It&rsquos still winter, and while the sun is still weak and the breeze strong, exploring the temple town of Prayagraj might be something to check off your bucket list. Spend a day frolicking around the ghats of Sangam or eating the best street food you will ever find if you are in the town for a day, here&rsquos how you should spend it.
Sunrise at Sangam
Start your day early by taking a walk along the shores of Sangam. Watch the sunrise sitting on the serene ghats with a kulhad (clay cup)of steaming tea in hand.
Breakfast of Champions
On your way back from Sangam, stop for a sumptuous breakfast at Netram Moolchand & Sons. Located at the Netram crossing in Prayagraj, this 160-year-old shop, started by Netram Agrawal, is known to serve the best kachori sabzi in the city, which most people swear by. Order a plate and devour it in your own sweet time as you people-watch customers coming and going from their morning walks.
Address 259, Netram Chouraha, Katra, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Plans for the Planetarium
Now that you are full, stretch your legs and head to the Jawahar Planetarium. Buy a ticket for INR 50 and indulge the kid inside you as you marvel at the constellations and planets above your head.
Address FV56H35, Tagore Town, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Hours 11 am to 530 pm
Leisure Reading at the Library
With a vast collection of 125,000 books, 40 types of magazines and 28 different newspapers in Hindi, English, Urdu and Bangla, and 21 Arabic manuscripts, the Allahabad Public Library is the biggest library in Uttar Pradesh. Also known as Thornhill Mayne Memorial, it was established in 1864 and is a great place to relax for history buffs with its collection of old manuscripts and journals.
Address Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Hours 8 am to 6 pm
Snacking in Old Town
It&rsquos evening, and you&rsquore peckish, so it&rsquos the best time to hail a rickshaw like a local and get going to Chowk in the old city area. Have some phulkis (puffed flour with spiced water) and tikkis (spicy potato patties) at Nirala while you browse for trinkets and souvenirs to take back at the local flea market. There&rsquos jewellery, clothes, and much more to go through and the best part Bargain to your heart&rsquos content.
Winding Up at the Bagh
As the dark of the night envelops the town, it is time to wind up and what better way than to visit the Chandrashekhar Azad Park, more commonly known as Company Bagh Sit beside the lake and watch the jade beauty of the park as you think about your day. On your way out, take a look at the different food trucks lined a little ways away from the park with various cuisines on offer at very reasonable prices. A day well-walked and well-spent.
Address George Town, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002
Hours 5 am to 9 pm
ALSO READ The Great Indian Road Journey