Prayagraj

Introduction

You will find a bustling atmosphere in Prayagraj, a metropolis located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Formerly known as Allahabad, this city serves as the administrative headquarters for both the Prayagraj district and division. You can experience the local culture through the sounds of Hindi, which is the most widely spoken language throughout the city.

The city holds a significant role as the judicial capital of Uttar Pradesh, housing the Allahabad High Court as the state's highest judicial body. Known for its livability, Prayagraj offers an urban environment that blends administrative importance with a prominent regional identity.

Before you go

Before you arrive in Prayagraj, prepare to experience a city where history, culture, and religion converge at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. You will find a landscape shaped by centuries of significance, from its roots as a holy site in Hindu scriptures to its role as a strategic waterway landmark during the Mughal era. As you navigate the city, you can appreciate the local culture through the polite use of "ahp" and "hum" as respectful pronouns, the subtle humor of people on the street, and the experience of traveling by rickshaw.

To ensure a smooth journey, keep the following in mind:

• Carry a flashlight to manage frequent power outages.
• Exercise caution when navigating alleys, which can be difficult to navigate and may contain wandering cows.
• Dress conservatively and avoid traveling alone, particularly in less populated areas.
• If visiting during the Kumbh Mela, remain vigilant against stampedes near train stations, bridges, and river edges due to massive crowds.
• Stick to bottled water and carry anti-diarrhea medication to manage issues related to poor sanitation.
• Observe local laws regarding alcohol, which is strictly forbidden in areas of sacred ritual.

Getting there

If you are arriving from outside India, your journey typically begins with a flight to New Delhi followed by a connection on one of the numerous trains that reach Prayagraj. You can also fly directly into the city's airport, where you should remain in the terminal if you have checked luggage as it is hand-delivered upon arrival. For those traveling by road, several national highways pass through the city, connecting it to major hubs like Lucknow and Kolkata, while various buses provide transport to nearby towns.

The city serves as a significant railway junction with multiple stations serving different purposes: Prayagraj Junction handles most long-distance trains, Rambagh is used for trains terminating in the city, and Sangam Terminal manages extra traffic during religious festivals. You can choose from various services including the non-stop Duronto Express, the daily Prayag Raj Express, or several other express options like the Poorva Express and the Vande Bharat Express.

Getting around

Navigating the city is most easily done by hiring a cycle rickshaw, which serves as a widely available mode of transport. While you will need to haggle over the cost, these vehicles provide an accessible way to move through the streets.

Alternatively, you can utilize auto rickshaws for affordable travel within the city limits. While city buses operate on specific routes, their arrivals and departures are unpredictable.

Where to stay

You can find a wide variety of accommodations throughout the city to suit your preferences. If you are seeking budget-friendly options, numerous dharmshalas are available in the old city, specifically within the Daraganj and Kydganj areas. For those seeking more traditional character, some older buildings have been converted into hotels featuring spacious rooms with basic amenities.

The Civil Lines area offers a concentration of mid-range and upscale accommodations. You can choose from several establishments in this district that provide features such as air conditioning, 24-hour internet access, and open-air restaurants. For a more modern experience, you can stay at the only hotel in the city managed by a national chain.

Food & drink

Savor the rich flavors of North Indian Mughalai cuisine while exploring the city. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, head to the Loknath area to experience the local bustle and sample street-side chaat. The historic city center near Chowk bazaar serves as the heart of the local food scene; here, you can find sweets, snacks like samosas and kachauri, and savory dishes prepared in pure deshi ghee. For a refreshing break, enjoy a glass of lassi mixed with rabri, kulfi, or burfi, or try an Indian mouth freshener known as paan at the kiosks found throughout the city.

Depending on your preference for dining, you can find various options across different neighborhoods:

• In the bustling streets of Loknath and Chowk, sample traditional snacks like chole bhature or masala dosa.
• Near the railway station, visit dhaba-style restaurants for a heavy Mughalai meal.
• Explore the Civil Lines area for a variety of dining experiences, including multi-cuisine restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes, as well as international favorites like pizza and pasta.
• For those seeking a drink, select venues in Civil Lines offer chilled beer and liquor, though note that drinking in public is frowned upon.

What to see and do

Explore the historical layers of the city by visiting the Allahabad Fort, where you can see the surviving Zenana Palace featuring a central hall supported by numerous columns. Nearby, wander through Company Bagh, a large park that preserves British-era history and houses the Victoria Memorial canopy and the Thornhill Mayne Memorial. This latter structure is a white sandstone building with Gothic details that now serves as a public library. You can also visit the University of Allahabad campus to view its Indo-Saracenic architecture and the Agharkar Museum, which houses various skeletal remains.

Experience Mughal history at Khusro Bagh, a walled garden containing several significant structures:

• The Shah Begum's Tomb, a three-tiered sandstone structure with elaborate calligraphy.
• Nithar Begum's Tomb, featuring red sandstone and interior frescoes of the Mughal period.
• Khurso Mirza's Tomb, which contains brightly colored frescoes and intricate calligraphy inside its domed mausoleum.
• The southern gate of the complex, a red sandstone structure decorated with calligraphic inscriptions and ornate windows.

When to go

You can experience three distinct seasons in Prayagraj, each offering a different atmosphere for your visit. During the summer, you will encounter scorching dry heat with very low humidity before the rains arrive. If you prefer cooler conditions, the winter months provide a drier experience, though you should prepare for dense fog caused by wood fires and open burning which can lead to significant travel delays.

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and high humidity levels. During this period, the weather remains hot and humid as the rains move through the region.

Three days in Prayagraj

Day one, you begin your journey in Prayagraj, a city formerly known as Allahabad. You can explore the local area and experience the cultural atmosphere of this historic location in Uttar Pradesh.

Day two, you travel to the Sangam, where the Ganges and Yamuna rivers meet. This site is significant for Hindu traditions and provides a profound spiritual experience during your stay.

Day three, you can visit the Allahabad High Court or explore other landmarks of the city before preparing for your onward travel toward destinations like New Delhi, Lucknow, or Kolkata.