Prayagraj – ‘The City of Offerings’
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is one of the oldest cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located at the confluence of the Rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati – known as the Triveni Sangam – about 120.9 km from Varanasi. The city was founded in 1583 by Emperor Akbar of the Mughal dynasty, who named it Illahabad or the ‘City of Gold’. It was the provincial capital of the Mughals and thus has a remarkable historical background.
Tourist attractions in Prayagraj
There are many historical and religious sites to witness in Prayagraj. The most prominent tourist attractions here include the Prayagraj Fort, which hosts the famous Kumbha Mela, Anand Bhawan, the ancestral residence of the Nehru family, Khusro Bagh, Chandrasekhar Azad Park, Prayagraj Museum, All Saint’s Cathedral and Jawahar Planetarium, among others.
Places to shop
Civil Lines, Katra, and Chowk are the major shopping destinations in Prayagraj. The market place offers just about everything you might be looking for, from local handicrafts and clothing to exotic spices and sweets. You can also visit the big malls, like Atlantis Mall and Vinayak City Centre to shop for products from domestic manufacturers, as well as international brands.
Modes of transport
Cycle-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are easily available and the cheapest modes of transport in Prayagraj. The city also has an extensive network of buses that connects it to the suburbs. Local taxis and app cabs, such as Ola and Uber are also available for an easy commute.
Weather in Prayagraj
Summers are hot and humid in Prayagraj, May being the hottest month. The maximum temperature during this period may rise to 41 degrees Celsius. The monsoon lasts from July to September. Winters, lasting from December to February, are cold and foggy with the temperature dipping to a minimum of 3 degrees Celsius.
Airport in Prayagraj
Bamrauli Airport (IXD) is the chief airport in Prayagraj serving numerous domestic flights to and from the city. For more information on flights operated by IndiGo from this airport, visit the official website.