Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is a city located at the sacred confluence of three rivers – the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. This ancient city in Uttar Pradesh pulses with spiritual energy that has drawn pilgrims for thousands of years. And Prayagraj Tourism has been popular since time immemorial due to the Kumbh Mela. This religious event is said to be the largest gathering of Hindus worldwide. It’s held at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.
The essence of Prayagraj lies in its religious and spiritual heritage. And tourist places of Prayagraj tell stories of timeless devotion and echo with soulful chants. What makes this city captivating is how seamlessly it weaves together different facets of its existence. The city that hosts millions during festivals is also a destination that shaped India's intellectual and political awakening.
Prayagraj is where mythology walks hand-in-hand with our country’s history. Colonial buildings and Mughal architecture still stand guard over waters that have witnessed civilisations rise and fall. Tourism in Prayagraj provides authentic encounters with Indian culture unfiltered, whether you’re at riverside ceremonies or bustling markets.
To experience the magic of this place to its fullest, explore customised all-inclusive tour packages by Prayagraj Tourism. We deliver immersive travel experiences, taking care of everything from accommodation and transportation to guided tours and local insights. We have also partnered with the top car rental companies in Prayagraj to ensure a memorable trip. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch.
History of Prayagraj
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad (and anciently Prayag), has roots dating back over 3,000 years. In mythology, it’s celebrated as the “place of sacrifice,” where Lord Brahma performed the first offering. The place has been revered in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist traditions for centuries.
The city gained historical prominence during the Mauryan Empire. The Gupta Empire is said to have originated in this region. During the 16th century, Mughal Emperor Akbar recognised both the strategic and spiritual significance of this river confluence and named the city Allahabad. The famous Allahabad Fort became a symbol of Mughal authority in the region.
The British colonial period transformed Allahabad into a major administrative centre. With leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Chandrashekhar Azad later, it became linked to India’s independence movement. In 2018, Allahabad was officially renamed to Prayagraj, honouring its timeless heritage. Today, Prayagraj UP tourism offers a glimpse of this vibrant cultural landmark.
Places to Visit in Prayagraj
The charm of places of tourist interest in Prayagraj extends far beyond its religious reputation. The city’s atmosphere has been shaped by centuries of faith, culture and stories passed down through generations. Prayagraj’s ancient temples, riverside ghats and colonial architecture invite you to explore its many layers without hustling you around.
Triveni Sangam is the heart of this region, and it’s one of the top tourist places in Prayagraj. This confluence of three rivers is a site where millions perform ritual baths, believing that it cleanses their souls. During the Kumbh Mela, Triveni Sangam transforms into the largest gathering of devotees. It’s a sacred collective journey that defies any description. Boat rides at Triveni Sangam take you to the physical meeting point of the river waters.
Allahabad Fort, constructed by Akbar in 1583, is one of the magnificent Prayagraj Sangam tourist places nearby. It’s located on the riverbank, and it’s said to be the largest fort ever built by Akbar. Its massive walls and bastions are examples of Mughal architectural mastery. This fort also houses the Ashoka Pillar, the underground Patalpuri Temple, and the legendary Akshayavat banyan tree.
All Saints Cathedral is another grand structure in Allahabad. It’s an Anglican Christian church that showcases Gothic Revival splendour with its striking spires and stained glass windows. It’s considered the finest of British colonial architecture. The University of Allahabad campus and the Allahabad High Court building similarly reflect the grandeur of that era.
Among the religious tourist places in Prayagraj, the Hanuman Mandir is a must-visit. It features a unique reclining statue of Lord Hanuman in the sanctum. Another unconventional temple in the city is Alopi Devi Mandir, where a wooden carriage is worshipped instead of an idol. Other significant temple tourist places in and around Prayagraj include Mankameshwar Temple, Nagvasuki Temple and Someshwar Mahadev Temple.
