What is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions Prayagraj? Triveni Sangam. While Triveni Sangam is surely one of the most holy pilgrimage sites in India, Prayagraj has so much more to offer! This city in Uttar Pradesh is known as “Tirthraj” and houses many attractions like forts, museums, parks, temples, and more, which are open for tourists to explore. So here is a list of the best places to visit in Prayagraj beyond Triveni Sangam.
10 Best Places To Visit In Prayagraj
1. Allahabad Fort
The Allahabad Fort was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. It stands on the banks of the Yamuna River near the Triveni Sangam. This fort is said to be the largest fort built by Akbar. It houses the historic Ashoka Pillar, the immortal Akshayavat tree, and the underground Patalpuri Temple. The fort’s thick stone fortifications and massive footprint led it to be one of the strongest military garrisons across the Mughal Empire. It functions as an Indian Army base; hence, civilians are allowed to explore only specific sacred and historical zones. This includes Akshayavat, Saraswati Koop, and Ashoka Pillar.
2. Anand Bhavan
Anand Bhavan is a two-story historic mansion that has now been turned into a museum in Prayagraj. From 1930 to 1946, it served as the principal home of the prominent Nehru family. It was originally constructed by political leader Motilal Nehru. This heritage property was once a vital monument for the Indian Independence Movement. It has hosted the important Indian National Congress strategy meetings alongside legendary icons like Mahatma Gandhi. This is the home that has witnessed the life and early leadership of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. It has also seen the childhood of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Also Read: How To Spend One Day In Prayagraj? A First-Timer’s Itinerary From Sangam To Anand Bhavan
3. Shri Mankameshwar Mahadev Mandir
Talk about a deeply revered Hindu temple in Prayagraj, and you will surely hear the name of Shri Mankameshwar Mahadev Mandir. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located beautifully on the revered Sheshnag Hill along the banks of the river Yamuna. This temple stands near the Minto Park and the iconic Allahabad Fort. The temple is known as a powerful Siddhi Peeth, which is managed by the Sri Shankaracharya Trust. It served as a sacred residential base for Jagadguru Shankaracharya during his visit to Prayagraj. The Puranic scriptures mention that this site is where Lord Shiva slew Kamadeva.
4. Khusro Bagh
Khusro Bagh is a historic Mughal burial garden that is located in the heart of the city. It is spread across 40 acres and is a quadrangle complex with several prominent members of the Mughal Royal Family. The garden contains three beautifully carved, multi-story sandstone mausoleums that are arranged linearly. The tombs are of the eldest son of Emperor Jahangir, Prince Khusrau Mirza, Khusrau Mirza’s sister Nithar Begum, and Khusrau’s mother Shah Begum. It is celebrated for its exquisite late-Mughal sandstone architecture and lush orchards.
5. Alopi Devi Temple
The Alopi Devi Temple is a legendary Hindu temple which is located in the Alopi Bagh area of Prayagraj. It is situated near the holy Triveni Sangam and is known as one of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas that are mentioned in the ancient Hindu Purana texts. The belief states that Goddess Sati’s right hand’s fingers fell at this very location. Local lore states that the fallen body parts disappeared (alop) and formed into a small stone. It is one of the must-visit temples for worshippers of Goddess Parvati.
6. Allahabad Museum
Allahabad Museum is a premier national-level museum that is located inside the lush greenery of Chandrashekhar Azad Park. It was established in 1931 and is funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This museum is known for its extraordinary collection of archaeological finds from Bhita and Bhar, ancient stone sculptures, and artefacts from the Indian Independence movement. The key galleries and highlights include ancient sculptures, literary treasures, Chandrashekhar Azad’s pistol, and the Nehru Gallery.
Also Read: What Should You Eat In Prayagraj? 10 Local Foods And Places Worth Trying
7. All Saints Cathedral
All Saints Cathedral is popularly known as Patthar Girija or Stone Church. It is a magnificent late 19th-century Anglican cathedral that is located in the Civil Lines area. This cathedral was designed by the legendary colonial architect Sir William Emerson and was commissioned by the British. It is known for its Gothic Revival architecture in India as an extraordinary masterpiece. While the designer had included a massive central tower, the funding limitations led to it being left incomplete, giving it a unique profile.
8. Bade Hanuman Temple
Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir, which is also known as the Lete Hue Hanuman Mandir or Bandhwa Hanuman, is one of the most unique temples across the globe. It is located near the Allahabad Fort and Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. It is celebrated as the only temple across the globe where Hanuman ji is worshipped in a reclining posture or Shayana. The idol is placed in an open underground pit which is roughly 8 feet below the ground level. This temple witnesses millions of pilgrims annually.
9. Chandrashekhar Azad Park
Chandrashekhar Azad Park is historically known as Company Bagh or Alfred Park. It is the largest and most historically significant public park in Prayagraj. The park spans over 133 acres in the heart of the city and is known as a sacred ground. This is because the legendary Indian revolutionary leader Chandrashekhar Azad made his stand against the British forces. This was the very spot where he chose self-sacrifice over capture on February 27, 1931.
10. Saraswati Ghat Riverfront
The Saraswati Ghat is a beautifully developed, modern riverfront located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Prayagraj. It is situated near the historic Minto Park and Allahabad Fort. This riverfront is widely regarded as one of the cleanest, most beautiful, and architecturally structured ghats in this city. Unlike the other mud and sand ghats around the Triveni Sangam area, this ghat features a concrete layout which is designed for various things. This includes religious rituals, structural safety, and evening recreation.
Author’s Note
Prayagraj has surely way more to it than just the revered Triveni Sangam. If you ask me, one thing I can recommend is to avoid crisscrossing the city randomly. Yes! Make sure you group your days and places to visit as per the geography. This will help you to cover more places in less time. Also, make sure you do not miss out on the temples, especially the Bade Hanuman temple.
Summing Up
Here you go! We have given you the names of the ten best places that you must visit in Prayagraj. Make sure you save this blog as soon as possible and even share it with your plans to help yourself and others plan better.
