Experience Spirituality, Faith and Culture

Embedded in the heart of India is Uttar Pradesh, a land where cultures have evolved and religions emerge. The greatness of Uttar Pradesh lies not only in this confluence but also in the emergence of cultural and religious traditions along some of the greatest rivers in the Indian sub-continent – the Ganga and the Yamuna. Throughout history, great cities have emerged and established along great rivers. Within India, the Ganga and the Yamuna have nurtured a culture because of which religious faith, rituals, culture and intellectual enlightenment have evolved in places along the two rivers. I visited the destinations by road and found it a safe destination for the women’s solo travellers.

 

Uttar Pradesh is full of religious places with temples that attract pilgrims and religious enthusiasts throughout the year. Every year hundreds of devotees flock to the holy city of Uttar Pradesh seeking inner peace. The tranquil environment and sacred religious sites of this place offer the perfect location for people to discover their spiritual self. It is a haven even for people who do not believe in any particular religion but spirituality. It goes without saying that for the spiritual seeker, there is no better destination than Uttar Pradesh to help explore the higher planes of belief and faith in the country. 

 

Uttar Pradesh is home to some very important Hindu pilgrim centres of India like Krishna Janmabhoomi (Mathura), Ram Janmabhoomi (Ayodhya), Sangam (Allahabad), Baba Vishwanath (Varanasi), Maa Vindhyavasani (Vindhyachal).

 

Mathura is the abode of Lord Krishna and it has a great religious sanctity among the Hindus. It also has one of the oldest historical records. Mathura is even mentioned in the epic Ramayana.

 

According to Hindu scriptures, Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna at the centre of Braj or Brij-Bhoomi, called Shri Krishna Janma-Bhoomi, literally: ‘Lord Krishna’s birthplace’. The Keshav Dev Temple was built in ancient times on the site of Krishna’s legendary birthplace (an underground prison). According to the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana epics, Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Kingdom, ruled by Kansa the maternal uncle of Shri Krishna.

 

Gokul, Barsana and Goverdhan are the other townships associated with the legend of Lord Krishna. Gokul is the hideout where Lord Krishna was secretly brought up- away from the eyes of his maternal uncle Kansa. His consort Radha belonged to Barsana, where the unique Holi festival Latthamar Holi is celebrated with great gusto. At Goverdhan, Krishna raised a mighty mountain on his little finger to protect the locals from the wrath of rain-god Indra.

 

The Krishna Janmasthan, Mathura, is important because this is where Lord Shri Krishna manifested Himself in the prison-house of the cruel king Kansa and set free his father Vasudeva and his mother Devaki. His purpose was to destroy evil, protect the virtuous, and establish righteousness on a firm footing. Adjacent to the entrance of the prison cell stands the temple where Ashtabhuja Maa Yogmaya manifested.  He gave mankind extraordinary and thought provoking ideas, in the Sacred Scripture, The Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita lays the basis of how life should be led in the various walks that govern our lives on this earth, as our soul is immortal!

 

Raman Reti?whose sacred sands (reti) are redolent with the stories of a bygone era when Lord Krishna frequented to engage in divine plays (raman) with his brother, Balarama and his cowherd friends. This is also the place he chose to meet his love, Radha before embarking on their journey to Vrindavan together.

 

Radha Raman means the lover (ramana) of Srimati Radha.  Sri Radha Raman Temple is an early modern period Hindu temple in Vrindavan, India dedicated to Lord Krishna as Radha Ramana. It was constructed at the request of Gopala Bhatta Goswami at around 1542 AD. The temple is exquisitely crafted and one of the most revered temples in Vrindavan, especially by the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It houses the original shaligram deity of Krishna alongside Radharani.

 

Sri Dwarkadheesh Mandir is one of the oldest and largest temples of Mathura city in the States of India. It was built for the famous Hindu deity Dwarkadheesh (meaning the God or king of Dwarka, where Lord Krishna has shifted from Mathura and settled till his life on earth). There the main deity is of Lord Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna seen in a black Marble idol named Dwarkanath. 

 

Sri Krishna Balaram Temple is acknowledged for being the first temple constructed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). In the vein of other temples made by the society, Sri Krishna Balrama Mandir is too called as ISKCON Temple all over. The temple stands on the banks of Yamuna River, where Sri Krishna along with Balrama used to herd their cows. The magnificent structure of the ISKCON Temple comes across the sight, as and when one enters the holy lands of Vrindavan.

