India’s spiritual hub, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), is much more than the Kumbh Mela. It's a city where ancient traditions and budget travel go hand-in-hand. Whether you're a student traveler hunting for wallet-friendly experiences or a smart tourist scouting for discounted offers, this guide—powered by the savings experts at SavePlus India—will help you explore Prayagraj without burning a hole in your pocket.
Visit Triveni Sangam – The Sacred Confluence
One of India’s holiest sites, Triveni Sangam is the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. It's spiritually enriching and visually mesmerizing, especially at sunrise. Watching pilgrims take a dip here is an experience in itself. You can hire a local boat at budget-friendly rates, especially if you use UPI to pay. The vibes during early morning hours are peaceful and ideal for quiet reflection. It’s a perfect start to your Prayagraj visit—light on the pocket, heavy on the memories.
- Take a boat ride with UPI or Paytm payments to negotiate a better rate.
- Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and fewer touts.
- Pack your own snacks and water to avoid overpriced vendors.
- Location: Arail Ghat, Prayagraj
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Local buses run frequently from the Civil Lines and High Court areas.
By Train: Nearest railway station: Prayagraj Junction (7 km away).
By Air: Prayagraj Airport is 14 km away; take an auto or app-based cab. - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Take a boat ride, watch the sunrise, and perform rituals.
- Estimated Budget: ₹50–₹150 (boat ride optional).
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours.
- Must Try Foods: Tea with bun-maska from riverside stalls.
- Nearby Cities: Varanasi, Mirzapur, Kanpur.
Pro Tip: Look for SBI Yono cashback offers on travel booking apps like RedBus or MakeMyTrip for Prayagraj routes.
Marvel at Allahabad Fort (From Outside)
This historical fort, built by Akbar in the 16th century, stands majestically by the river. While full access is restricted due to Army presence, the exterior offers an imposing view worth capturing. It’s a favorite spot for photographers and history lovers alike. The surroundings are clean and less crowded in the mornings. Take a walk around the area and admire the fusion of Mughal design and Indian mythological significance. It’s an enriching stop that doesn’t cost a rupee.
- Entry to the fort complex (exterior) is free for all.
- Capture Insta-worthy shots from the riverside angle.
- Stroll around the Saraswati Koop and Akshaya Vat areas at no cost.
- Location: Near Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Regular city buses to Sangam or Fort Road.
By Train: Prayagraj Junction (5 km)
By Air: Taxi or auto from Prayagraj Airport (13 km) - Things to Do / Places to Visit: See fort walls, visit Akshaya Vat, explore surroundings.
- Estimated Budget: Free
- Trip Duration: 30 mins – 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Local chaat from vendors nearby
- Nearby Cities: Rewa, Ayodhya
Pro Tip: Check on Cleartrip deals using Axis Bank card offers for bundled Prayagraj city tours.
Explore Anand Bhavan – Nehru Family Home
Anand Bhavan is a must-visit for history and politics enthusiasts. It was once the ancestral home of the Nehru family and is now preserved as a museum. Exhibits include rare books, photographs, and furniture from the pre-independence era. There's also a planetarium for an added experience. It's a well-maintained and peaceful venue, ideal for an educational visit. Students especially benefit from the low entry fee and rich historical context.
- Entry fee: Just ₹20 (₹5 for students with a valid ID).
- Book via apps like BookMyShow to avail promo codes and quick entry.
- Offers a walk through India’s freedom struggle in one place.
- Location: Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, Prayagraj
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Frequent city buses to Civil Lines
By Train: Just 3 km from Prayagraj Junction
By Air: 12 km from Prayagraj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Museum tour, planetarium (Jawahar Planetarium)
- Estimated Budget: ₹20 (₹5 for students)
- Trip Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Samosa and chai at the entrance stall
- Nearby Cities: Lucknow, Faizabad
Pro Tip: Use student cashback on PhonePe for booking platforms that support UPI.
Chill at Company Garden (Chandrashekhar Azad Park)
A green oasis in the middle of Prayagraj, this garden is a refreshing place to relax. Originally built by the British, it houses the Chandra Shekhar Azad memorial and several statues. It's ideal for a morning jog, afternoon picnic, or a leisurely stroll. Locals love it for its calm atmosphere and scenic spots. Entry is cheap, and the nearby food stalls make it a favorite weekend hangout. Families, couples, and even solo travelers can find peace here.
- Entry fee: ₹5 to ₹10 only.
- Open green lawns and shady trees make it ideal for a budget picnic.
- Vendors accept Paytm QR codes for snacks and kulfi.
- Location: Civil Lines, near High Court, Prayagraj
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Local city buses stop right outside
By Train: 3.5 km from Prayagraj Junction
By Air: 11 km from Prayagraj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Jog, read, relax under trees, play with kids
- Estimated Budget: ₹5–₹10
- Trip Duration: 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Kulfi, aloo tikki near the gate
- Nearby Cities: Jaunpur, Fatehpur
Pro Tip: Use Mobikwik SuperCash deals when paying for your refreshments.
Bargain Hunt at Chowk & Katra Market
If you love budget shopping, then Chowk and Katra Market are your gold mines. These markets are filled with street-side vendors selling kurtis, juttis, accessories, and more. Bargaining is a sport here, so sharpen your skills. Most shops now accept Google Pay and PhonePe, making transactions easy. Visit on weekdays to avoid heavy crowds and surge pricing. It’s the best place to shop locally, eat street food, and experience Prayagraj’s old city charm.
- Ideal for budget kurtis, bangles, and juttis.
- Most shops accept Google Pay, and you can ask for discounts for digital payments.
- Avoid weekends to dodge crowds and get better haggling opportunities.
