Whether you visit any place or city in India, every place has hidden treasure of secrets and stories behind. To explore at the fullest, you need to know many things and especially if you are visiting the country as a religious pilgrimage. We are here to guide you for the some of the holy cities in India and how you can make your trip memorable and enjoyable too.

Allahabad:

Popularly known for Triveni, Sangam, Allahabad city is famous for its natural as well as religious strings attached too. Allahabad is known for many religious fairs organized in the town. First one is Magh Mela, that is held every year in January and lasts in mid of February. Another thing for which Allahabad is quite famous in devotees who want to visit the place is Shraddha ( in September).

Best Time to Visit Allahabad:

October to March season is considered to be the best time for visiting the Allahabad city. Visiting Triveni Sangam is one of the must things to do in Allahabad. In Sanskrit, Sangama is termed as the “confluence.” Triveni Sangam in Allahabad is said to surface two natural rivers named as Yamuna, Ganga, and Saraswati (invisible river). Apart from the names the three rivers can also be identified with the different colors. The water of Yamuna is greenish, Ganga has crystal clear water and while the presence of Saraswati river can be felt underwater only.

Triveni Sangam is known for its religious importance and also as a site for historical Kumbh Mela to be held in every 12 years and has also served the place for immersion of ashes for various national leaders including father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.

Rigveda refers to the confluence of Yamuna and Ganga which says

“Those who bathe at the place where the two rivers flow together, rise to heaven.”

Puranas confirms the presence of the third river named as Saraswati in Triveni Sangam.

How to reach Allahabad?

• To reach Allahabad, tourists can look for Varanasi International Airport, which caters to domestic as well as international flights.
• Devotees or tourists can also reach Allahabad through buses or private vans from various cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Kaushambi, and Agra to reach Allahabad.
• Connecting trains from other states are also one of the options used by travelers to arrive in Allahabad.

Places to visit in Allahabad

Apart from mesmerizing Triveni Sangam, the visitors can also visit the heritage collection and temples in the city. “ Hanuman Temple of Jhunsi” known for the giant statue of Lord Hanuman, Allahabad Fort, visitors can enjoy a boat ride in Prayag or Allahabad, Akbar fort built riverside to Khusro bagh for exploration of Mughal culture.

The city is not only famous for its holistic reasons but also have literary overtones too. Apart from the temple, the town has lots of historical significance too. Places like Anand Bhawan hosted approx five generations of politicians in the nation and Akbar’s fort built riverside displaying the Mughal architecture and traditions, Allahabad museum a walk through religious paraphernalia and a gallery of vintage handicrafts of the lovely city.

Bribe your taste buds with lips smacking food in Allahabad:

Hira Halwai is quite famous in Allahabad for its snacks and sweets. Opens quite early at the crack of dawn is renowned for its authentic samosas all over the city. So, if you have your eyes on samosas than you need to get up early and pave your way to the shop otherwise you can satisfy your sweet tooth with heavenly delicious gulab jamun,

Eat On is famous for Mughlai and North cuisines, and is renowned for its dual strengths. The restaurant is famous for its best kebabs and Biryani. Again arriving early in the evening will be beneficial for you. Otherwise, you need to wait for a more extended period. On your visit to Allahabad, a bite of juicy Biryani is must so do try it.

Kumbha Mela 2019

Among all the fairs in India, Kumbh fair has international exposure, and people visit here from across the boundaries to dip in the holy water of Sangam for Nirvana. Kumbha 2019 is being organized at Allahabad Triveni Sangam on January 15 to March 4, 2019. The place will be filled with millions of devotees visiting the Ardha Kumbha for seeking blessings by divine powers.[book Ardh Kumbh 2019 Tour Packages, India]

Haridwar:

Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is famous for its two holy cities known as Rishikesh and Haridwar. Haridwar is also known as ‘the abode of Lord Vishnu,’ the place allows millions of people to visit the site every year and be a part of the annual pilgrimage. Rishikesh is another place which is known for its natural beauty and is a perfect weekend getaway. Do remember the Rishikesh and Haridwar are alcohol and meat-free cities as they are holy. They are also known as “twin national heritage cities.” The spiritual and mystical environment of Rishikesh and Haridwar are the reason why the place is considered as perennial holiday destinations for the people across the globe.

Ancient Haridwar is also known as Gateway to God and is said to be one of the famous seven holiest places in India and also listed as oldest cities in the country too. While entering in city, you will start having the glimpse of the colorful and fascinating collection of Sadhus or holy men, pilgrims, guides and Hindu priests or Pandits. Evenings witnesses the magic of aarti, proceeded with the prayers, lighting of lamps and small candles floating down the river. For Hindu believers, the place is believed to boost the liberation from the endless cycle of rebirth and death.

Best time to visit Haridwar

If you are looking forward to visit Haridwar October to March is the best time. With the temperature going around 40 degrees Celsius the cold and clean water in the Ganges in a refreshing action. While remember the monsoon season is not suitable for taking a deep in Ganga as the river bank is said to become unstable and the currents are also found to be quite substantial.

