Arail Ghat is one of the ghats in the holy city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, located alongside the Yamuna River.It is a spiritual location famous for its scenic beauty and serenity. This ghat is close to the Sangam and has a few temples not far from it. It is a great place to come and relax, take some pictures, or even enjoy some snacks while sitting alongside the water. The easiest way to get here is either via a boat or through the town of Naini.
What is Arail Ghat?
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Arail Ghat is a tranquil and scenic ghat in Prayagraj, located near Sangam, which is the point where the Ganges and Yamuna rivers converge with the mythical Saraswati River. This might be one of the lesser-known ghats of the city, but it is undoubtedly one that you shouldn’t skip out on when touring Prayagraj. It offers views of Naini Bridge and some temples around the ghat. Apart from its religious significance, owing to its proximity to the Sangam, it is also a great spot to relax, watch the sunrise or sunset, engage in photography, or munch on some yummy snacks. There are a few stalls near the ghat where you can buy something to eat while you enjoy the gorgeous views.
To get to Arail Ghat, you would take a boat or come via the small town of Naini. A boat ride would be a good option since you could enjoy some time on the calm and picturesque river, especially if you come in the evening. Remember that the river’s water tends to rise or get rough during the monsoon season, so it is advisable not to go down to the ghat.
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5 Famous Attractions Near Arail Ghat, Prayagraj
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Prayagraj has no shortage of incredible attractions to see, and here are 5 of them:
- Make sure to visit Triveni Sangam, perhaps the city’s most sacred site. It is where the rivers Ganges and Yamuna converge with the mythical Saraswati River. According to Hindu mythology, taking a dip in its water would not only rid you of your sins but would also save you from the cycle of rebirth. You can quickly notice the difference in the colours of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna. This is where the Kumbh Mela is held.
- Although open mainly during the holy Kumbh Mela, the Prayagraj Fort is a magnificent structure built in 1583 during Emperor Akbar’s reign. It is also the biggest fort built during his rule. The fort’s complex also houses Patalpuri Kila, a set of underground temples, and the holy Akshay Vat, a banyan tree where devotees have been known to jump to free themselves from the cycle of rebirth.
- Right outside the fort is the Allahabad Pillar, which was erected during the 3rd century BC under King Ashoka’s reign. This structure features inscriptions dating back to the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta, and the Mughal Empires. You would need permission to visit the pillar.
- Chandrashekhar Azad Park is a famous attraction built in 1870 during the British Raj. It was once known as Alfred Park since it was constructed to welcome Prince Alfred to the city. Its sprawling green lawns are perfect for walking, relaxing, or picnicking. You will also find statues of King George V and Queen Victoria here.
- If you are visiting Chandrashekhar Azad Park, don’t forget to visit Allahabad Museum, which is situated on its premises. This national museum is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn about the past of the city and the country. It houses artefacts, paintings, scriptures, artworks, armour, and more that provide information about art, culture, archaeology, environment, architecture and history, especially about India’s independence struggles.
Best Time To Visit
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If you are planning a trip to Prayagraj, visiting sometime during the winter season would be best. Winter here begins around October and ends in March. This is the best time to visit because the weather is nice and cool during this time of year, which would be perfect for outdoor activities. Furthermore, this is also an excellent time to go down to the ghats to bathe in the river’s holy water.
Visiting during the monsoon months, i.e. between July and September, could also be an option since the weather isn’t too hot. The only problem you might have to deal with during this period is the possibility of being stuck in a downpour; the city doesn’t receive a lot of rainfall, but it could be heavy when it does. Moreover, the river’s water is unsuitable for bathing during the monsoon months. Summertime is the most unfit time to come to Prayagraj since the temperatures can often rise beyond 45 degrees Celsius. The period from April to June is characterised by extreme heat and humidity, which isn’t ideal for sightseeing.
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Way To Reach
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The best way to get to Arail Ghat depends on how close you live to the city and how long you are willing to travel. Driving might be a good option if you wish to live close by. The roads to Arail Ghat are well maintained and connected to cities in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and others in north India, so driving would be pretty comfortable.
Another option when it comes to taking the road is taking the bus. Several buses run between Prayagraj and other cities in the state. Alternatively, you can take the train too since the city has 4 different railway stations, namely Prayagraj Junction, Prayagraj Station, Central Station and Daraganj Station, which receive trains throughout the day from various parts of India. Lastly, Prayagraj is also accessible via a flight; you can fly into the Bamrauli Airport, about 15 km away, then drive here.
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Spending some time at Arail Ghat would surely be one of the most memorable moments from your trip to Prayagraj since this location offers stunning panoramas. It is just one of the countless places worth visiting in the state, so if you have more time, you should consider taking a trip to Uttar Pradesh and its other famous destinations. With so many beautiful things to see and do, you will surely return home with innumerable happy memories! So book your tickets now for a trip filled with fun and frolic.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Arail Ghat
Which ghat in Prayagraj is usually considered to be the main one?
Saraswati Ghat is generally said to be the most popular ghat in Prayagraj.
Which is the fruit that Prayagraj is best known for?
Prayagraj is best known for its guavas known as Allahabadi Surkha. These guavas are famous for having an exterior which is somewhat red as well as an interior which is bright pink instead of the usual white.
Is it possible to see the mythical Saraswati river in Prayagraj?
While Prayagraj is known for being where the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati converge, you can also see the first two here since the Saraswati river is a mythical one which is invisible since it supposedly flows underground.
Do people in Prayagraj speak Awadhi?
While Hindi is the language that the majority of people speak here, you would also hear people speaking Awadhi, Urdu and English.
Is Prayagraj the only city in India where the renowned Kumbh Mela is celebrated?
No, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain are the other cities where it is organised.
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