 

Shri Banke Bihari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, in the holy city of Vrindavan of Uttar Pradesh.  Banke means “bent in three places” and Bihari means “supreme enjoyer.” The image of Lord Krishna stands in the Tribhanga posture. Haridas Swami originally worshipped this devotional image under the name of Kunj-Bihari (“Enjoyer of Lakes”).

 

Prem Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Vrindavan, Mathura, India. This Temple is dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna and Sita Ram. Figures of Shri Krishna and his followers depicting important events surrounding the Lord’s existence cover the main temple.

 

Radha Rani Temple is completely dedicated to Goddess Radha. Radha Rani Temple is situated on a hill, which is about 250 meters in height. This temple is about 400 years old. In the Radha Rani temple, Shri Krishna Janmashtami and Radha Rani Janmashtami are especially celebrated with great pomp. Holi festival is special in Barsana because Barsana Holi is famous all over the world. Lattmar Holi is played in Barsana, which started in the 16th century. During the festival days, the Barsana environment is very happy.

 

By Flight: Nearest Airport is Kheria Airport (AGR), Agra, Uttar Pradesh which is 46km from Mathura. Mathura is 136 km away from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi, Delhi

By Train: There are regular trains from other major cities of the country to Mathura. Mathura Junction (MTJ), Mathura Cantt. (MRT) are the nearest railway stations.

By Road: Mathura is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.

 

 

Ayodhya is a city situated on the banks of holy river Saryu and is brimming with the remnants of a bygone era. Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram and the setting of the great epic Ramayana. The famous epics, Ramayan and ShriRamcharitmanas exhibit the splendour of Ayodhya. An episode of Ramayan, a page of ancient history and a cluster of tourist attractions, this town has been a major centre for pilgrims, historians, archaeologists and students alike.

Owing to the belief as the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram, Ayodhya (Awadhpuri) has been regarded as the first one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites (Mokshdayini Sapt Puris) for Hindus.

 

 The temple of Nageshwarnath is said to have been established by Kush, the son of Rama. Legend is that Kush lost his armlet while bathing in the Saryu, which was picked up by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee of Shiva, Kush built this temple for her. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated here in a big way, and Shiv Barat procession is taken out during these celebrations which are remarkable. During the festival time of Mahashivratri, the temple receives thousands of devotees.

 

This temple is associated with several tales from the Ramayana and is situated near Naya Ghat. As per mythology, Mother Sita after her wedding with Lord Rama arrived in Ayodhya with an idol of goddess Girija Devi. King Dashrath got a beautiful temple constructed for the idol and Mother Sita used to worship the Devi in the Temple. An impressive statue of Goddess Devkali, the local deity, is present here now.

 

Ram ki Paidi is a series of ghats on the bank of River Saryu. It also has lush green gardens surrounded by temples. The riverfront brings forth an outstanding panorama, especially in a floodlit night. These serve as platforms to the devotees who, it is believed, come to wash away their sins by taking a dip in the holy river.

 

Constructed in the shape of a fort and accessed by a flight of seventy - six steps, the 10th century ancient temple nestles in the centre of the pilgrim town. It has circular fortifications in each corner and is believed to be the spot where Lord Hanuman resided in a cave and protected the town.

The temple has a golden idol of Lord Hanuman and is counted amongst the most revered sites in Ayodhya.

Every day thousands of devotees visit Hanuman Garhi to offer prayers and seek Lord Hanuman's protection from evils and blessing for happiness and prosperity.

You will find here a beautiful idol of Bal (young) Hanuman sitting on the lap of Maa Anjani at the main temple.

 

 

Kanak Bhawan is one of the finest and most famous temples in Ayodhya and is also a must visit. It is believed that this Bhawan was gifted to Devi Sita by Kaikei immediately after her marriage to Lord Ram. This is a private palace of Devi Sita and Lord Rama. The main idols installed in the garbhagriha (sanctum), are of Lord Ram and Devi Sita.

 

Ayodhya is the place where 18 ‘Kalyanak’ of different ‘tirthankars’ have taken place. Five Thirthankara were born and have preached their religious values here, which include Adinath, Ajitnath, Abhinandannath, Sumatinath and Ananthnath. Kesari Singh, the treasurer of Nawab of Faizabad, got the five Jain shrines constructed to mark the birthplace of these Thirthankers. This temple of Digamber Jain sect is dedicated to first Tirthankara Rishabhdev, who is also known as Adinath, Purdev, Vrishabhdev and Adi Brahma. This magnificent, majestic new temple popularly known as Badi Murti is situated in the Raiganj locality of Ayodhya. 

