The Planning Stage: Where the Drama Begins

Every family trip starts with excitement, a hint of delusion, and a Google Sheet no one reads.

“Let’s go to Allahabad!” my dad announced, dramatically waving a newspaper article about the Triveni Sangam like it was a treasure map.

Cue excitement, WhatsApp group creation, and a packing list longer than the Ramayana. My mom packed 18 sets of clothes for a 3-day trip, my cousin packed a Bluetooth speaker the size of a microwave, and my aunt packed — wait for it — a pressure cooker.

That, dear reader, set the tone for our family trip to Allahabad.

Road Trip Shenanigans: Snacks, Songs & Slight Panic

We started our journey from Lucknow in a car that definitely wasn’t built for 8 humans, 4 bags of snacks, and a suitcase that refused to zip.

Our playlist was a mix of bhajans, Bollywood, and one mysterious Bhojpuri remix. GPS betrayed us at least thrice, leading us through a village where cows blocked the road like bouncers at a temple gate.

My uncle tried navigating using “instinct,” which only led us to a sugarcane field and a farmer who asked, “Kumbh mein aaye ho kya?” (No, but now that you mention it…)

Hello, Allahabad: City of History, Faith & Family Photos

We finally reached Allahabad — or Prayagraj, as Google Maps now reminds us. And despite the chaos, one step into this sacred city made it all worthwhile.

🕉️ First Stop: Triveni Sangam

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This is where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. The place was peaceful, spiritual… and packed.

Boating at the Sangam was serene, until my cousin tried to take a selfie, rocked the boat, and nearly sacrificed his iPhone to the holy waters.

Nevertheless, there’s really nothing like the tranquility of putting your hands in the water, watching the water change, and feeling something primal wash over you. It was surreal.

🛕 Hanuman Mandir

Next stop: Hanuman Mandir, where Lord Hanuman is in lucent repose.My mom insisted we remove shoes two blocks early “for extra blessings.”

We offered flowers, rang bells, and my nephew loudly asked why Hanuman ji was sleeping. The priest chuckled. We didn’t.

🏰 Allahabad Fort

Built by Akbar, now managed by the Indian Army, the Allahabad Fort is part history lesson, part photo op. My dad, a walking encyclopedia, narrated Mughal stories while we took turns posing with canons and pretending to be warriors.

Hotel Booking in Allahabad: Smooth as Ghee with cheQin.ai

Now here comes the smart part.

Finding a good hotel with a big family can feel like applying for a visa during Mercury retrograde. But I used cheQin.ai, an AI-powered booking platform that let me post our hotel needs and get real-time offers directly from hotels.

No scrolling endlessly, no surprise taxes, and the hotel actually had space for all 10 of us (and the pressure cooker). We even negotiated a better rate, which made my bargain-hunter aunt do a mini victory dance.

Food Glorious Food: Prayagraj Style

If you think the Tandoori Chicken at Civil Lines isn’t a spiritual experience, you’ve never been hungry in Allahabad.

Prakash Ki Lassi

Thick, creamy, topped with malai and served in an earthen glass. My dad called it the best lassi of his life. My cousin had two and slept through the next stop.

🌶️ Chaat at Loknath

Spicy, tangy, crunchy. And dangerously addictive. We tried palak chaat, kachori-sabzi, and tamatar chaat. Also tried wiping tears from the spice.

🍗 Street-Style Tandoori Chicken

Our evening food crawl led us to a dhaba near Katra. The smoky chicken, paired with green chutney and family arguments over the last piece, was unforgettable.

Family Dynamics: The Real Travel Show

Traveling with family is a reality show without the prize money.

The kids got tired every 17 minutes.

My mom took 42 photos at every temple.

My aunt kept saying, “Yeh sab TV mein dekha tha” as if she co-produced the city.

My cousin got bitten by a mosquito and blamed the Ganga.

Still, watching them all laugh under the lights of Prayag Ghat made me pause. These are the moments we travel for.

Things to Do in Allahabad: A Quick Guide

Whether you’re visiting for faith, history, or food, here are some must-dos:

Boat ride at Triveni Sangam (sunrise is magical)
Kumbh Mela (if you visit during the season, it’s an unmatched spectacle)
Explore Khusro Bagh for Mughal-era tombs and gardens
Relax at Prayag Ghat in the evening with a cup of chai
Taste street food at Civil Lines and Loknath
Visit Anand Bhawan, home of the Nehru family and a rich part of modern Indian history

Best Time to Visit:

October to March — pleasant weather
Avoid peak summers unless you enjoy traveling in 45°C with a hand fan

Getting Around:

Autos are everywhere
Ola/Uber work fine
Or just walk and soak in the vibe

Final Thoughts: Memories, Melas & Malai

Allahabad surprised me. It was more spiritual, more chaotic, and somehow more peaceful than I expected. We laughed, we argued, we almost left my uncle at the fort (long story), but we came back with memories that will be retold over a thousand cups of tea.

And hey, the trip wouldn’t have been half as smooth without cheQin.ai. Booking our hotel easily, affordably, and without hidden charges made all the difference. It was the first time our family didn’t argue about the stay — a true miracle.

Allahabad with Family: Complete Travel Guide for Fun & Foodies