Uttar Pradesh

One of the oldest, richest, and holiest shrines of India is located in the sacred city of Varanasi and is known as Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Named Kashi, due to the ancient name of Varanasi, the glorious temple commemorates the mighty Lord Shiva and is a part of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Thousands of devotees travel from miles away to witness its soothing spiritual ambiance and seek blessings from their god. Sun glistens on the towering spires and domes made out of pure gold. As you walk through the gates, you can hear the soft rushing sounds of river Ganges nearby. Miniature shrines of various Hindu deities encircle the main hall of Sabha Griha. And at the heart of this hall, standing on a silver platform is the magnificent brown stoned effigy of Lord Shiva. Having braved the ravages of cultural wars, this temple has been demolished and reconstructed many times. Hence, this temple is not only an eminent pilgrimage site but also a prominent historical landmark.Distance from Varanasi: 5.3 kmBest Time to Visit: Shivratri and Rangabhari Ekadashi

The meeting point or the confluence of three of the most important rivers in the Hindu religion, Triveni Sangam, is a holy place located in Allahabad. It is one of the most popular and sacred places to visit in Allahabad, and is often a host to some of the most important fairs and festivals of the religion.The rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarawati meet at the Sangam. Due to the popularity of the region, the entire city of Allahabad is also sometimes referred to as Sangam. Every 12 years, an incredibly auspicious festival called the Kumbh Mela is organized at this location, while every six years, the Ardh Kumbh is hosted here.Both of these festivals see a massive influx of tourists and locals to the Sangam. Hindus take a dip at the place where the rivers meet, believing that touching the holy water washes away the sins of all births. The Sangam can be easily identified by the varying colors of the Ganges and the Yamuna river, the latter of which has slightly greenish water.

Formerly a burial complex near the Allahabad junction railway station, Khusro Bagh is currently a walled garden typical of the Mughal construction. Khusro Bagh has three brilliantly designed sandstone mausoleums paying tribute to Mughal royals, including Shah Begum, Khusrau Mirza, and Nithar Begum, all of whom were related to Akbar’s son Jahangir. Shah Begum’s tomb is designed in a similar style to Fatehpur Sikri with a three-tiered design. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in prayagraj. Chhatris, arabesque inscriptions, and traditional Mughal motifs dot all of the three mausoleums. The domed roofs also feature elaborate calligraphy by some of the ruler’s best calligraphers. Khusro Bagh is an important site to visit if you want to learn more about the Mughal history of India, particularly that associated with the ancient Prayagraj.Location: Lukarganj, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211016Timings: 6 AM to 9:30 PM

Dashashwamedh Ghat is known for conducting the liveliest aartis along the holy river Ganga to immerse the visitors into divine bliss. A prominent member of the tourist attractions in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat, got its name due to the legend of Lord Brahma sacrificing 10 horses, or das Ashwamedh, in order to perform a yajna. Every sunset, the ghat gets illuminated by the light of diyas lit to commence the sacred rituals. Priests gather and chant prayers in unison as they move the diyas in circles and pay their obeisance to the god. A huge crowd gathers to participate in this ceremony. The refreshing aura that sets in during the evening witnesses hundreds of tourists thronging the ghat to relax on the steps leading to the river waters. You can also spot many boats floating in the river. Due to the divine ambiance and religious significance, it is a must amongst the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days.      Distance from Varanasi: 5.5 kmBest Time to Visit: Kartik Purnima

Another name amongst the unmissable places to visit in Varanasi is Assi Ghat. Frequented by college-goers and tourists alike, this ghat offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Varanasi's chaotic lanes. Pilgrims bathe in the holy waters of River Assi and offer flowers to the Shivlinga before resting on the steps of the ghat. Ancient texts claim it to be the place where the revered saint and poet, Tulsidas, retired before his death. You can relax under the shade of peepal trees lining the shore, or take a boat ride to witness the panoramic sunsets. Every day, at the break of the dawn, the ghat is crowded by devotees chanting prayers as the priests light the diyas and perform the ceremonial aarti.      Distance from Varanasi: 7.2 kmBest Time to Visit: Shivratri

In the 1930s, the original Swaraj Bhavan, today a famous Allahabad tourist place, was transformed into the headquarters of the Indian National Congress. As a result, Motilal Nehru had to buy another mansion for himself and his family to reside, and it was called Anand Bhavan. Today, it is a historic house museum also home to the Jawahar Planetarium. European furniture and the most delicate quality china was sourced by Motilal Nehru to decorate this mansion and make it a replica of the original Swaraj Bhavan. Renovation of the enormous estate is said to have been done for over ten years.Just like Swaraj Bhavan, this place also hosts many artifacts original to the Indian freedom struggle and meetings of the Negru family with many prominent freedom leaders. In 1970, the mansion was donated to the Government of India by Jawaharlal Nehru’s daughter Indira Gandhi. Since then, the government has been responsible for its maintenance.Location: 246/199 Colonelganj Infront of Anand Bhawan, Uttar Pradesh 211002Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 50 for foreignersTimings: 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Many legends surround the etymology behind Manikarnika Ghat, the oldest riverfront and one of the most religious tourist attractions in Varanasi. Mentioned in many ancient scriptures and religious texts, Manikarnika ghat is said to be the place where Devi Sati set herself on fire and also the birthplace of the fearless queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai. Temples of many Hindu deities surround its periphery while the holy waters of river Ganga flow peacefully alongside. Giving a peek into the traditional life of Varanasi, this place is visited every year by thousands of pilgrims performing the last rites of their departed loved ones. A holy well, believed to be dug by Lord Shiva to recover the fallen earring of Goddess Sati, is present at the top of the stairs. Distance from Varanasi: 5.5 kmBest Time to Visit: Summer season, from March to June

Established in 1931, the Allahabad Museum is one of the most important and grandiose museums of India. It is a place of national importance, housing significant artifacts from the modern historical period of India. Archaeologists, academicians, historians, and scholars research this museum and regard it as a scholarly place. It also has a rock art gallery housing rocks from the prehistoric period, all of which serve as critical points of study for many historians. Self-reliant when it comes to power generation, the Allahabad Museum is supported using a solar power system, making it one of the first museums in the world to adapt to eco-sustainable means of power production. This museum was first set up by Sir William Muir. It was reopened subsequently by Jawaharlal Nehru and Madan Mohan Malviya. Even today, it is home to some manuscripts and monuments important to historians. As a tourist, do not forget to check out different exhibits of the museum and enrich yourself with some historical knowledge at one of the best places to visit in Allahabad.Location: Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Kamla Nehru Road, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per personTimings: 10:30 AM to 4:45 PM