Prayagraj Travel Guide

Prayaga- The city of offerings" Allahabad, now officially known as Prayagraj, is a city located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Reminiscent of all that is spiritual and sacred in Hinduism, its famous for Triveni Sangam or the meeting point of three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati. Built on the site of the ancient town of Prayag, since time immemorial, held the largest Hindu gathering on the banks of the Sangam - the Maha Kumbh Mela. While the Sangam city is often passed over for more travel-friendly cities, there is a lot to Allahabad besides just its religion. Prayag or Prayagraj had been the ancient name of the city of Allahabad. Pra means “first” and Yag means “devotion”. Prayag also signifies the coming together of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. After the Mughal invasion, Emperor Akbar, impressed by the location named the city Ilahabas which meant “Abode of God”. Emperor Shah Jahan, his grandson, renamed the city to Allahabad. One of the top places to visit in Allahabad, if you’re spiritually inclined (and even if you’re not because this place deserves a visit), Triveni Sangam is a place bustling with tourists and locals all year round. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a religious occasion that is held here every twelve years and is attended by millions of pilgrims from all across the globe. The Allahabad Fort is another monument of historical significance and is a heritage site recognized by the UNESCO. Built during the reign of Akbar, this fort is also a fine example of the curation and craftsmanship of the Mughal era.