Situated at the convergence of the rivers Saraswati, Yamuna and Ganga, Prayagraj is one of the most ancient cities in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The city has been described in several ancient scriptures as ‘Teertharaj’ or ‘Prayag’ and is widely considered as divine by the locals and pilgrims. The history of Prayagraj dates back to the 3rd century BC and is attested by the inscriptions on the pillar attributed to Emperor Asoka. The pillar stands within the premises of the famous Prayagraj Fort located strategically at the meeting point of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga.
Things to do in Prayagraj
As an ancient city, Prayagraj is home to several historical sites, which speak volumes about its glorious past. Witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti at the sacred ghats in the evening or take a relaxing ferry ride at Triveni Sangam while watching a beautiful sunset. Explore the museums, forts, local shops and markets, and enjoy some of the local delicacies.
Tourist attractions in Prayagraj
Khusro Bagh is a sprawling garden housing the tomb of Emperor Jahangir’s eldest son, Prince Khusro. Anand Bhawan is the ancestral residence of the Nehru family built in the year 1930. Today, it serves as a planetarium and museum featuring a collection of wonderfully preserved artefacts and photographs belonging to Pandit Motilal Nehru. Other places of tourist interest in the city include the Allahabad Museum, Allahabad Central Museum, Chandrasekhar Azad Park, Kumbh Mela, All Saints’ Cathedral and Prayagraj Fort.
Places to shop in Prayagraj
The city is bustling with street shops and markets selling a range of products. From a variety of ethnic and western clothing, footwear, jewellery and bags to home décor items, handicrafts, artefacts and antiques, you will find everything at the best prices here. There are also a few bookstores, where you can purchase books on philosophy, religion and spiritualism. The most popular shopping destinations in Prayagraj are MG Marg, Vivekananda Marg, Katra, Chowk, Civil Lines, Tulsiyani Plaza, P Square Mall and Atlantis Mall.
Best time to visit
The best time to plan a trip to Prayagraj is between October and March.
Modes of transport
The chief modes of transport in the city include cycle-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws. They are the most convenient and pocket-friendly means of getting around. Local buses are available in large numbers to ply across the major routes. One can also hire taxis and app cabs to commute.
Weather in Prayagraj
Summers are very hot and typically last from March to June. The temperature may go up to 42degrees Celsius in May, making it the hottest month of the season. Between July and September, the city receives moderate monsoon rains. Winters, between December and February, are cold with temperatures dropping to 7 degrees Celsius.
Airport in Prayagraj
The main airport in Prayagraj is Bamrauli Airport. IndiGo offers several flights to other domestic destinations from this airport. For more information, you can visit IndiGo’s website.