About Prayagraj - City of Sangam
Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, famous for the Triveni Sangam - the sacred confluence of three rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
The city hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering on earth, every 12 years. Taking a holy dip at the Sangam is believed to wash away all sins and grant moksha (liberation). The Ardh Kumbh is held every 6 years, and the annual Magh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims every January-February.
Mentioned in ancient texts as Prayag (place of sacrifice), this city has been a spiritual and cultural hub for millennia. It was renamed Allahabad by Mughal Emperor Akbar and recently restored to Prayagraj in 2018.
Triveni Sangam - The Sacred Confluence
The Meeting Point of Three Rivers
The Triveni Sangam is where three rivers meet - you can see the distinct colors of Ganga (light brown), Yamuna (greenish), and the invisible Saraswati merging together.
How to Experience:
- Boat ride from ghats to Sangam point (₹200-500 per boat)
- Best time: Early morning (5:00-7:00 AM) or evening (4:00-6:00 PM)
- Holy dip at Sangam believed to cleanse all sins
- Floating diyas and flowers ritual
- Visit Akshayavat (immortal banyan tree) on the way
Major Sites & Temples
Built by: Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset (Entry restricted - military area)
Key Features:
- Massive fort on Yamuna bank with beautiful architecture
- Akshayavat (immortal banyan tree) inside Patalpuri Temple
- Saraswati Koop (well) believed to be connected to river Saraswati
- Ashoka Pillar (232 BCE) with inscriptions
Note: Entry requires permission. Limited access during Kumbh Mela.
Significance: Unique temple with 20-feet reclining Hanuman statue
Timings: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Key Features:
- One of the few temples with reclining Hanuman posture
- Statue rises during floods, never submerges completely
- Located near Sangam, on the way to boat point
- Tuesday and Saturday see huge crowds
Significance: One of 51 Shakti Peethas, unique temple without any idol
Timings: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Key Features:
- Wooden chariot (doli) is worshipped instead of idol
- Legend: Sati's fingers fell here
- Annual Alopi Devi Mela attracts thousands
- Peaceful temple with unique tradition
Significance: Nehru family ancestral home, now museum
Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Key Features:
- Historic artifacts from India's freedom struggle
- Personal belongings of Nehru, Indira Gandhi
- Beautiful colonial architecture
- Planetarium in the complex
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
Significance: Mughal garden with tombs of Prince Khusrau and family
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Key Features:
- Beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture tombs
- Peaceful garden perfect for morning/evening walks
- Historical significance from Jahangir's era
- Well-maintained by Archaeological Survey
Kumbh Mela - The Grand Gathering
World's Largest Religious Gathering
Maha Kumbh Mela: Held every 12 years (Last: 2013, Next: 2025)
Ardh Kumbh: Every 6 years (Last: 2019, Next: 2025 will be Maha Kumbh)
Magh Mela: Every year in January-February (smaller scale annual event)
Main Bathing Dates (Shahi Snan):
- Makar Sankranti (mid-January)
- Mauni Amavasya (January-February new moon)
- Basant Panchami (February)
- Maghi Purnima (February full moon)
- Maha Shivaratri (February-March)
Planning for Kumbh Mela:
- Accommodation: Book 6-12 months in advance. Tent cities set up.
- Duration: Mela lasts 45-55 days but Shahi Snan dates see maximum crowd
- Facilities: Temporary city with shops, food stalls, medical camps, police
- Crowds: Expect 10-15 million people on main bathing days
- Tips: Travel light, keep emergency contacts, stick together
Best Time to Visit Prayagraj
Ideal Period: October to March (12°C - 28°C) - Pleasant weather for sightseeing and holy dips.
| Month | Weather | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Feb | Cool (12-22°C) | Magh Mela, Kumbh Mela (specific years), peak pilgrimage season |
| Oct-Nov | Pleasant (18-28°C) | Post-monsoon freshness, ideal for sightseeing |
| Dec | Cool (10-22°C) | Winter festivals, comfortable for boat rides |
| Avoid | Apr-Jun | Extreme heat (35-45°C), not recommended for pilgrimage |
How to Reach Prayagraj
By Air
Bamrauli Airport (IXD)
12 km from city center
Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore
Taxi to city: ₹400-600
By Train
Main Stations:
Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ)
Prayagraj City (PYGS)
Well-connected to all major cities
From Delhi: 10-12 hrs
By Road
National Highways:
NH19, NH30, NH35
Varanasi: 120 km (3 hrs)
Ayodhya: 165 km (4 hrs)
Lucknow: 200 km (4.5 hrs)
Accommodation Options
| Category | Price Range | Best Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹600-1,500/night | Civil Lines, near railway station |
| Mid-Range | ₹2,000-5,000/night | Civil Lines, MG Marg, Georgetown |
| Luxury | ₹6,000-15,000/night | Civil Lines (5-star hotels near Sangam) |
| During Kumbh | 2-3x normal rates | Tent cities near Sangam, book early |
Plan Your Prayagraj Visit
Experience the sacred Sangam and spiritual heritage
Book Tour Call: +91 88088 00808Quick Facts
- Location: Uttar Pradesh
- Famous For: Triveni Sangam
- Best Time: Oct-Mar
- Kumbh Mela: Every 12 years
- Airport: 12 km (IXD)