PRAYAGRAJ (ALLAHABAD) TRAVEL INFORMATION
Prayagraj (Allahabad) is an important city of great religious and historical significance. It was formerly known as Prayag ‘Place of sacrifice’. It is believed to be the spot where Lord Brahma offered his first sacrifice after creating the world. There is not much known about the ancient history of Prayagraj and it was controlled Mughals in 16th century. The city was named Allahabad or ‘City of Gods’ by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. In 1765, the British established a garrison at the fort of Allahabad. The city played a significant role during India’s struggle for independence. Recently it’s name has been changed to Prayagraj.
PLACES TO SEE IN PRAYGRAJ
SANGAM
On the outskirts of Prayagraj is the holy site of Sangam where Kumbh Mela is held. Sangam is a Sanskrit word which means Confluence. It is here, three of the holiest rivers of India – Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet according to the Hindu Mythology. Of these three, the river Saraswati is invisible and is said to flow underground and join the other two rivers from below. Here the muddy and pale-yellow waters of the Ganges merge with the blue waters of Yamuna. Many tirtha yatris reach this point by boats to bathe from platforms erected in the Sangam. During the Kumbh Mela, it is believed that all Gods come as humans to take a dip at the Sangam.
It is not only Sadhus for whom Ghats of Sangam become their temporary home, but it gives an opportunity to all visitors who are fascinated by Hindu mythologies and culture, to witness the same in the grandest of fashions and seeing endless millions, pilgrims and Sadhus, gathered as far as the eyes can see, on the Ghats is an indescribable feeling which happens only at Sangam.
ALLAHABAD FORT
Built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 AD, the Allahabad Fort is a fine example of Mughal design and craftsmanship that is unrivalled, to say the least. Situated at the banks of the river Yamuna, the fort is presently used by the army and a limited area is opened for visitors.
ASOKA PILLAR
Asoka Pillar, a 10.6 meters (35 feet) high figure, is also located in the front of the entrance to the Allahabad Fort. Made of polished sandstone, the pillar contains several Asokan edicts and a Persian inscription of the great Mughal Emperor, Jehangir.
SWARAJ BHAWAN & ANAND BHAWAN
Anand Bhawan is the ancestral home of the Nehru family where many decisions and events related to the freedom struggle have been known to take place. Today it is a museum which houses the memorabilia of the Nehru family. Swaraj Bhawan, on the other hand, used to be the headquarters of the Congress Committee. Both the Bhawans together served as the Parliament during the British Raj era.
ALL SAINTS CATHEDRAL
Clad in white stone with red sandstone dressings, All Saints Cathedral is the finest example of Anglican architecture in Asia. Designed by Sir William Emerson in 1870 and consecrated in 1887, it is one of the oldest churches in India and is popularly known as Patthar Girjaghar among the local people. The fantabulous inlay and mosaic work is sure to mesmerize you with its elaborate designs.
HOW TO REACH PRAYAGRAJ (ALLAHABAD)
BY AIR
Prayagraj is served by the Prayagraj (Allahabad) Airport (Bamrauli Air Force Base) and is linked to Delhi by direct flight from various Indian cities.
- MUMBAI
- DELHI
- PUNE
- BHOPAL
- BENGALURU
- BHUBANESHWAR
- LUCKNOW
- DEHRADUN
BY RAIL
Prayagraj is the major hub and headquarters of the North Central Railway. It is therefore well connected to major cities in India by trains.
BY ROAD
Prayagraj is connected by Highway NH2 which runs through the middle of the city. Besides There are other National and state highways that link Prayagraj to all other parts of the country.
DISTANCES
| FROM | TO | DISTANCE |
|
Prayagraj (Allahabad)
|
VARANASI
|
120 KM
|
|
Prayagraj (Allahabad)
|
KOLKOTTA
|
750 KM
|
|
Prayagraj (Allahabad)
|
DELHI
|
670 KM
|
|
Prayagraj (Allahabad)
|
KHAJURAHO
|
280 KM
|
|
Prayagraj (Allahabad)
|
LUCKNOW
|
200 KM
|
|
Prayagraj (Allahabad)
|
AGRA
|
470 KM
|
CLIMATE
WINTERS (DECEMBER – FEBRUARY)
Prayagraj has the typical humid subtropical climate just like most of cities located in North-central India. The winter season, cool and dry, lasts from December to February (also the season in which the Kumbh Mela will be organized), with average maximum temperature ranging between 25°C to 30°C and average minimum of 5°C to 10°C. The minimum temperature rarely drops to the freezing point, temperature as low as -20°C has been recorded in the past.
It doesn’t snow in Allahabad but a dense fog, especially in the month of January is common. Carry warm clothes with you when traveling to Allahabad in this season.
CLOTHING
Visitors should respect local codes of dress and behaviour. The Indian subcontinent is conservative, so women should avoid wearing shorts, mini-skirts and bare backed dresses. Pants are acceptable.
Women should wear long pants or skirts to the ankles, Punjabi outfits or Saris. No short skirts or shorts are allowed. Women have to be fully clothed when they bathe in the Ganges. They will not be allowed to wear swimsuits. Carry lightweight clothes that can be laundered easily.
During January / February, you will need light woolens, sweaters, a light jacket or wool wrap. Dress in layers, so that you can strip down during the warmer days.
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