hours by flight from delhi to Prayagraj.

By Road: The Grand Trunk Road connects Kolkata to Amritsar via Allahabad and Delhi.

The city of Allahabad is located at a distance of 785 kilometers from Kolkata and 762 kilometers from the capital Delhi. It takes about 10-12 hours by road from Delhi to Prayagraj via Kanpur.

Places to visit in Allahabad/ Prayagraj

The main tourist attractions are:

1. Triveni Sangam – The confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati (now extinct). One can visit the place to have a holy dip at this place. There are no well laid out Ghats though. You can take a boat ride from the Sangam ghat to see the confluence of rivers at a short distance.
2. Hanuman mandir at Sangam – Popularly known as the Bade Hanuman Mandir, the temple is located near the river and has a idol of Hanuman Ji lying (not standing) position. Every monsoon, the river Ganges overflows due to flood to touch the feet of this idol of Hanuman Ji. The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm at night. Generally crowed on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
3. Allahabad fort – the fort was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583. It is located near the Hanuman Temple near Triveni. The fort is under the control of Army and is not generally open for tourists.
4. All Saints Cathedral – All Saints cathedral, is also known by the name Patthar Girjaghar (stone church). It was built in 1887. This beautiful church is located in the civil lines area. It was designed by Sir William Emerson, the same architect who designed the Victoria memorial in Kolkata.
5. Chandrashekhar Park – Built in 1887 to mark price Alferd’s visit to the city, is a public park with an area of 133 acres. It is the biggest and well-maintained park of Prayagraj and is frequented by locals as well as tourists all day. Popularly known as company Bagh, It was formerly named as Alfred Park later renamed by government as Chandrashekhar park after revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad, who sacrificed his life here in 1931 during India’s Independence Movement. Timings: 5 am to 9 pm, Entry Fee: Rs.5/

Inside ChandraShekher Park

Some very important structures are located inside the Chandrashekher Park. These are:

• Chandra Shekhar memorial, where Chandrashekher Azad sacrificed his life
• Victoria memorial – dedicated to Queen Victoria, opened in 1906. The huge statue of Victoria was however removed from the canopy later by the government.
• Prayag Sangeet Samiti – Educational Institution in the field of Music.
• Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium
• Allahabad Public Library
• Allahabad Museum – is located inside the Chandrashekhar Park, the museum was established in 1931. It has a unique collection of objects of art.

Anand Bhawan Museum & Swaraj Bhawan

Anand Bhawan Museum and Swaraj Bhawan – Beautiful Bungalow was constructed by Motilal Nehru, Indian political leader in 1930s. It was the residence of the Nehru family. It is located next to Swaraj Bhawan the earlier residence of the Nehru family. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, son of Motilal Nehru used to live here with the family. Indira Gandhi, the first women Prime Minister of India and daughter of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was born and brought up here. Later she got married in the same house.

Many important meetings of the Indian National Congress were held at Anand Bhawan. The place was visited by Mahatma Gandhi at several Occasions.

Anand Bhawan was donated to the Indian Government in 1970 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Timings for visiting this place: 10 am to 5:30pm, closed on Monday.

Mayo Memorial

• Mayo memorial (180 feet high tower) – a large hall used for public meetings at that time. The building was Built in 1879.   
• Clock Tower at Chowk – located at Chowk, the old city area, was constructed in 1913.
• Allahabad High Court – It was one of the first High Courts established in India. The beautiful building of the Allahabad High Court is a fine example of Georgian architecture.
• Civil Lines – The Central Business District of Allahabad. All brands of shops and showrooms, eating joints, cafes, restaurants are located here. The area was built by the British during the British Raj and was the residential colony of the British.

Educational Institutions in Allahabad/ Prayagraj

Allahabad, known by the name ‘Prayagraj’ is known for its educational institutions. There are many educational institutions, the prominent among them are as follows:

1. Allahabad University – Established in 1887, is one of the oldest Universities established in the whole Indian subcontinent. In olden times, it was also called the “oxford of the east”.
2. IIIT Allahabad – Indian Institute if Information Technology, Allahabad.
3. MNNIT Allahabad – Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad

Where to stay in Allahabad

Although there is no five-star hotel in Allahabad, various options are available for stay in Allahabad. The Civil Lines area near Prayag Junction railway Station is comparatively cleaner and better option to stay in Allahabad. It is recommended to  book hotel online through reputed websites.

Local Transport in Allahabad

The best way to commute within Allahabad is to hire a Taxi/ Autorickshaw/ E Rickshaw for the whole day to visit the places of interest. If one wants to make use of limited time, one must not depend on local buses for touring the places of interest. Bike taxis are also available right outside the railway station if one is travelling solo.

Nearby tourist attractions from Allahabad

Mirzapur– 90 kilometers from Allahabad, is famous for waterfalls and natural beauty. The place is also famous for brassware and carpet industry.

Prayagraj to Varanasi Distance

Varanasi – 120 kilometers from Allahabad, is among the oldest cities of the world.

Prayagraj to Ayodhya Distance

The holy city of Ayodhya is at a distance of 162 kilometer and can be reached by road in about 4-5 hours time.

Lucknow– 200 kilometers from Allahabad, Capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh.

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