Best months
Per-day budget
₹720–1,250/day
Getting there
Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is a city in Uttar Pradesh at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The Triveni Sangam is the holiest bathing spot in Hinduism — the site of the Kumbh Mela every 12 years. The city has the Allahabad Fort (built by Akbar in 1583), the Khusro Bagh gardens, and Anand Bhavan (the Nehru family home). Prayagraj was also the home of the Nehru-Gandhi family and has several museums and colonial buildings. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air. The destination offers a mix of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo backpackers to small groups.
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Why go
The Triveni Sangam is the main attraction — boat to the exact confluence point to see the difference in colours of the two rivers. The Allahabad Fort has the Akshay Vat (undying banyan tree) and the Patalpuri Temple. The Kumbh Mela (every 12 years) is the largest human gathering on earth — 120 million pilgrims in 2019. The Mela site is 15 sq km of temporary city.
Anand Bhavan is a museum dedicated to Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi with personal artifacts. The Khusro Bagh has three sandstone mausoleums from the Mughal era. The Allahabad Museum has artifacts from the ancient city of Kaushambi. The company gardens and the Thornhill and Mayne Memorial library are colonial-era buildings.
How to reach
Prayagraj has a major railway station with direct trains from Delhi (6-7 hours), Varanasi (2-3 hours) and Kolkata (10-12 hours). The nearest airport is Prayagraj Airport (12 km) with flights from Delhi. Buses from Varanasi and Lucknow connect.
What a day costs
| Budget hotel | ₹500–800 |
| Food (thali) | ₹150–250 |
| Boat to Sangam | ₹50–150 |
| Anand Bhavan entry | ₹20–50 |
When to go
October to March is best. November-February is pleasant. April-June is hot. July-September is monsoon — the river level rises. The Kumbh Mela months (January-March, every 12th year) transform the city. Next Kumbh in Prayagraj: 2025.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Sangam and Fort
Visit the Triveni Sangam in the morning. Take a boat to the confluence. Visit the Allahabad Fort (accessible areas). Evening at the Khusro Bagh.
Day 2: Historical Walk
Visit Anand Bhavan and the Allahabad Museum. Walk through the Civil Lines area. Visit the colonial-era library. Depart to Varanasi or Lucknow.
Student hacks
- ▸Boat to the Sangam costs ₹50-150 per person — negotiate with the boatman.
- ▸Anand Bhavan entry is ₹20 for Indians — the Nehru family home is well-preserved.
- ▸Stay in the Civil Lines area (₹500-800) — central and close to most attractions.
- ▸Eat at the street food stalls near the Prayagraj University — ₹100-150 for a full meal.
- ▸Visit during the Magh Mela (January-February) — a smaller but still impressive version of the Kumbh.
- ▸The Khusro Bagh is free and less crowded — a peaceful Mughal garden.
Safety & permits
No permit needed. The Sangam boating has life jackets — insist on them. The Allahabad Fort is partially restricted (part of Indian Army). Bargaining with boatmen is expected — ₹50-150 per person.
FAQs
How do I reach Prayagraj from Delhi?
Train from Delhi (6-7 hours, sleeper class ₹200-350) or flight (1.5 hours).
What is Prayagraj known for?
Triveni Sangam, Kumbh Mela, Anand Bhavan, Allahabad Fort.
How many days do I need?
2 days — one for the Sangam and fort, one for the historical sites.