Prayagraj (Allahabad)

The meeting point or the confluence of three of the most important rivers in the Hindu religion, Triveni Sangam, is a holy place located in Allahabad. It is one of the most popular and sacred places to visit in Allahabad, and is often a host to some of the most important fairs and festivals of the religion. The rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarawati meet at the Sangam. Due to the popularity of the region, the entire city of Allahabad is also sometimes referred to as Sangam. Every 12 years, an incredibly auspicious festival called the Kumbh Mela is organized at this location, while every six years, the Ardh Kumbh is hosted here. Both of these festivals see a massive influx of tourists and locals to the Sangam. Hindus take a dip at the place where the rivers meet, believing that touching the holy water washes away the sins of all births. The Sangam can be easily identified by the varying colors of the Ganges and the Yamuna river, the latter of which has slightly greenish water. Location: Triveni SangamSachcha Baba Nagar, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211008Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM

Formerly a burial complex near the Allahabad junction railway station, Khusro Bagh is currently a walled garden typical of the Mughal construction. Khusro Bagh has three brilliantly designed sandstone mausoleums paying tribute to Mughal royals, including Shah Begum, Khusrau Mirza, and Nithar Begum, all of whom were related to Akbar’s son Jahangir. Shah Begum’s tomb is designed in a similar style to Fatehpur Sikri with a three-tiered design. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in prayagraj. Chhatris, arabesque inscriptions, and traditional Mughal motifs dot all of the three mausoleums. The domed roofs also feature elaborate calligraphy by some of the ruler’s best calligraphers. Khusro Bagh is an important site to visit if you want to learn more about the Mughal history of India, particularly that associated with the ancient Prayagraj. Location: Lukarganj, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211016Timings: 6 AM to 9:30 PM

In the 1930s, the original Swaraj Bhavan, today a famous Allahabad tourist place, was transformed into the headquarters of the Indian National Congress. As a result, Motilal Nehru had to buy another mansion for himself and his family to reside, and it was called Anand Bhavan. Today, it is a historic house museum also home to the Jawahar Planetarium. European furniture and the most delicate quality china was sourced by Motilal Nehru to decorate this mansion and make it a replica of the original Swaraj Bhavan. Renovation of the enormous estate is said to have been done for over ten years.Just like Swaraj Bhavan, this place also hosts many artifacts original to the Indian freedom struggle and meetings of the Negru family with many prominent freedom leaders. In 1970, the mansion was donated to the Government of India by Jawaharlal Nehru’s daughter Indira Gandhi. Since then, the government has been responsible for its maintenance. Location: 246/199 Colonelganj Infront of Anand Bhawan, Uttar Pradesh 211002 Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 50 for foreigners Timings: 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Established in 1931, the Allahabad Museum is one of the most important and grandiose museums of India. It is a place of national importance, housing significant artifacts from the modern historical period of India. Archaeologists, academicians, historians, and scholars research this museum and regard it as a scholarly place. It also has a rock art gallery housing rocks from the prehistoric period, all of which serve as critical points of study for many historians. Self-reliant when it comes to power generation, the Allahabad Museum is supported using a solar power system, making it one of the first museums in the world to adapt to eco-sustainable means of power production. This museum was first set up by Sir William Muir. It was reopened subsequently by Jawaharlal Nehru and Madan Mohan Malviya. Even today, it is home to some manuscripts and monuments important to historians. As a tourist, do not forget to check out different exhibits of the museum and enrich yourself with some historical knowledge at one of the best places to visit in Allahabad. Location: Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Kamla Nehru Road, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002 Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person Timings: 10:30 AM to 4:45 PM

Situated beside the Anand Bhavan and built-in 1979, the Jawahar Planetarium is the perfect confluence of science and history. Each year, a grand event called the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial lecture is also held at the planetarium, and it hosts several shows meant to entertain and enrich the guests of the solar system and the beauty of space.While in Allahabad, make sure to spend some time in the planetarium. Attend one of its shows to learn about the movement of planets or go to the specialized fairs and lectures held here once in a while. You can also derive delight from the beautiful architecture of this planetarium. Location: Tagore Town, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002 Entry Fee: For Adults, Rs. 35 and or children below 16 years of age, Rs. 20 Timings: 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Built-in 1583, this stunning piece of architecture stands at the Triveni Sangam in Allahabad to remind tourists of the city’s rich history. Akbar, a famous Mughal Emperor, is said to have been much impressed by the aura of Allahabad. As a result, he decided to construct a grand fort in the region. This fort was erected to envelop the Akshayavat, a holy tree for the Hindus of the area.The Archaeological Survey of India has classified the Allahabad fort as a monument of National Importance and maintains its interiors for tourists. The exteriors reflect the brilliance of Mughal architecture with significant motifs and inscriptions in some parts of the fort. As a tourist, do not forget to enjoy the grandeur of the fort while in Allahabad, since it is one of the best places to visit in prayagraj. Location: Allahabad fort, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211005Timings: 9:44 AM to 6 PM

Built over a massive landscape of 133 acres, Chandrashekhar Azad Park is a beautiful public park located in Allahabad. This grand park was also called the Alfred Park or the Company Bagh during the East India Company’s rule. It was constructed in 1870 to commemorate Prince Alfred’s visit to the city of Prayagraj.In 1931, the park was renamed Chandrashekhar Azad Park to honor the freedom fighter of its namesake. Today, the massive green lawn is a fun recreational spot for tourists and locals alike. While here, you can just sit to relax or organize an intimate picnic with friends and family while also learning about the modern period of Indian history in one of the most unique places to visit in Prayagraj. Location: Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Prayagraj, UttarPradesh 211002Entry Fee: Rs. 5 Timings: 4 AM to 8 PM

Also known by the locals as the Patthar Girja, the All Saints Cathedral is a world-famous church located in Prayagraj. As a part of the Gothic revival building built during the British rule in India, this church is modeled after the 13th-century Gothic churches typical of Europe. Sir William Emerson is credited with the architecture and basic design for this church, which reflects a confluence of Anglo Indian style. It was designed by him in 1871, commenced in 1887, and completed four years later of that date. Lying at the crossing of the MG Marg and the SN Marg in Allahabad, this place is perfect for quiet introspection or a calm prayer session. It is classified as a Church of North India and can accommodate more than 400 people. The surroundings of the church are green and reminiscent of the divinity that the building holds, making it a sacred place to visit in Allahabad.  Location: Sarojini Naidu Marg, Civil Lines, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211001Timings: 8 AM