Prayagraj, which was once known as Allahabad, is one of India’s oldest and most respected cities in terms of spirituality. It is famous for the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the magical Saraswati rivers come together. People in the area believe that this meeting point has the power to clean away bad things and bring good fortune. In addition to being a big place for religious visits, Prayagraj has a lot of beautiful buildings from the Mughal era and from the time of British rule. It also played an important role in the fight for India’s freedom.
This blog gives tips on seeing the main attractions in the city, advice on how to plan your budget, when to visit for the best experience, and what activities to try. It also includes useful information on staying safe, getting around, where to stay, and a suggested plan for your trip to make sure your visit is enjoyable and well-organized.
About the Trip to Prayagraj
Prayagraj is not only a city to visit but also a combination of spirituality, history, and cultural immersion. The MahaKumbh Mela at Prayagraj in 2025 was a massive Hindu Pilgrimage that took place from January 13 to February 26, 2025. It has drawn millions of devotees to the Triveni Sangam for ritualistic bathing to seek spiritual purification and liberation. This major event is one of four Kumbh Melas held every 12 years.
Pilgrims visit rituals at the Sangam, whereas history lovers visit Mughal gardens and homes of the Nehru family, and photographers color the ghats and festivals. Prayagraj has something that lasts long, whether you are on a budget or a luxury trip.
Top 10 Tourist Places in Prayagraj
| Destination | Highlight | Best Experience | Entry / Notes | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triveni Sangam | Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati | Sunrise boat ride, dip at Sangam, evening aarti | Small fee for boats | 2–3 hrs |
| Allahabad Fort | Built by Emperor Akbar, the historic fort | View from outside, museum access (limited as the Army controls part of it) | Some areas restricted | 1–2 hrs |
| Anand Bhavan | Nehru family residence turned museum | See the freedom movement history, museum exhibits | Entry fee ₹20–50 | 1–2 hrs |
| Khusro Bagh | Mughal garden with tombs | Photography, peaceful walk | Free entry | 1–2 hrs |
| Chandrashekhar Azad Park (Company Bagh) | The largest green park in the city | Relax, morning walk, Azad’s statue | Open to the public | 1–2 hrs |
| Alopi Devi Temple | Unique temple with a local legend | Darshan, temple rituals | Free entry | 30–45 min |
| All Saints’ Cathedral | 19th-century Gothic church | Quiet visit, photography | Free entry | 45 min |
| Kumbh Mela Grounds | Held every 12 years (next Maha Kumbh in 2025) | Spiritual gathering, fair, tents | Special passes/packages | Half/full day |
| Boat Rides & Ganga Aarti | Ghats of Prayagraj | Evening aarti, boat ride at sunset | Boat fare ₹200–500 approx. | 1–2 hrs |
| Local Bazaars (Chowk, Civil Lines) | Bustling markets | Street food, handicrafts, and shopping | Free entry | Flexible |
Approximate Cost of a Prayagraj Tour
Tour prices vary depending on the style of travel, season, and whether you are visiting during festivals like Kumbh Mela.
| Travel Style | Transport | Stay per night | Food (per day) | Other Expenses | Total (2D/1N per person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Sleeper train/bus ₹200–800 | Guesthouse ₹600–1200 | ₹200–400 | ₹300–500 | ₹2,500–5,000 |
| Mid-Range | AC train / low-cost flight ₹1,200–4,000 | Hotel ₹1,500–3,500 | ₹500–1,000 | ₹800–1,500 | ₹5,000–12,000 |
| Premium/Kumbh Package | Private car/flight | Heritage or 4★–5★ hotels ₹5,000–12,000 | ₹1,500+ | Special guides, tents, passes | ₹15,000–40,000+ |
Note: Prices are not fixed and may vary and rise or fall with availability, season, and booking sites. Always check live prices.
Best Time to Visit
- October-March: cold, pleasant, and a good time to do sightseeing and visit religious sites.
- April-June: Hot summer (above 40°C)—unless necessary.
- July-September: It is humid and watery, and yet the greenery is stunning.
- Festival/Kumbh: To get the big spiritual feel, coordinate your trip with Magh Mela (once every 12 years in January or February) or Kumbh Mela (once every 12 years).
How to Reach Prayagraj
- By Train: A big station is Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ). Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kolkata, and Mumbai are linked by trains. It is the most widespread and cost-efficient manner.
- Air: Bamrauli Airport (IXD) operates flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other destinations. It is getting busier every year as a result of airport expansion.
- By Road: Well linked through national highways. There are buses to Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi. There are taxis at a higher price.
Caution & Travel Tips
- Crowds: But during Kumbh Mela or other big festivals, the city becomes very crowded. Keep company, obey the instructions of the police, and do not go to congested places.
- Safety on the River: The Sangam rivers are very powerful. Do not swim. Only registered boats should be used, and life jackets should be worn.
- Food & Water: Street food is tasty; however, select sanitary, crowded stalls. Use bottled or filtered water at all costs.
- Transport Scams: When negotiating with auto drivers or with ride apps, make sure not to pay too much.
- Weather: It is very hot during the summer, so grab some sunscreen, a hat, and water. Mornings are cold in winter.
