Prayagraj (previously known as Allahabad) is a city in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is spectacular, safe, friendly and holy.
How to Reach Prayagraj?
Prayagraj has a domestic airport. The city is well-connected by rail and road. Prayagraj Junction is the main railway station in the city.
Hotels in Prayagraj
3-Star Hotels
2-Star Hotels
1-Star Hotel
Hotel Kanha Shyam
Hotel U.R.
Hotel Swagatam
Grand Continental Hotel
Hotel Mandiram
City Hotel
Hotel Allahabad Regency
Hotel Vilas
Places Of Interest in Prayagraj
Here are some tourist attractions in Allahabad.
Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam is the confluence of three rivers: River Yamuna, River Ganga and the mythical River Saraswati. It is a holy place for Hindus. Kumbh Mela is held here once every 12 years.
Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of human beings in the world. Over a three-month period, an estimated 100 million people attended the festival in 2013.
Grand Continental Hotel and Hotel Vilas Allahabad are among best hotels to stay near Triveni Sangam.
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Triveni Sangam Video
Allahabad Fort
Built in 1583 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, this massive fort is located on the northern banks of River Yamuna. Currently it is an army cantonment. Tourists are allowed access to only some parts of this majestic fort. The fort is well-known for its unique design and craftsmanship. It is the largest fort built by Akbar. It is an excellent example of the fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture. The fort houses few temples, including Saraswati Kund.
Allahabad Fort Timings
All days of the week between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm.
Hanuman Mandir
This temple is located near Allahabad Fort. In the sanctum sanctorum of this holy temple, Lord Hanuman is in a reclining position.
Anand Bhavan
Built by Motilal Nehru in the 1930s, Anand Bhavan is the former residence of the Nehru family. Currently it is serving as a museum that showcases memorabilia of the Nehru family.
Jawahar Planetarium, a planetarium is located here, has been striving to inculcate scientific temper among masses through its sky shows on astronomy and science.
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Company Gardens
Also known as Alfred Park and Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, this garden is at the heart of the city. It is located behind the Allahabad Museum. It was in this park that the great freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad was shot down by the British.
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All Saints Cathedral
All Saints Cathedral is also known as Patthar Girja, which means church of stones. Located in Sarojini Naidu Marg, this Anglican cathedral is modeled after 13th-century Gothic style churches.
This church was designed by Sir William Emerson in 1870. I liked the intricate work and designs on the marble altar and the stained glass panel in this important landmark of Allahabad.
The church has basic facilities like toilet. You can buy food at food stalls here. You are allowed to enter with your footwear, but pets are not allowed.
Khusro Bagh
Located in Lukarganj, this historical garden and burial complex covers an area of around 40 acres. It houses the tombs of Mughal Emperor Jahangir's wife Shah Begum, son Khusrau Mirza and daughter Nithar Begum.
These three mausoleums are good examples of Mughal architecture. Nithar Begum's tomb is the most elaborate of the three. It is on an elevated platform and is adorned with panels depicting the scalloped arch motif. The central room has on its walls floral decorations depicting Persian cypresses, wine vessels, flowers and plants. Shah Begum's tomb has a large cenotaph, which contains Islamic inscriptions.
This walled garden is open daily between 7.00 am and 7.00 pm. It is also famous for its delicious mangoes and guavas. Morning is the best time to visit this garden.
Jawahar Planetarium
Jawahar Planetarium is in Tagore Town. It is also known as Allahabad Planetarium. It was inaugurated in 1979. It takes you on a celestial journey.
Jawahar Planetarium Show Timings
Opening
Closing
11.00 am
5.30 pm
Jawahar Planetarium is closed on Mondays.
How to Stay Safe in Allahabad
Allahabad is quite safe. Violent crime is rare. Stay in a hotel with good reputation. Avoid deserted places, especially after sunset. Power outages are common; make sure you keep a torch handy. Avoid arguments with strangers on sensitive topics like religion. Carry your ID proof with you. Stay away from floating pandas; they will rip you off. Avoid going to the middle of River Ganga. Dress conservatively.
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, a state in India. It is also the largest city (484.64 square kilometers) in the state. More than 3 million people live in Jaipur, which was was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1726. Today, the city is a blend of ancient heritage and modern urban culture.