 

Situated on high ground and replete with temples and shrines, it is one of the major attractions in Ayodhya.
The Ram Navami festival is celebrated here in the month of Chaitra (March - April), as per the Hindu calendar, with great pomp and show. It is during this time that pilgrims from all over the country and the world visit in huge numbers and pay obeisance to Lord Ram.

 

It is believed that when Lord Hanuman was carrying the huge mountain with Sanjivani Booti (a herb) to Lanka for the purpose of saving injured Lakshman, brother of Lord Ram, some part of it fell in Ayodhya. The hillock, about 65 feet high, was later named Mani Parvat.

 

The holy city of Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh, plays host to hundreds of South Koreans every year that come to pay their tributes to the legendary Queen Huh Hwang-ok. According to legend, Queen Huh Hwang-ok, also known as Princess Suriratna, was the princess of Ayodhya before she went to South Korea and married King Kim Suro of Karak Clan in 48 AD. It is believed that she reached Korea on a boat, and was the first queen of King Suro of Geumgwan Gaya of Gaya Kingdom. She was 16 when she got married.
It is because of the presence of her monument in Ayodhya that around 60 lakh people of the Karak clan consider the city as their maternal home. The memorial was first inaugurated in 2001 at Ayodhya.

 

According to the Hindu legend, when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, her right shoulder (Pat) fell on this land. Another story says that the right thigh had fallen from the corpse of Goddess Sati. The Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu chopped off goddess Sati to death. Since then the temple is believed to have the sacred part of the Goddess. The temple is on the glistening snowy mountains of the great Himalayas which believed to be the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is around 70kms away from Gonda and 2kms away from the Tulsipur town in the Balrampur district.

By Air: Lucknow International Airport is the nearest Airport from Ayodhya. People can also reach from Gorakhpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi Airports.

By Train: Faizabad and Ayodhya are major railway stations of the district and are well connected to almost all major cities and towns. By Rail route Ayodhya is 128 kms. from Lucknow, 171 kms. from Gorakhpur, 157 kms. from Allahabad and 196 kms from Varanasi. By Rail route Ayodhya is 135 kms. from Lucknow, 164 kms. from Gorakhpur, 164 kms. from Prayagraj and 189 kms from Varanasi.

 By Road: Services of Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation buses are available 24 hours a day, and it is very easy to reach here from all places. The city is about 130kms from Lucknow, 200kms from Varanasi, 160kms from Prayagraj, 140kms from Gorakhpur and about 636kms from Delhi. Buses are frequently available from Lucknow, Delhi and Gorakhpur. Buses are also available from Varanasi, Prayagraj and other places as per their schedule.

 

 

Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed.

 

Dubbed as the City of Lights or Kashi, Varanasi is a holy town situated on the west bank of the River Ganga. Call it the land of Shiva or simply a historic city that has several mysteries concealed deep within; this holy city has a spiritual legacy that dates back to more than 3000 years. Varanasi has stayed an important pilgrimage centre in India and for those visiting from outside the country, it reflects the authentic India. Today, Varanasi is a busy hub, where all winding roads look similar, ghats are always crowded and the fragrance of incense and the smell of burnt firewood dissolve in the air. The aartis and the floating of earthen lamps over the water of the river Ganga in the evening is also an important element of the identity of Varanasi. Apart from this, the sacred city is also the reflection of different architecture, from the Kings of Bengal to the Maharajas of Rajasthan; all have contributed in making Varanasi an epitome of rich Indian culture and faith.

 

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

 

Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.

Varanasi is associated with the promotion of Spiritualism, Mysticism, Sanskrit, Yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsidas, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ramcharitmanas known as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part of their lives.

 

 

The Heritage walk in Varanasi is a morning affair, also known as Subah-e-Banaras.

It takes the visitor to the ghats of the Ganga where light music in Morning Ragas, Yoga and typical Banarasi breakfast is organised.

The walk then moves to the famed lanes of Varanasi seeing glimpses of major temples.

Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. The city has 88 ghats. Most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats, while two ghats are used exclusively as cremation sites

Most Varanasi ghats were rebuilt after 1700 AD when the city was a part of the Maratha Empire. The patrons of current ghats are Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles, and Peshwes (Peshwas). Many ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while the other ghats are privately owned. Morning boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitors attraction.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity is known by the name Vishwanatha or Vishveshvara (Ruler of The Universe). Varanasi city is also called Kashi, and hence, the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishvanath Temple.

Near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, there is a nice temple of Devi Annapurna, believed as the “Goddess of Food”.

 

Near the Sindhia Ghat, there is an important temple of “Goddess of Remedy” Devi Sankata. Inside its premises, there is a huge statue of a Lion. Also, there are nine temples of nine planets nearby.

