Prayagraj formerly called as Allahabad is one of the holiest cities of India with which is associated a deep history. According to the Hindu religious belief, Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe is believed to have landed on Earth in this city itself many years ago. He declared this city as the city of all pilgrimage centers in India. Prayagraj has a lot of temples and the most sacred fair for the Hindus, the Kumbh Mela is held here once in 12 years. Kumbh Mela is celebrated in four different cities of India once in every four years. But, the most important city is Prayagraj for this because Kumbh Mela celebrated here is celebrated at Sangam which is the river confluence on the outskirts of the city. Sangam is the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarawasti rivers. These are the most sacred rivers as per the Hindu tradition and Sangam is the meeting point of these rivers. Hence, it is the most sacred one.

Prayagraj can be described as the city which is a great amalgamation of beautiful architecture, ocean of tradition, religion, and sanctity. There is also great history attached to the city that attracts the heritage lovers from all over the world. Allahabad now called as Prayagraj is the hotspot for the pilgrims in India. The devotees of the city have deep respect and regards for this place. The devotees can enter the world of spiritual wonders as they land in this city and there are tonnes of stories waiting for them to unfold here. Be it the Vedas or the Epics, there is a detailed mention of Prayagraj in them which clearly states the relevance of this city in the mythology. The influence that this city has over the Indian religion and its spiritualism is just beyond explanation. Tourism in Prayagraj revolves around religious sites that include famous temples (Bade Hanumanji Temple, Mankameshwar Mahadev Temple, Nag Vasuki Temple, Alopi Bagh Temple, Akshayavat, Patalpuri Temple, Bharadwaj Ashram & Park etc), historical monuments (Allahabad Fort, Khusro Bagh), spiritual congregations (Kumbh Mela, Magh Mela etc), Triveni Sangam, educational institutions (University of Allahabad, Prayag Sangeet Samiti etc) etc. The information provided in the article serves as Prayagraj Travel Guide for a visitor.

The city was originally named as Allahabad which is still a famous name for the city. Akbar, the great Mughal emperor named this city as Allahabad which also means Garden of Allah or God.

Tourist Places and Importance in Tourism: Prayagraj is a beautiful place for the travelers of all kinds. Exploring history and architecture would occupy the time of the travelers when in Prayagraj. The city of the Gods and the devotees is known for hosting the highest tourist or devotee gathering in the whole world. For the nature and the heritage lovers this city is full of surprises from all sides. Since the city is a living example from the Mughal era, it is filled with ancient tombs to explore. It has beautiful parks to just relax and relish in some of the most modern restaurants as well.

1. Triveni Sangam – To begin with, the most auspicious and famous place in the city is the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the rivers in which the Kumbh Mela is held. There is a strong belief that taking bath in the Triveni Sangam washes away all the humanely sins done.
2. Anand Bhawan – This is a famous tourist spot now which was an ancestral home of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Now it is turned to be a museum where the details of the Nehru family are listed for the visitors to see.
3. Khushro Bagh – The most popular tourist spot of the city is Khushro Bagh which is a delightful park that has a tomb of Prince Khusro, son of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. There are three mausoleums here to explore that is built in typical Mughal architectural style.
4. Allahabad Fort – This fort is believed to have been first made by Ashoka and then it was repaired majestically by Akbar, the Great. Post this, the fort became one of the most prized possessions of the Mughals which stands tall till date to explore.
5. Ashoka Pillar – Again this pillar was built by Akbar in the 16th century. It is built at the at the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna right outside the Allahabad fort. There are a lot of inscriptions written on the pillar like that of Ashoka and Samudragupta.
6. All Saints Cathedral – Another famous spot for the tourists is All Saints Cathedral famously called as Patthar Girija. It is a massive church that every traveller must explore.

Famous Events/Fairs/Festivals: Prayagraj is a cultural and historical tourist destination. Round the year, one or another cultural activity keeps taking place. Traditional Hindu festivals are celebrated here with religious zeal. 

1. The different types religious-cum-spiritual congregation take place in Prayagraj. Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela, and Magh Mela are the most famous fairs. Kumbh Mela is the biggest fair on earth. Along with the Kumbh Mela, there is a Magh Mela held at Sangam every year during the Magh month according to the Hindu calendar. The Ardh Kumbh Mela is also held here at Sangam in every 6 years and the Purna Kumbh Mela once in twelve years. Not only this, the sacred spot of Sangam also hosts Maha Kumbh Mela after 144 years.
2. Maha Shivratri is the next most important festival celebrated in Prayagraj. Devotees from different parts of the country visit the city to celebrate this festival.
3. Pitripaksha is a month according to the Hindu calendar and this is an auspicious month. For the whole one month, puja and religious activities are performed at the Triveni Sangam. Devotees from all parts of the world visit to perform rituals to propitiate their ancestors and ensure the emancipation of their soul. Devotees make sure to take bath in the Triveni Sangam during this month when they are here.
4. Magh Mela is a fair that is held in the city during the Magh month according to the Hindu calendar. It is an important festival again that is not celebrated in every city of India but here.

Other than these, the city is known to celebrate all the festivals of all religions. For a tourist, there are several things to do in Prayagraj.

Best Time to Visit Prayagraj: Being a pilgrimage & educational center, though Prayagraj is visited round the year by the tourists but October to March & Pitripaksh are the most preferred months to visit Prayagraj. During summer season, the number of tourists arrival decreases drastically due to scorching hot weather. Though during monsoon times the temperature dips down compared to summer but humidity level remains high.

How to Reach Prayagraj: Prayagraj is well connected by road, air and railway. Grand Trunk Road, national and state highways connect Prayagraj with rest of India. It is conveniently reached by car or bus from Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, Kolkata, Mumbai etc. There are five railway junctions and stations in Prayagraj and trains from all parts of India pass through the city. Thus, Allahabad is easily accessible by train. Rajdhani Express, Duranto Express, Vande Bharat, Prayagraj Express, Purushottam Express and scores of other premium trains ensure nice connectivity of Prayagraj with major cities of India. Prayagraj boasts of its own airport connecting it with many Indian cities by flights.

Prayagraj Tour Packages: Allahabad is a popular tourist place to visit in India. The historical & cultural tourist attractions are places to visit in Prayagraj. Several Prayagraj tour packages are available to select the most suitable one.