Winters are quite chilled and get cold in nights. Misty wind prevailing during the time is quite scenic to capture in camera.

Festivals in Haridwar:

Kumbh Mela is celebrated in Haridwar with all its glory in every 12 years. Drawing millions of pilgrims for bathing in India for absolving of their sins. Another Melas celebrated in Haridwar are Kanwar Mela devoted to God Shiva is celebrated in July-August, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated in June, Somvati Amavasya in July, Baisakhi in April and Kartik Purnima is celebrated in November.

How to reach Haridwar:

Haridwar is found to be located in Uttarakhand state in India. The trains are available from all major cities to Haridwar while traveling to the Dehradun. If you are planning to commute to Haridwar through New Delhi, then do know it takes fours hours to reach Haridwar. The nearest airport is in Dehradun which is 40 kilometers away from Haridwar. This is one of the primary reasons why tourists finds air travel as a less preferable option.

Places to visit in Haridwar:

Haridwar is a populous city in Uttarakhand, and people visit the town in masses to pay respects to holy river Ganga. Unique sights at every corner of Haridwar said to project bustling lanes will engage you in their beauty. But do know that there can be many rhesus monkeys who notoriously harass people at ghats, so beware of them. Let’s know about the famous places to visit in Haridwar:

Har ki Pauri Ghat:

Position deriving its meaning from “footstep of God” is found to be a holy band on the Ganga river. The area is an attraction for daily tourist wanting to bathe in the sacred river. Evenings in Haridwar watch a visual spectacle when the aarti is conducted with flaming torches and bells ringing everywhere.

Ashrams:

Haridwar has many ashrams you are looking forward to peace around. One of the famous ashram in Haridwar is Shanti Kunj Ashram having a beautiful garden all around and providing meals, lodging, and other spiritual activities. Another ashram that is quite famous in Haridwar is Patanjali Yogpeeth is known for yoga practicing activities.

Temple Hopping:  

The city has many temples dedicated to Hindu goddess and gods. Mansa Devi hilltop temple is quite famous and is considered as a wish-fulfilling goddess too. The cable car can be used, or the devotees can also march to the hilltop temple. Chanda Devi on Neel Parvat and Maya Devi on the riverbank are some of the famous temples to pay homage to the god.

Adventure Trails:

Haridwar also hosts many adventure activities including rafting, bird-watching, and trekking. People who have a sincere desire to explore nature can visit Rajaji National Park to have a sight of wild elephants and if you are found to be lucky can even spot a tiger too.

Food Trails in Haridwar:

Haridwar is known for its street foods especially for Kachoris at Kashyap Kachoriwala and Aloo Puri at Mohanji Puri Wale. Travelers can also soothe their taste buds with the sweets of “Mathura Walon Ki Prachin Dukaan.”

Varanasi:

Varanasi is said to be one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. It has lived over hundreds of cultures and never has let it go any entirely. Burning bodies, old men taking dips, goats wearing sweaters and boys flying kites are some of the sights that you can be confronted of. Being part of one of the seven sacred cities for Jains and Hindus, it is also known as the spiritual capital of India. Established on the banks of river Ganga is one of the holy places for Hindus. River Ganga is said to be the personification of Ganga goddess and bathing in the river is believed to facilitate the liberation of individuals from the cycle of death and life.

The river is believed to be a vehicle for the ascent to heaven, and this is one of the reasons why the streets face carrying off the departed people and burning them on the ghats for the riverside cremation. The funeral procession can be seen from the ghats performing the ritual and the spiritual processes.

Best Time to visit Varanasi:

Varanasi witness the massive flow of visitors all around the year. Built on the northern belt, the city is said to experience visitors all around the year. Chilly winters and hot summer mark the city weather conditions.

It can become difficult to visit in peak months; the best time is concluded to be the onset of winters.

Festivals celebrated in Varanasi:

Varanasi hosts many festivals on a grand scale starting with the Makarsankranti in January, to Mahashivratri in February and March, to Karthikai Deepam or Dev Diwali. People residing in Varanasi enjoys Ramleela, Ganga Dussehra, Budha Mahotsav, Holi, and Diwali a lot.

How to reach Varanasi:

Varanasi is well connected through railways from states around, and the travelers can even schedule their flights too. Travelers coming to India first time can onboard the flight for the city from New Delhi and reach Varanasi in just one and a half hour.

The next frequent travel mode persuaded by travelers is through the bus, they are readily available and are equipped with air condition services too. Buses are readily available nowadays from the nearby bus station and ticket can be booked online also.

Places to see in Varanasi:

Assi Ghat:

Assi Ghat is located in southern part of Varanasi, is known for pilgrims paying respects to God Shiva by worshipping one of the huge lingam kept under a peepal tree. Ghats can be identified for its liveliness, commotion, and chaos representing the culture and working of Kashi or Varanasi. Assi Ghat is a must visit on Varanasi and do witness the alluring art at the ghat in the evening.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

One of the famous spots in Varanasi and is included as one of the best places to visit on your trip to Kashi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to contain one the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple also has many small structures known as shrines located in Vishwanath Gali.