How to Reach Jaipur?
Jaipur is well-connected by air, rail and road. It has an international airport, the Jaipur International Airport. Jaipur Junction railway station is the main railway station and Sindhi Camp the inter-state bus terminal in the city.
Hotels in Jaipur
5-Star Hotels
4-Star Hotels
3-Star Hotels
2-Star Hotels
1-Star Hotels
ITC Rajputana
Ramada Jaipur
Ginger Hotel
Hotel Shikha
Star Palace
Jaipur Marriott Hotel
Lemon Tree Premier
Hotel Arya Niwas
Hotel Kalyan
Trident Hotel
Holiday Inn
Umaid Mahal
Golden Hotel
Places to Visit in Jaipur
Jaipur, a versatile tourist destination, attracts tourists from all parts of the world. Here are some major tourist attractions in Jaipur.
Elefantastic
If you want to spend quality time with an elephant, you need to visit Elefantastic. Here you can feed, wash and ride on elephants. You get many opportunities to connect with these wonderful creatures.
Elefantastic Ticket Price
The entry fees of Elefantastic elephant farm is Rs.4500 per person for the entire day.
Amer Fort
Located in Amer, around 11 kilometers from Jaipur, this fort houses architectural marvels. Perched on a hill, this fort was built in 16thcentury by Maan Singh I with red sandstone and white sandstone.
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Jaipur Wax Museum
Located in Nahargarh Fort, this museum is gaining in popularity. It houses wax and silicon statues of famous personalities who have achieved great heights in their respective fields.
Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal literally means mirror mansion. It is located in the Amer Fort. It stands on 40 pillars. Each pillar is decorated with mirror mosaics. Sheesh Mahal is an important part of Jai Mandir.
Sheesh Mahal History
This palace was built by king Man Singh in the 16th century.
Hawa Mahal
Located in the heart of Jaipur, this palace is a five-storey high red sandstone structure with more than 950 windows. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. It is a blend of Hindu Rajput architecture and the Islamic Mughal architecture. It is predominantly a high screen wall made of pink and red sandstone that enabled queens and princesses to view street festivals and busy city life while remaining out of the view of public.
Essay on Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal Jaipur - Architecture, Facts, History & Visit Timing Hawa Mahal, built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is one of the most important monuments of Jaipur. Let’s have a look at its architecture, history, visit timing and some interesting facts
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Birla Mandir
Located in Tilak Nagar below the Moti Dungri Fort, this beautiful Hindu temple was built with white marble in 1988 by B.M. Birla Foundation. This modern marble marvel is built on a raised platform.
This work of art is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Inside the temple you will find exquisite carvings and sculptures covering many mythological themes. The idol of Lord Ganesha above the lintel appears almost transparent.
In order to pay homage to secular India, the top of this popular architectural wonder has three domes, each representing the three religions followed in the country. The temple is lit brightly in the night. It is surrounded by well-maintained garden.
Govind Dev Ji Temple
Located in Jalebi Chowk, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was built by Sawai Pratap Singh II in 1735 CE. Govind Dev Ji Temple is famous for its golden ceiling, gardens, chandeliers and paintings.
Safety Tips
Beware of fake government officers and aggressive monkeys. Avoid arguments over sensitive topics like language, religion, culture, etc. Avoid roadside food.
Do not drink tap water. Avoid driving on highways during night hours. Take care of your luggage while using public transport. Do not flaunt your richness. If you are harassed or assaulted, scream, create a scene.
Do not reveal your travel plans to strangers, including hotel receptionists, room service and taxi drivers.
History
Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaj Jai Singh II. It was the first planned city in northern India. In 1876, Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria visited India. Since pink is color of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the whole city pink in order to welcome the guests. Hence the name "Pink City".
Located on the banks of Vaigai river, Madurai is a major tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. It is built around the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is known as the "Athens of the East". This ancient city has been a major settlement for over two millennia.
Madurai is a blend of the ancient and modern. It is well-known for its historical monuments and for its automobile, rubber, chemical and granite manufacturing units.
History
People have been living in Madurai since 3rd century BCE. Its history dates back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. It was the capital of the Pandyan Kingdom.