 

It is the ancient temple of Varanasi near the Head Post Office, Vishesharganj. God Kaal Bhairav is believed as “Kotwal Of Varanasi” without his permission no one can stay in Kashi.

 

On the route of Daranagar to Kaal Bhairav temple, this temple of Lord Shiva is situated. Just beside this temple, there is of much religious importance, whose water is said to be a mixture of several underground streams and good for eliminating several diseases.

 

Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University, a modern place of worship planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas. Open to all, irrespective of caste or creed.

 

Constructed by the family of Varanasi, this modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is situated at the place Where Tulsidas, the great medieval seer, lived and wrote the epic Shri Ramcharitmanas, which narrates the life of Lord Rama, the hero of Ramayana. Verses from Tulidas’s epic are inscribed on the walls. It is just near Durga Temple.

 

Besides the Assi river stream, on the way from Durga Temple to Banaras Hindu Temple this well known temple of Lord Hanuman is situated. Lord Hanuman is also known as “Sankatmochan” , the god who protects from troubles. This temple was founded by Goswami Tulsidas. This temple is also known as “Monkey” temple, as a lot of monkeys are there inside the premises.

 

Commonly called the ‘Durga Kund Temple’, it was built in the 18^th century. Although it is one of the best-known temples. The stonework done on the temple is an ideal example of NAGRA Shilp. Goddess DURGA is believed as the symbol of Strength and Power which govern the entire world. There is a pond adjacent to the temple called Durgakund.

 

This Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and houses a perfect relief map of India carved out of marble. The Temple was gifted by the nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta (Rashtraratana) and Shri Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists and antiquarians.

 

 

By Flight: Several airlines operate flights from LBS airport Babatpur which is 22 km. from Varanasi and 30 km. from Sarnath. There are both Domestic and International flights available from Babatpur Airport Varanasi.

By Train:Varanasi is an important and major rail junction. The city is served by trains from all metros and major cities across the country.

By Road: Well connected by road.

Prayagraj is one of the oldest cities in India. It is crowned in ancient scriptures as ‘Prayag’ or ‘Teertharaj’ and is considered the holiest of pilgrimage centres of India. It is situated at the confluence of three holy rivers- Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Sarasvati. The meeting point is known as Triveni and is a very sacred destination for Hindus. The Kumbh held every six years and Mahakumbh in every 12 years at Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam) are the largest gatherings of pilgrims on this earth.

Historically, the city has been witness to many important events in India’s freedom struggle such as emergence of the first Indian National Congress in 1885, the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Violence Movement in 1920.

Prayag has been known as the greatest pilgrimage since the Rigveda era. The basic reason is the confluence of three holiest rivers in India – the Ganga, Yamuna and the Sarasvati. It is said one who dies at the Sangam is freed from the cycle of re-birth and attains salvation. The Mahabharat, Agni Purana, Padma Purana and Saura Purana also mention Prayag as the holiest of all pilgrimages. Vinaya Patrika mentions that Gautam Buddha too had traversed through Prayag in 450 B.C.

 

This is the point where the brown water of the Ganga meets the green water of the Yamuna, along with the mythical Sarasvati, which remains unseen but believed to run underground.

Wide floodplains and muddy banks protrude towards the sacred Sangam. At the mid-river point, priests perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. A dip in the Sangam water is supposed to be the holiest of the holy pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. Boats to the Sangam can be rented by pilgrims and tourists alike at the ghat near the fort. It is during the Maha Kumbh/Kumbh that the Sangam truly comes alive, attracting the devout from all across the country.

 

Shringverpur is a must-visit excursion destination around Prayagraj. It is a place 45 km from Prayagraj on Lucknow road. According to local folklore, it was at this place that Rama crossed the river Ganges on his way to exile along with Sita and Lakshmana. Shringverpur is gaining prominence slowly and steadily. Though, the place has been mentioned at length in the epic Ramayana.

Shringverpur is mentioned as the capital of the famous kingdom of Nishadraj or the ‘King of Fishermen’.  In Ramayana it was mentioned that Lord Rama, his brother Lakshman and consort Sita stayed for a night in the village before going to forest on exile. It is said boatmen refused to let them cross the river. Nishadraj himself visited the site where Lord Rama was putting in to resolve the issue. He offered to give them the way if Lord Rama let him wash his feet. The permission was granted and it was mentioned that Nishadraj washed the feet of Rama with the water of Ganges and drank it to show his reverence towards him. The place where Nishadraja washed Ram’s feet has been named ‘Ramchura’ in order to suffice the incident. There is a small temple too that is built on the site. Though the temple doesn’t have any historical or cultural value attached to it, the place itself is very serene.

