Allahabad Falls

Allahabad Falls, tucked behind the crumbling Raj‑era Chandra Bagh wall on the outskirts of Prayagraj, is a brief but worthwhile detour for anyone whose itinerary already includes the ghats and the confluence. The cascade drops eighty metres into a surprisingly clear plunge pool that is safe enough to swim, but only if you get there before the midday crowd swells – aim for a 10.30 am arrival, lace up sturdy shoes for the 15‑minute trek down the uneven stone steps, and bring a quick‑dry towel, because the mist will soak you the moment you step off the last ledge. The best spot to sit is the low, moss‑covered rock at the pool’s north‑east edge; it offers a natural bench and a view of the water’s white face without the tourist‑filled picnic mats that appear after 11 am. Skip the souvenir stall on the far side – the trinkets are mass‑produced, overpriced, and add little to the experience – and instead treat yourself to a banana‑leaf thali from the small canteen at the trailhead; the fried fish is still fresh, and the lime‑pickled onions cut the heat of the water. Early November to early March is the only window when the flow is strong enough to be dramatic yet safe for a dip; the monsoon months turn the pool into a frothy torrent, and the summer heat dries the cascade to a trickle. One half‑day, preferably paired with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, is more than enough to soak in the falls without feeling rushed.

• Go early; crowds peak by 11am
• Local guides charge ₹500 — worth it for the stories