Journey to Prayagraj: A Road Trip Experience
Introduction
Traveling to festive and spiritual destinations can be both exciting and challenging. This article shares the experience of a traveler who recently made a road trip from Hyderabad to Prayagraj, with stops in Jabalpur and Varanasi. The journey highlights the planning needed to manage time, traffic, and unexpected challenges.
Trip Overview
- Starting Point: Hyderabad
- First Stop: Jabalpur
- Next Destination: Varanasi
- Final Destination: Prayagraj
- Return Journey: Back to Hyderabad
Day 1: Departure from Hyderabad
The adventure began bright and early on a Saturday morning at 6 AM. The travelers set off with enthusiasm, ready to cover the distance from Hyderabad to Jabalpur. After a long drive of about 13.5 hours, they arrived in Jabalpur by 7:30 PM.
Accommodation Suggestion
While in Jabalpur, they were offered relaxing accommodations at a ghats camp, thanks to a friend’s connection. This arrangement allowed them to refresh before continuing their journey.
Traveling to Varanasi
After a restful night, the group was advised on the best way to enter Prayagraj. They learned it would be preferable to arrive after 11 PM, as vehicle access was restricted during daytime hours. With this advice in mind, they decided to visit Varanasi first before heading to Prayagraj.
Early Morning Drive to Varanasi
The journey to Varanasi began early the next day at 4 AM. After a seven-hour drive, they reached their destination by 1 PM. Varanasi, known for its temples and ghats, was bustling with visitors, especially at the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Visiting the Temples and Ghats
Once in Varanasi, the travelers aimed to experience the spiritual atmosphere and participate in the Kashi Vishwanath darshan. However, upon seeing the long lines and realizing it would take about six hours to wait, they decided to skip this visit. Understanding the importance of their schedule for Prayagraj, they did not want to risk delays.
Night Travel to Prayagraj
At 10 PM, the group departed Varanasi for Prayagraj, anticipating arrival around 1 AM. Once they parked, they set out on foot to Triveni Sangam, a sacred confluence of three rivers.
The Holy Dip
After a 5-kilometer walk, they reached the Sangam. They took a holy dip in the early hours at 3:30 AM, which was a highlight of their trip. Everything felt serene and spiritually uplifting.
Challenges on the Return Journey
After enjoying their spiritual experience, they headed back to Jabalpur at 5:30 AM. However, they encountered some difficulties. The area was barricaded, effectively trapping them in Prayagraj until 9 AM, when they were finally allowed to leave via local roads to bypass highway congestion.
Long Drive to Jabalpur
The drive was challenging, especially since they were on unfamiliar local routes. After some time on the road, they received alarming news from Google Maps—there was a two-hour delay on the highway to Jabalpur due to an accident.
Taking a Break
Concerned about the stalled traffic, they decided to take a break for dinner. After the meal, despite hoping for improvements in the traffic situation, they found the conditions unchanged. With no hotel rooms available nearby, they opted to sleep in their car, an experience unusual yet necessary under the circumstances.
Early Morning Departure
At 2 AM the following day, they awoke and continued their journey back to Hyderabad. Luckily, the highway had cleared up, allowing for a smoother return trip.
Notable Observations
On the way back, the group noted several areas along the highway that were blocked off due to ongoing traffic problems as many people were trying to reach Prayagraj.
Conclusion
Overall, the trip was a remarkable blend of adventure and spirituality. Despite the challenges of timing, traffic, and the necessity of sleeping in the car, the travelers cherished the opportunity to witness the sacred Triveni Sangam and undertake a memorable road trip. The experience was not just about reaching a destination but also about embracing the journey, making for wonderful memories along the way.
