Why Is Prayagraj Considered a Major Pilgrimage Centre?
Prayagraj, formerly Allahabad, has been like a religious centre for Hindu pilgrims travelling from cities and villages across the country. This happens because very close to Prayagraj is the most remarkable Triveni Sangam, or three-river confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Due to this strategic location, Prayagraj has been conquered many times to become a part of many kingdoms, being named and renamed as times and regimes changed. Named “Prayag” since antiquity, the city was named “Kaushambi” by the Kuru rulers of Hastinapur (now present in the district of Meerut) only to be named “Prayagraj” during Shah Jahan’s rule after Akbar named the area “ilahabas” meaning ‘abode of god’.
Did You Know These Interesting Facts About Prayagraj?
Was Initially Called Prayag | Prayagraj is an ancient city. It was known as Prayag in the Vedic period, before being named Allahabad by the Mughal King Akbar in the 16th century. |
Has been mentioned in Rigveda | The oldest mention of Prayag is found in Rigveda, which is approximately 4000 years old. The word Prayag has its root in prayaschit, which means purification. |
Located At The Confluence Of Three Holy Rivers | Prayagraj is located at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, making tour packages for Prayagraj highly popular among Hindu pilgrims. |
Home to a unique Hanuman Mandir | On your tour to Prayagraj, you will find a unique Hanuman Temple which gets submerged in the waters of the river Ganga when it is in full flow. |
Land of prime ministers | Prayagraj is known as the land of prime ministers as it has ties with seven prime ministers of independent India. |
Host to the biggest peaceful gathering in the world. | The Maha Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj every 12 years is considered the biggest peaceful gathering in the world. t is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. |
Has one of the oldest high courts in India | You may get to see the famous Allahabad High Court on your trip to Prayagraj. It is one of the oldest high courts in India. |
How Do the Sacred Rivers Shape the Spiritual Charm of Prayagraj?
With its skyline of flagged temple tops and a riverside that stays occupied by priests and pilgrims with their ongoing rites and rituals against the backdrop of the spectacular confluence of the uniquely coloured waters of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna, Prayagraj is spiritual and rejuvenating at the same time. You’ll get to experience the same when you take a trip to Prayagraj. Keeping in mind how budget-conscious travellers are today, Veena World’s tour packages for Prayagraj are priced competitively so that cost is not a constraint for anyone who wants to travel.
What Are the Best Tourist Places to Visit in Prayagraj?
Triveni Sangam
Allahabad’s name has officially been changed to Prayagraj. However, it is nothing new for Indians, as for thousands of years, Indians have known it as Prayag, a term that comes from two Sanskrit words, “Pra-” meaning “first” and “-yag” for “Yagna”, meaning “sacred fire offering”. The riverbanks of the Sangam at Prayagraj witness the most satisfying, significant gathering of Hindu pilgrims accumulating for the mass pilgrimage during both the “Kumbha Mela” and “Ardh-Kumbha Mela”. Prayagraj holiday packages available online at Veena World make sure to cover the city’s waterfront, ensuring that you see the grand Sangam region in person.
Akshayavat
In India, history becomes one with the legends and myths from the epics and other holy texts in such a way that you’ll be left wondering what to believe and what not to. One such legend is living in Prayagraj/Prayagraj – the Akshayavat, a centuries-old sacred fig tree on the banks of the Sangam, as mentioned in the Matsya Purana. Akshayavat’s backstory has many more divine instances that you can explore on your vacation in Prayagraj. With your Prayagraj tour package, make sure to visit this tree as it is one of the most spiritual tourist places in Prayagraj.
Prayagraj Fort
Prayagraj was Prayag until the Mughal Emperor Akbar landed his feet here in 1575 and named the city “ilahabas” which means “abode of God” and commissioned a fort to be constructed here due to the region’s strategic location. However, he ended up repairing the remnants of the ruined fort already there, which was built two millenniums ago, by the Maurya Emperor, Ashoka. When the fort was built, it was an exemplary construction commissioned by Emperor Akbar, for its skilled architectural design, construction, and craftsmanship. Today, the fort has been opened by Prayagraj Tourism as one of the tourist places. Make sure it is a part of your Prayagraj sightseeing package.