- Location: Old City Area, near Meerganj, Prayagraj
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Autos and rickshaws are more convenient here
By Train: 4 km from Prayagraj Junction
By Air: Approx. 12 km from the airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Street shopping for ethnic wear, accessories, juttis
- Estimated Budget: ₹200–₹800 (flexible)
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: Golgappe, khoya kulfi
- Nearby Cities: Banda, Raebareli
Pro Tip: Use SavePlus India’s Ajio coupon codes for branded alternatives if you're short on time to street shop.
Walk Around Alfred Park Library & Memorial
Formerly known as Alfred Park, this historic garden is a nod to India’s freedom struggle. It houses the famous memorial of Chandrashekhar Azad, where he fought his final battle. The vast grounds are serene and ideal for a peaceful walk or quiet reading. The library within the park is among India’s oldest, offering an old-world charm. It’s a paradise for history lovers and students seeking a low-cost hangout. Entry is free, making it a go-to spot for budget travelers.
- Free entry to most zones.
- Bring your own book and chill like a local under colonial-style architecture.
- Join local reading groups (check on Meetup or Facebook Events).
- Location: Near Civil Lines Police Station, Prayagraj
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Civil Lines buses are available from all major points
By Train: 3 km from the main station
By Air: 11.5 km from Prayagraj Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Memorials, reading corners, quiet reflection
- Estimated Budget: Free
- Trip Duration: 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Chai-biscuits from nearby tea stalls
- Nearby Cities: Unnao, Gonda
Pro Tip: Book a budget heritage walking tour using HDFC Bank SmartBuy discounts.
Bow Your Head at Bade Hanuman Mandir
Unlike any other, this temple houses a reclining idol of Hanumanji, drawing thousands of devotees. Located close to Sangam, it's spiritually intense and visually unique. No entry fee makes it ideal for budget spiritual seekers. The energy during aarti times is electrifying. Vendors outside sell flowers, incense, and prasad—all negotiable or UPI-payable. A must-visit during Navratri or Makar Sankranti for a truly local experience.
- No ticket required – just walk in.
- Donation is voluntary (keep change ready if desired).
- Open early morning till night.
- Location: Sangam Road, near Allahabad Fort
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Frequent buses to the Sangam area
By Train: 7 km from Prayagraj Junction
By Air: Approx. 14 km - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Offer prayers, observe rituals
- Estimated Budget: Free (voluntary donation)
- Trip Duration: 30 mins – 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Sweet boondi from the temple prasad shop
- Nearby Cities: Satna, Chitrakoot
Pro Tip: During festive seasons like Navratri or Diwali, carry offline payment options, as UPI lines may be jammed.
Watch a Movie at an Old-School Single Screen
For a nostalgic Bollywood experience, try a vintage theatre like Niranjan Talkies. These old-school cinemas still run new releases at a fraction of the multiplex cost. You get the charm of retro interiors, paper tickets, and economical snacks. Most of them operate on cash or basic UPI systems. It’s ideal for budget-conscious students and solo travelers. Plus, it’s a slice of cinematic history most tourists overlook.
- Ticket price: As low as ₹60–₹80.
- Popcorn under ₹20? Yes, please!
- Often accepts offline UPI or simple cash.
- Location: MG Marg, Civil Lines
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Civil Lines is well-connected
By Train: 2.5 km from Junction
By Air: 11 km by cab - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Watch a movie, soak in vintage ambience
- Estimated Budget: ₹60–₹100
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: Butter popcorn, samosa
- Nearby Cities: Kanpur, Varanasi
Pro Tip: Use Paytm movie offers listed on SavePlus India for newer halls if you crave A/C comfort.
Enjoy Street Food at Loknath Lane
Loknath Gali is the heartbeat of Prayagraj’s street food culture. From spicy chaats to sizzling kebabs and warm jalebis, it’s a gastronomic playground. Prices are pocket-friendly and portions generous. UPI payments are widely accepted by even the smallest vendors. It's best visited in the evening when the aroma and crowds peak. Ideal for foodies who want to explore real Indian flavors on a shoestring budget.
- Try kebabs, chaat, jalebi, and kulfi for under ₹50 each.
- Vendors accept UPI, and some even offer cashback if asked.
- Best time to go: 6–9 PM for full street food action.
- Location: Loknath Gali, Near Chowk
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Local buses stop nearby
By Train: 3.8 km from Prayagraj Junction
By Air: 13 km from the airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Eat chaat, kebabs, sweets, and more
- Estimated Budget: ₹100–₹200
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Chaat, kulfi, jalebi
- Nearby Cities: Sultanpur, Azamgarh
Pro Tip: Scan PhonePe Scratch & Win rewards at local vendors to recover your snack money!
Conclusion
Prayagraj proves that rich experiences don’t demand a hefty budget. From sacred ghats to colonial architecture, this city offers spiritual, historical, and cultural enrichment for every traveler. With strategic planning, you can explore its best attractions affordably.
Head over to SavePlus for expert advice, handpicked coupons, and the best deals to maximize your savings. Have a great shopping journey!
FAQ
What are the top free attractions in Prayagraj?
You can visit Triveni Sangam, Anand Bhavan’s outer grounds, Alfred Park, and Khusro Bagh without spending a rupee.
Is food expensive in Prayagraj for budget travelers?
No, local street food like chaat, samosas, and lassi are delicious, hygienic, and cost under ₹50.
What is the cheapest way to get around Prayagraj?
Shared autos and e-rickshaws are the most budget-friendly ways to travel within the city.
Can I find affordable accommodations near the ghats?
Yes, several dharamshalas and budget lodges offer rooms under ₹500 near the Sangam and Civil Lines area.
Is it safe to travel solo on a budget in Prayagraj?
Yes, the city is generally safe. Just take standard precautions and avoid deserted places after dark.