Ramnagar Fort & Museum:

Ramnagar Fort is standing from the 18th century and does require complete restoration from the government. Located nearby to Tulsi Ghat. Fantastic sunset view is one of the primary reasons why people are dragged to pay a visit to the fort. Also, the old fort also said to host an excellent museum displaying the collection of ivory works, old American cars and also have a sizeable astronomical clock too.

Sarnath:

Sarnath is known to be one of the Buddhist pilgrimages in India. Sarnath is known for its peace-loving site and architecture, if you are looking for a place to move behind and seek solitude among crowdy ghats and gullies, do know Sarnath is the place which hosts such a location for you. Sarnath is one of the sites, where Buddha gave his first sermon after gaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Other sightseeing places to be explored in Sarnath are Monastery Ruins & Dhamekh Stupa, the Chaukhandi Stupa, Thai & Chinese Temple and Monastery, the Mulagandha, etc.

Lips smacking food of Varanasi:

For food lovers, the city is a delight as they have a big range to offer them. Varanasi is famous for it “Paan,” and the best part of the town is that every corner hosts the paan shops for the visitors. Kashi is also renowned for sweets and street foods like baati chokha. The city even has specialized restaurants for Japanese, Nepalese and Thai cuisines.

Shopping in Varanasi:

The city hosts big markets and how can anyone forget to have a look at “Banarasi Sarees.” The traditional sarees are an integral part of bride’s trousseau all over India. They are exported all over the world and if you have good bargaining power then definitely you can get a good deal and can take back home one of the traditional clothing of India.

Ujjain:

Ujjain was popularly known as “Temple city” mostly belongs to Hindu devotees. The city is decorated with small, big, new and old temples and makes India one of the religious places to visit. Ujjain is also known for its historical resemblances too. Established at the bank of Kshipra river Ujjain is also a venue for Kumbh Mela. Let’s remember in deep about the Ujjain city:

Best time to visit Ujjain City:

Months from October to March are considered to be one of the best time to visit Ujjain. Summers are quite hot in Ujjain as the temperature can go up to 45 degrees while the winters are pleasant with the days having a temperature of 20 degrees and nights are quite cold at 3 degrees. Winters are considered as one of the best months to go for, and this is the time when Kumbh Mela also organized in every 12 years.

How to reach Ujjain City?

Ujjain city is found to be entirely feasible to reach through railways, bus or through flights too. The nearest airport is at Indore and city is located to be well connected with the other neighboring states through bus and railway network.

Places to visit in Ujjain City:

Mahakaleshwar Temple:

The Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, located in the ancient city of Ujjain on the side of the Rudra Sagar Lake in the state of Madhya Pradesh, continues to be one of the most sacred and outstanding places of pilgrimage for Hindus till date. The abode of Lord Shiva, the temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the sacred dwelling place of the Lord. Even in the modern and hectic lifestyles, the temple continues to provide the visitor with an altogether different and unmatched peace of mind and composure.

Ram Mandir Ghat:

Ram Mandir Ghat is one of the religious places for Hindus as it is the Kumbh Mela location which is celebrated every 12 years. The Ghat is the oldest and allows millions of people to take the dip in the mythical water to wash off all of their sins off. People also visit the ghat to watch and enjoy enchanting sunset scenes.

Bhartrihari Caves

People look forward to visiting Bhartrihari Caves to explore peace as they are quite famous for meditation camps. It is said that these caves have played as a residence for a renowned poet and the stepbrother of Vikramaditya for meditation after they thought to leave all luxuries of their life. Situated on the banks of Kshipra river and adjacent to the Gadkalika temple the place is quite serene and is a perfect site for meditation.

Kumbh Mela:

Kumbh Mela faces an extraordinary gathering on the planet. The fair is said to be conducted in every twelve years for twelve days which are found to be equivalent to twelve years in the mortal world of Hindu gods. River Kshipra at the bank of Ujjain serves for Kumbh Mela site.

Ujjain Kumbh Mela is said to bring a colorful and pompous event for traveler’s treat. An enriching experience that causes attendees to immerse in spirituality color fair and feel old world charm. You can never be too old or young for attending Kumbh Mela. As it is believed the hole dip in the river will release you from all your sins and help you in feeling new life therein.Shopping in Ujjain:

Ujjain showcases tribal waves of  Madhya Pradesh if the travelers are interested in taking back home the handicrafts, pottery and other items.

India is a city of different religious beliefs, exploring the places projecting their confidence with representation like Kumbh Mela is a great experience to see and go forward. On your visit to India do remember to explore these places and make sure that you dig deep to know about the culture, preferences, local food, rituals, etc.

Check ultimate itinerary of North India Tour with Nirvana in Kumbh 2019: 

http://www.travelastu.com/Fair-and-Festival-Tours-of-India/Kumbh-Mela-Tour-Allahbad-2019.html