Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is one of India's most sacred cities, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, the city is most famous for the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers—the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. This site holds immense religious significance for Hindus and is the focal point of the world-famous Kumbh Mela, which draws millions of pilgrims and visitors from across the globe. Prayagraj’s history is steeped in mythology and tradition, making it a spiritual hub for centuries. Beyond its religious significance, Prayagraj boasts a deep historical and literary legacy. It served as a center of India’s freedom struggle, hosting stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Chandrashekhar Azad. The city is also home to the iconic Anand Bhavan, the ancestral house of the Nehru family, which now serves as a museum. Prayagraj has long been a beacon of education, with the prestigious University of Allahabad nurturing numerous scholars, poets, and leaders. Its literary contributions include fostering great Hindi and Urdu writers, further cementing its place as a cultural cornerstone. The Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is one of the largest and most sacred religious gatherings in the world. Held every 12 years, it takes place at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The event holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus, as it is believed that taking a dip at this holy confluence during the Kumbh Mela cleanses one’s sins and grants liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The festival is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, linked to the ancient story of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), during which drops of nectar (amrita) fell at four places, including Prayagraj.
Country
India
Best Time to Visit
January, February, March, October, November, December
Ideal Duration
n/a
Tourist Visa
You can apply for a tourist visa if you're visiting India for recreation, sightseeing, or to meet friends and relatives. You can also apply for a tourist visa if you're attending a short-term yoga program or medical treatment.
 You can apply for an e-visa online.Â
Mandatory Documents:
1. Passport: Original passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 3 blank visa pages, plus a photocopy of the passport's data page.
2. Photographs: Two passport-size photographs (2x2 inches) glued to the visa application form as per instructions.
3. Visa Application Form: Fill out the Indian Government visa application form online at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in. Ensure your signature matches your passport signature and validate the data with a declaration signature at the bottom of page 2.
Additional Documents (Depending on Applicant's Situation):
• For Applicants of Indian Origin (Born Indian):
o Surrender Certificate or cancelled Indian passport copy or sworn affidavit.
• For Applicants of Indian Origin (Naturalized):
o First passport copy (if issued in India), Nationality Certificate, or sworn affidavit.
• Explanation for Birth in India (if not of Indian origin): Letter in English addressed to consular services explaining details and reasons.
• Parent of Indian Descent Born in France: Statement confirming no previous Indian passport or nationality.
• Joining Specific Organizations in India: Official invitation letter in a sealed envelope from the organization.
• Property Ownership Intention: Letter from Reserve Bank of India granting permission to acquire property and proof of property ownership in India.
• Minor Applicants: French "livret de famille" or birth certificate, ID proof of each parent, and travel authorization letter signed by both parents.
• Dual Nationality: Copy of the second passport.
• Applicants of Pakistani Origin: Reference form as per current nationality and additional documents based on current or previous nationality.
Declaration:
Certification: Acknowledgment of submitting a complete application and acceptance of the minimum processing time required.
Make sure to gather all necessary documents according to your specific situation and follow the guidelines closely to ensure a smooth visa application process. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on any of these requirements, feel free to ask!
Disclaimers
The above list of documents is the standard requirement for the visa application. The Embassy/Consulate/High Commission/Application Centres reserve the right to request additional documents for verification.
Travelspoc does not guarantee the outcome of any visa application. Decisions on visa applications are at the sole discretion of the respective Embassy/Consulate/High Commission.
The official website for applying for an Indian visa is:
