About Prayagraj
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, holds the distinction of being the holiest pilgrimage city in Hinduism — the site of the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of three rivers: the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati. A holy dip here is believed to wash away sins of countless lifetimes.
Triveni Sangam
The Triveni Sangam is the beating heart of Prayagraj. Pilgrims take boat rides to the confluence point and perform rituals, pray, and immerse the ashes of their ancestors. The water at the Sangam is considered supremely sacred throughout the year.
Kumbh Mela & Maha Kumbh
Prayagraj hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years — the world's largest peaceful human gathering, with over 400 million pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh in 2025. The ritual bathing on auspicious dates (Shahi Snan) is believed to grant moksha. Ardh Kumbh is held every 6 years.
Akshayavat & Patalpuri Temple
Inside the Allahabad Fort lies the immortal Akshayavat — the Indestructible Banyan Tree — mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Puranas. Nearby is the Patalpuri Temple, believed to be thousands of years old, housing idols of multiple Hindu deities.
Allahabad Fort
Built by Emperor Akbar in 1583, the Allahabad Fort stands at the confluence of the Yamuna and Ganga. Though largely occupied by the army, sections are open to visitors including the Akshayavat and Saraswati Koop (sacred well).
Hanuman Temple (Bade Hanuman Ji)
A unique temple where the idol of Lord Hanuman is in a reclining (sleeping) posture — one of very few such temples in India. The idol is partially submerged during floods, which is considered auspicious. It is one of the most visited temples in Prayagraj.
Anand Bhawan & Swaraj Bhawan
The ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family, Anand Bhawan is now a national museum showcasing the independence movement. The adjacent Swaraj Bhawan is where Indira Gandhi was born.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time is November to February for pleasant weather. The Magh Mela (annual, January) and Kumbh Mela (every 6/12 years) are the most auspicious times for pilgrimage.
How to Reach
Prayagraj is served by Prayagraj Airport (IXD) with flights from Delhi and Mumbai. The city has excellent rail connectivity via Prayagraj Junction and Naini Junction. It is 200 km from Varanasi and 220 km from Lucknow via NH-19 and NH-30.