The river ghats in Prayagraj also contribute to the city’s spiritual environment. Rasoolabad Ghat, Saraswati Ghat and Dasashwamedh Ghat are among the numerous ghats where devotees take a bath before performing holy rituals. Evening river aartis at these ghats create a beautiful spectacle. Yamuna Bridge offers a stunning panoramic view of this riverside ritual and the overall cityscape.
For those interested in history, Anand Bhavan serves as both a museum and a monument from India’s freedom struggle. It’s the ancestral residence of the Nehru-Gandhi family. It features various personal artefacts alongside exhibits documenting the independence movement.
The adjacent Swaraj Bhavan is another historic destination. It used to be the headquarters of the Congress Party. Then, the Allahabad Museum houses impressive collections on this region’s archaeology, natural history, and fine arts. For science enthusiasts, the nearby Jawahar Planetarium runs engaging shows that make astronomy entertaining for kids.
Apart from those, Azad Park (earlier known as Alfred Park) is the largest public park in Prayagraj. It holds historical importance as the site where Chandra Shekhar Azad sacrificed his life. The park also features several notable attractions, such as the Chandra Shekhar Azad Memorial, the Victoria Memorial, and the Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium.
Khusro Bagh is another green destination in the Prayagraj tourist places list. This garden features the Mughal tombs of Prince Khusro, his mother, and his sister. These mausoleums are laid amid fruit orchards and flowering pathways. Minto Park is also a prominent green space in the city.
Other Activities and Experiences
In addition to tourist attractions, Prayagraj Tourism offers a range of enriching experiences that create a wholesome trip. They cater to different interests, ensuring a deeper perspective of the city. The interactions reflect this region’s living culture, evolving identity and local rhythm.
Families with children find Fun Gaon Water Park and Nandan Kanan Water Retreat fulfilling. Both these amusement parks offer thrilling water slides, wave pools and other recreational facilities that provide refreshing breaks. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Sangam Mela Ground and the surrounding riverine areas for birdwatching and to experience the Gangetic ecosystem.
Day trips to tourist places near Prayagraj are also available with various packages. Vindhyachal (80 km), Chitrakoot (130 km), and Sarnath (135 km) considerably expand the city's appeal. Apart from those, Varanasi (120 km) and Ayodhya (160 km) are other nearby spiritual destinations. Many devotees also extend their Prayagraj trip to visit Mathura-Vrindavan (540 km away).
Apart from visiting the best tourist places in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, you can explore the vibrant markets for traditional handicrafts, local sarees and ethnic wear. Religious items, such as brass and copper idols of deities, spiritual books and Holy Ganga jal bottles are available at many places. Then, street food lovers can find a variety of dishes at local markets. Spicy kachoris, crispy samosas, and tangy aloo-tikki chats are worth trying out.
How to Reach Prayagraj
Following are the ways to reach Prayagraj and explore its spiritual atmosphere:
By Air: Prayagraj Airport (located 15 km from the city centre) provides flight connectivity to the region. Varanasi Airport (150 km) and Lucknow Airport (200 km away) are more preferred for good connectivity. They have regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and many other major cities. At the airport, you can get a taxi from the top car rental companies in Prayagraj for your onward trip.
By Train: Prayagraj Junction offers outstanding rail connectivity across India. It's one of the busiest stations in Uttar Pradesh, with numerous trains connecting Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and countless other destinations. Local transportation for tourism in Prayagraj is made accessible via cycle/auto-rickshaws and rental cabs/taxis.
By Road: Prayagraj is well-connected to major cities through National Highways, making road trips quite convenient. State transport and private operators run regular AC and non-AC bus services from many nearby towns. You can also hire a cab/taxi or self-drive to enjoy a scenic journey through the Gangetic plains. Lucknow is 200 km, Delhi is 700 km, and Jaipur is 720 km from Prayagraj.
Prayagraj has effortlessly preserved its spiritual essence while embracing a modern lifestyle. From ancient temples to colonial landmarks, Prayagraj tourist places offer a soothing interaction with this region’s history and culture. To experience this spiritual destination to its best, explore all our Prayagraj Tour packages. We offer customised itineraries, so that you can explore Prayagraj at your convenience. Fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with our travel experts.
