Tourist Attractions in Prayagraj

Allahabad has special place in tourism in Uttar Pradesh. Holy sites, religious congregations & historical monuments are major tourist attractions in Allahabad. In accordance with the mention of Pryagraj on the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yarnuna and the invisible Saraswati in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the present site of Allahabad is still called as Tirthraj, i.e., king of pilgrimages. The place dates back to antiquity, a period remoter than historical records. The place has ever assumed a greater significance in legend, epic and history. As the place where Lord Brahma performed the horse sacrifice in token of his universal over-lordship, and as one which was blessed by Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, Allahabad is immortalized with the impression of hoary antiquity. The annual bathing festival takes place here every Magh Mela while the Kumbh Mela is repeated every twelve years. Numerous devotees flock to the Triveni Sangam (confluence) on this sacred occasion to have a ceremonial dip. The old site of Pryagraj which is said to have once been the abode of many religious temples, currently contains practically no temple with the sole exception of Patalpuri Temple now located inside the fort built by Akbar. This temple is regarded as the oldest temple of Uttar Pradesh. The Chinese traveller, Huen Tsang, visited this temple in the seventh century A.D. which is known for its peculiar shape and curious oblong hall. Akshyavata within the ramparts of Allahabad Fort is another religious site. The Bharadwaj Ashrama, hermitage of sage Bharadwaj, near the confluence is another place of attraction for pilgrims.