- Health: Pack some basic medicines; the medical centers can be overwhelmed in large festivals.
Are There Dive Sites?
Prayagraj is a city by the river with no scuba diving spots. Near Sangam, there are only boat rides and the rides of a jet ski at times. To have the experiences of real diving, you would have to travel to such coastal states as Goa, Andaman, or Kerala.
Things to Do in Prayagraj
- Visit Sangam ghats for Evening Aarti.
- Walk to Civil Lines and Old City.
- Tour the Anand Bhavan Museum and other Nehru family historical places.
- Sunrise/Sunset photography on the banks of the Sangam rivers.
- Buying in Chowk and Civil Lines sweets (Imarti, Jalebi), brassware, and local crafts.
Hotel Stay in Prayagraj
These are alternatives in different categories to make your visit comfortable. Approximate prices are per night.
| Hotel | Price Range (per night) | Category | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radisson Hotel Prayagraj (Civil Lines) | ₹4,000–7,000 | 4★–5★ | Luxury, modern rooms, good for families and business travelers |
| WelcomHeritage Badi Kothi | ₹3,000–6,000 | Heritage stay | Near Sangam, royal architecture, boutique feel |
| Hotel Icon Residency / Hotel Elite | ₹1,200–2,800 | Mid-range | Comfortable, value for money, good locations |
| Guesthouses & Lodges (near Sangam, Civil Lines) | ₹500–1,200 | Budget | Basic facilities, best for pilgrims and backpackers |
Note: Rates fluctuate heavily during festivals. Pre-booking is strongly advised for Magh Mela or Kumbh Mela.
Prayagraj Tour Packages – Comparison Table
| Package Type | Duration | Inclusions | Exclusions | Approx. Cost (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Package | 2 Days / 1 Night | – Sleeper train or bus tickets– Budget hotel or lodge stay– Local transport by shared auto– Guided visit to Triveni Sangam, Khusro Bagh, Anand Bhavan | – Flights– Meals (except breakfast)– Personal shopping | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Mid-Range Package | 3 Days / 2 Nights | – AC train or low-cost flight– 3★ hotel stay with breakfast– Private car/auto for sightseeing– Entry fees for Anand Bhavan, museums– Boat ride at Sangam | – Lunch & Dinner– Personal tips– Festival surcharges | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Kumbh Special Package | 3–4 Days | – Pickup & drop off from the airport/train– Tented stay or 4★ hotel (near Sangam)– All meals (veg buffet)– Special guided Sangam Snan– VIP pass for evening aarti– Medical & security support | – Personal shopping– Extra rituals (pind daan, pooja services) | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000+ |
Notes for Travelers
- Backpackers or pilgrims who intend a short, no-frills trip are best suited to budget packages.
- The mid-range packages are midway packages that offer comfort and experience, and they include the essentials of attraction with suitable guidance.
- Kumbh Special packages are those designed to visit during Kumbh Mela – they offer comfort, safety, and access, but at a very high price.
- Every price is an approximation, and it can vary depending on the demand, time of year, and time of booking.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive and check in.
- Afternoon: See Anand Bhavan and Khusro Bagh.
- Evening: Ride in a boat, Triveni Sangam.
- Breaking Dinner: Chowk Street food tour.
Day 2
- Morning: Take the Sangam dip at sunrise (not compulsory for pilgrims).
- Mid Morning: Excursion to Allahabad Fort (exterior view) and All Saints Cathedral.
- Afternoon: Take a walk around Company Bagh, rest in the gardens.
- Evening: Bazaar shopping and bazaar home.
- Approximate Mid-Rate Price (per head): 5000-8000 INR.
Conclusion
Prayagraj blends spirituality, history, and culture through iconic sites like the Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort, and Anand Bhavan, offering every visitor a memorable experience, whether unwinding by the river or exploring vibrant markets—just plan and be mindful of crowds during festivals. Prayagraj blends spirituality, history, and culture through iconic sites like the Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort, and Anand Bhavan, offering every visitor a memorable experience, whether unwinding by the river or exploring vibrant markets—just plan and be mindful of crowds during festivals.
FAQs:
Ans. Prayagraj is famous for the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet, and for hosting the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering.
Ans. A 2–3 day trip is enough to cover the main attractions like Sangam, Anand Bhavan, Khusro Bagh, Allahabad Fort, and local markets.Ans.
Ans. The best time is from October to March, when the weather is cool and festivals like Magh Mela are celebrated.
Ans. Depending on the package, a trip can cost from ₹2,500 (budget) to ₹40,000+ (Kumbh special luxury packages) per person.
Ans. Yes, it is generally safe, but during festivals and Kumbh Mela, you should be cautious in crowds, avoid swimming in the Sangam, and use only licensed boats and guides.
Disclaimer
All the prices, fares, and hotel prices mentioned above are estimates and can therefore rise or fall due to season, booking sites, and events (in particular, Kumbh). Make sure to travel with updated information at all times.
From the sacred ghats of Prayagraj to the serene hills of Chikmagalur, India offers countless journeys worth experiencing—each with its own unique rhythm.