Legend has it that Madurai was a forest known as Kadambavanam. Once a merchant passing through the forest saw Indran, the king of gods worshipping a Swayambhulingam under a Kadam tree. He reported what he saw to King Kulsekarer Pandayan.
The king cleared the forest and built a beautiful temple, which is today known as the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarer Temple, around the holy Lingam. Later on he built a beautiful lotus-shaped city surrounding the temple. This city is Madurai. The city flourished in 10th century CE.
Later, the city came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate, but the Madurai Sultanate was run as an independent kingdom. In 1378 CE, the Vijayanagara empire annexed the city.
In 1559 CE, Madurai gained independence from the Vijayanagara empire and was ruled by the Nayaks. Later on, it was captured by Chanda Sahib Arcot Nawab and Muhammed Yusuf Khan. In 1801, the British East India Company took over the region.
During the freedom struggle, Gandhiji first adopted the loin cloth as his attire in Madurai.
How to reach Madurai?
Even Madurai has an international airport, it is not a major airport. It handles around 850,000 passengers annually. This busy city is well-connected by road and rail. Madurai Junction is the main railway station in Madurai, which has seven railway stations. Four highways pass through the city. Madurai has three bus stations.
Hotels in Madurai
5 Star Hotel
4 Star Hotel
3 Star Hotel
2 Star Hotel
1 Star Hotel
Heritage Madurai
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai
Star Residency
Madurai Residency
Hotel Templecity Dreamz Inn
Poppys Hotel
Hotel Royal Court
Hotel Park Plaza
Hotel The Nook
The SPK Hotel
Hotel Kathir Palace
Places to visit in Madurai
More than 9 million people visit Madurai every year. Here are some popular tourist attractions in Madurai.
Meenakshi Amman Temple
This historic Hindu temple is dedicated to goddess Parvati, who is also known as Meenakshi, and Lord Sundareswarar (another name of Lord Shiva). The temple complex, which covers around 45 acres, has 12 gopurams(towers). All towers are sculptured and painted.
The Aayiram Kaal Mandapam (which means a hall of 1000 pillars), which is a part of this temple, is a unique monument that was built in the year 1579. The actual thousand pillars are no longer accessible to the general public because they have deteriorated over the centuries.
Gandhi Memorial Museum is one of the five Gandhi Sangrahalayas in India. The building that houses the museum was constructed in 1670 during the reign of the Nayak Dynasty. Here you will find a visual biography of Mahatma Gandhi, illustrations that depict the history of the freedom movement, some of his personal belongings, handicrafts and much more.
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Trivia
The museum has a part of the blood-stained garment worn by Mahatma Gandhi when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948.
Gandhi Museum Madurai Timings
Opening
Closing
10.00 am
1.00 pm
2.00 pm
5.45 pm
Madurai Gandhi Museum Images
Kallazhagar Temple
Located in Alagar Koyil, around 21 kilometers from Madurai, this Vishnu temple is in Dravidian architecture. The temple is in a picturesque locale and is surrounded by two forts.
Kallazhagar Temple Timings
Vishva Rupam
6.00 am
Pongal Kalam
7.00 am
Ucchikkalam
12.00 pm
Sayarakchai
5.00 pm
Nithiyana Santhanam
6.30 pm
Sampakkalam
8.00 pm
Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
Located on a hilltop around 25 kilometers from Madurai, this temple is also known as the Solamalai Murugan Temple. It is believed to be the last of the six abodes of Lord Muruga. This temple is surrounded by dense forests. It is the only temple among the Aaru Padai Veedu (means six warhouses) temples, where Lord Muruga can be found along with both his consorts Valli and Deivanai.
Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple Timing
Open between 5.30 am and 1.00 pm, and between
4.00 pm and 9.00 pm, on all days of the week.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
This 17th-century place was built by Thirumalai Nayak, a king of Madurai's Nayaka dynasty, with the help of an Italian architect. It is a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles of architecture. It houses an auditorium, royal residence, rooms, sanctuary, palanquin place, armory, royal bandstand, garden and pool. The original palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure.
Trivia
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal was the living palace of the Nayak kings of Tamil Nadu.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal Timings
General visit: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Lunch Break: 01.00 pm to 01.30 pm.
Sound & Light Show: 6.45 pm to 7.35 pm in English;