Khusro Bagh
Among the most popular places to visit in Prayagraj, Khusro Bagh is a large Mughal garden that is, in one word, spectacular. The quadrangular gardens in the centre contain the three tombs of the Mughal emperor Jahangir’s first wife, a Rajput Kachwaha princess, Manbhawati Bai who was later known by her royal title, Shah Begum and her son, Jahangir’s firstborn, Khusrao Mirza, the ill-fated prince, along with Jahangir’s daughter, Nisar Begum, whose tomb is the most beautifully sculpted of the three.
Anand Bhavan
Anand Bhavan is the historical Nehru homestead, now turned into a museum by Prayagraj Tourism. It was bought in the 1930s by the Nehru family patriarch, Motilal Nehru to serve as his family residence when their previous home, the former Anand Bhavan, was converted into the headquarters of the Indian National Congress. The beautifully decorated mansion has played an important role in India’s independence as many freedom fighters conglomerated here from time to time to plot their plan of action to push the imperial British rulers out of the country, adhering to the non-violence agenda advocated by Mahatma Gandhi.
Swaraj Bhavan
A place that you are very likely to visit during your Prayagraj tour, the Swaraj Bhavan used to be the ancestral home of the Nehru family, with the name “Anand Bhavan”. This is a much larger mansion than their later residence, with a total of 42 rooms and a lot more memorabilia from the time it served as the headquarters of the INC. It is currently a museum open to the public and is managed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund established in New Delhi. If you’re interested in India’s struggle for independence, this is definitely one of the places to visit in Prayagraj while you’re there.
Alfred Park
Now referred to as Chandrasekhar Azad Park, Alfred Park in the Georgetown locality of Prayagraj should be an important part of your Prayagraj tour package itinerary. Marking Prince Alfred’s visit to Prayagraj in 1870, this is the largest park in the city and an important highlight of Prayagraj tourism. Outside this park, you can move on to visit the scenic neighbourhoods of the city, like Tagore Town and Civil Lines that have come down directly from British times. There is also the University of Prayagraj which is one of the first modern universities to be established in the country.
You will be able to find several wholesome Prayagraj tours packages online at Veena World that come at prices that fit your budget. A Prayagraj trip will take you on the most gratifying rollercoaster ride that is filled with spiritually enriching sights!
What Are the Best Things to Do in Prayagraj?
After booking a Prayagraj tour package, you must:
- Take a dip in the Holy Triveni Sangam
- Revisit the story of India’s independence at Anand Bhavan and Allahabad Museum
- Visit the Magnificent Khusro Bagh
- Drive by the picturesque New Yamuna Bridge
- Enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges
- Watch a science show at Allahabad Planetarium
Best Time to Visit Prayagraj
The best time to take a Prayagraj sightseeing package and visit this destination is through the month of October up to March, which is when most of the festivities take place here. Ranked the third of the most liveable municipalities in Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad) is an iconic city to visit during the winter months.
What Are the Must-Try Food Items in Prayagraj?
A trip to Prayagraj would be incomplete without indulging in local delicacies like:
- Bedai And Jalebis: Deep-fried, crispy and puffy bread served with a bowl of tangy potato curry paired with sweet jalebis.
- Tamatar Chaat: Mashed tomatoes simmered with spices, topped with crunchy sev and chutneys.
- Dahi Jalebi: A tangy-sweet treat where tart yoghurt is paired with warm jalebis.
- Khasta Kachori: Flaky, stuffed pastries filled with spiced lentils or potatoes.
Chowk Area, Katra and Loknath Lane are the most popular areas to savour street food in Prayagraj.
What Should First-Time Visitors to Prayagraj Know About?
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
- Participate in local rituals and ceremonies respectfully.
- Always carry bottled water with you and stay hydrated.
- Most places accept digital payments, but keep adequate cash in hand to pay small vendors and street food stalls.
- Wear light, breathable clothes and comfortable footwear.
- Apply sunscreen lotion before stepping out.
- Carry a power bank and universal adapter.
- Avoid using plastic and dispose of waste responsibly.
- Keep basic medicines handy.
- Always ask for permission before taking photographs, especially in temples and of local people.
Book The Best Prayagraj Tour Packages with Veena World
You can find a variety of Prayagraj travel packages on the Veena World website. Our commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in everything we do, right from collaborating with knowledgeable local guides and drivers to crafting Prayagraj tourism package itineraries that showcase the best of this spiritual town. We try our best to make sure that your trip to Prayagraj is highly enjoyable and memorable.