 

It is located inside the Quila on the bank of the Yamuna. Legend has it that it is an eternal truth that would not get destroyed ever. It is said that anyone who prays at this tree or dies under it attains salvation. The boundary of the fort is 15 feet away from the tree, and its branches hang out into the Yamuna River. In 1992, marble was laid around the tree, and in 1999 a small temple was made near it with the statues of lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita. About 22 meters of cloth is used in wrapping around the tree near its roots. The Akshaya Vat, or the eternal tree that is indestructible. Moreover, it has been claimed that Lord Ram had spent a night near this tree while on his way to the wilds. It is also a holy site for the Jains. Permission has to be sought from Army officials to visit this tree.

 

This temple is located on the north of Sangam in the northern corner of Daraganj on the Ganga bank. It has statues of lord Nagraj, Ganesh, Parvati and a reclining statue of Bhishma Pitamaha. There is a Shiv temple in the premises. A big fair is held on Nag Panchami day.

 

It is located 3 km north-east of Phaphamau in Soraon Tehsil. It is made up of stone and has several statues. A big fair is held here on Shivratri and in the month of Phalguna.

 

It is located in Mirapur locality and is about 108 feet high. There are several statues inside the temple and an ancient pipal tree in its compound. It is counted among the 51 Sidh Shakti Peetha in the country.

 

 

 

It is said that the Kaurav king Duryodhana had made it to trap the Pandavas and eliminate them. However, Vidura alerted the Pandavas who escaped from a secret door while it was set on fire. It is located 6 km south of Handia on the bank of the Ganga.

Goddess Alopi Devi Shakti Peeth Temple

This ancient temple is located in Alopibagh locality west of Daraganj. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple there is a round platform and a coloured cloth below which is a small cot. Devotees pay obeisance here. It is said to be one of the Shaktipeeth and a big fair is held during the Navratri. There is an idol of Lord Shiv and Shivling.

 

This is a temple of Takshakeshwar Lord Shankar located in south of Prayagraj city in Dariyabad locality on the bank of the Yamuna. A little away is the Takshak kund in the Yamuna. Legend has it that Takshak the serpent had taken shelter here after being hounded out of Mathura by Lord Krishna. There are many lingas and idols in here as well as an idol of Hanuman.

 

It is situated on a big, high mound on the bank of the Ganga. It is about 15 feet in diameter and is built of big stones. The entire premises are surrounded by a stone wall. It is said that it was built by king Samudragupta. It is also said that the water level below the well is equal to the sea level, hence the name.

 

It is built below ground level inside the fort on the bank of the Yamuna. There is a long corridor and there are 44 idols in here with a Shivling in the center. It was renovated by Bajirao Peshwa in 1735, and some idols date back to the 17th or 18th century. Legend has it that Lord Rama had come during his exile.

 

It is located about 50 km north of Prayagraj city in Manjhanpur tehsil of present day Kaushambi district. This region, 10 km from Kaushambi, was once the capital of the Vatsa Empire. Legend has it that Lord Krishna left this earthly world here after being shot by an arrow. There was a big Jain temple here and the place is a pilgrimage for the Jain community. The Archaeological Survey of India has declared the entire region as protected.

 

On the northern end of Prayagraj city on the bank of the Ganga is the Shivkuti Temple and ashram. There is the ashram of Shri 1008 Shri Narayan Prabhu established by him in 1948. The grand Lakshmi Narayan Temple with marble idols and a Durga Temple attract a big fair in the month of Shravan.

 

King Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand had initiated the Pranami sect. This temple is said to have been built in 1700 and a huge fair is held here on Janmashtami.

 

This temple is situated near the Vindhya Mountains in the Meja tehsil. The water in the pond comes from the mountains and it is full of lotus flowers. The well near the pond is known as Banganga. Legend has it that Arjun had torn apart the mountains to get water for the purification of demon queen Hidimba. A lot of poisonous snakes are found here.

 

By Road: As Prayagraj is located in the heartland of the great Indian plains, the road density is quite high in these parts and is well connected to the rest of the country via National and State Highways. 

By Rail: Being the headquarters of the North Central Railway Zone in India, Prayagraj has eight railway stations within its city limits, all of which are well connected to many of the major cities of India.

 By Air: The Allahabad Domestic Airport, also known as Bamrauli Air Force Base, is 12 Km from Prayagraj and though it is operational for domestic flights, it serves only a limited number of cities in India.