Allahabad, India
Synonymous to Sangam (confluence in English), Allahabad is an ancient city of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh having a contemporary feel. The city is situated on the confluence of three holy rivers – Ganges, Yamuna and the invisible river of Saraswati. This is the greatest reason that makes the city one of the holiest places to be visited. The serene and sacred place may charm the visitors with its beautiful Ghats, Sangam and warm Indian hospitality. The relaxed pace of life here brings a highly essential break to the travelers from the hums and buzz of city life.
The confluence of the three holy rivers is collectively known as Triveni or Sangam. This is why; Allahabad is a well-known pilgrimage hub for Hindu devotees. Apart from religious significance, immense historical importance is also attached to this city that wonderfully reflects in its heritage culture. Steeped into sheer historical grace and mythological influence, Allahabad is also a hub of Hindu folklores and modern politics.
Allahabad is also known as Prayag because Lord Brahma is said to have come down on earth at this place. Along with being religiously and politically important, Allahabad is also famous for one thing that is Maha Kumbh and Ardh-Kumbh. Both of these are holy fairs that are celebrated in 12 years and 6 years consequently. Maha Kumbh is the largest gathering of worshippers and mankind on the earth. During the fair, the whole city becomes like a camp. Separate camps are dotted for the visitors and worshippers. Many people visit the city during this fair.
Visit in Allahabad
Allahabad is not only known for Sangam and Maha-Kumbh. There are other tourist attractions as well in the city. It has various other places to offer the tourists for sightseeing. The city also boasts off many of the famous parks and museums of India along with usual tourist attractions. Alfred Park and Minto Park have historical significance where various historical events have taken place. Allahabad is also famous for housing its several museums, including Anand Bhawan and Allahabad Museum. Explore in details about the best places to visit in Allahabad.
Allahabad Fort is located on the northern banks of Yamuna close to the confluence of the city. It is a must-visit attraction in Allahabad. The magnificent fort was made by Emperor Akbar in the year 1583. This work of art and craftsmanship is now served for the army as a barrack. However, a substantial part of the fort is remains available for the visitors for sightseeing. At once, this fort used to be one among the best barracks in the entire Mughal Empire. Now, very less of the fort is left for exploration. Allahabad Fort features huge walls and three entryways that are bordered by high towers.
Anand Bhavan is the ancestral home of Nehru family. The place was donated to the Indian government in 1970 by Indira Gandhi. Later on, this converted into a fine museum. This place becomes more important due to the fact that various important decisions and events, related to the freedom struggle had been taken here. The main building of this monument houses the museum displaying the memorabilia of the entire Nehru family.
Alfred Park is an important tourist destination in the historical city of Allahabad. It is not only the largest park in Allahabad but also has historical importance. The park is noted for housing a huge statue of George V and Victoria. These statues were installed in the heart of the park. The park was the place where various official ceremonies during the British era used to be happened along with the musical performances of the Police Band.
Allahabad Museum is one of the wonderfully maintained museums of India and this makes it one of the most visited sightseeing places in Allahabad. The museum has separate galleries for various specialties like archeological findings, natural history exhibits, and art and artifacts donated by Jawaharlal Nehru. The museum displays a huge collection of things that are spread across its 18 galleries. The objects kept on display are prehistoric and Indus Valley antiquities, Buddhist thanks, stone sculptures, terracotta, bronzes, miniature paintings, textile materials, weapons, documents and much more. Antiquities from various schools of sculptures are kept on display here.
Allahabad University is officially University of Allahabad, which was the 4th contemporary university instituted in India. The university was founded on 23rd September, 1887. The university is known for maintaining sound academic traditions and several surprising achievements.
Khusrau Bagh is located near Allahabad railway station. It is a must visit tourist destination in Allahabad. The park is known for great historical significance and is a huge walled garden. This park houses the tombs of Prince Khusrau - a son of Emperor Jahangir and Man Bai (Shah Begum).
Minto Park, officially Madan Mohan Malaviya Park, is the prime tourist attraction of Allahabad. The park enjoys a prominent place in the history and it is an ideal place to visit for both the researchers and leisure visitors. Minto Park is constructed over a site close to the Saraswati Ghat in Yamuna. The site enjoys an extraordinary place in the history of British era.
Sangam is the greatest attraction of the city, which literally means confluence. The place has been named due to being the confluence of holy Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and vanishing Saraswati. The place is considered to very much sacred in Hindu religion and many religious activities are performed at this place.
Standing proudly in the Allahabad Fort, this is an elegant sandstone pillar. The pillar is 10.6 meters high and dates back to 232 BC. This pillar has several edicts. Inscriptions done on the pillar admire the victories of Samudragupta – a great Mauryan king. A Persian inscription of the Mughal emperor - Jahangir and inscriptions about contemporary kings can be also found on the pillar.
Situated close to Allahabad Fort, Hanuman Mandir is a unique temple. There is a huge idol of Lord Hanuman installed in this temple. The idol is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide and placed in a reclining position. If the river Ganges is on its full wave, the temple gets submerged. A legend says that the water level of river rises as the Ganga wishes to touch the feet of Lord Hanuman.
Constructed by the British, All Saints Cathedral is a great example of Gothic architecture. Positioned amidst the lush greenery, the church enjoys unique old world charm and is known for completely calm and serene atmosphere.
Built in the year 1979, Allahabad Planetarium is located beside Anand Bhawan. Five shows run daily in this planetarium. Each show is a celestial journey, which displays interesting and fascinating aspects of space and astronomy. There is a moon model on display. The planetarium is also called as Jawahar Planetarium.
Allahabad, India
March to Mid-June, warm and hot
Temperature:32°C – 46°C
July to October, torrential rainfall
Annual rainfall -250 cm
Last November to February, Cool and Pleasant
Temperature:19°C – 5°C
Sights of Allahabad
