Allahabad, now officially known as Prayagraj, is a city located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Reminiscent of all that is spiritual and sacred in Hinduism, Allahabad is famous for Triveni Sangam or the meeting point of three rivers – the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati. Built on the site of the ancient town of Prayag, Allahabad has, since time immemorial, held the largest Hindu gathering on the banks of the Sangam – the Maha Kumbh Mela. While the Sangam city is often passed over for more travel-friendly cities, there is a lot to Allahabad besides just its religion.
Prayag or Prayagraj had been the ancient name of the city of Allahabad. Pra means “first” and Yag means “devotion”. Prayag also signifies the coming together of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. After the Mughal invasion, Emperor Akbar, impressed by the location named the city Ilahabas that meant “Abode of God”. Emperor Shah Jahan, his grandson, renamed the city to Allahabad.
One of the top places to visit in Allahabad, if you’re spiritually inclined (and even if you’re not because this place deserves a visit), Triveni Sangam is a place bustling with tourists and locals all year round. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a religious occasion that is held here every twelve years and is attended by millions of pilgrims from all across the globe. The Allahabad Fort is another monument of historical significance and is a heritage site recognized by the UNESCO. Built during the reign of Akbar, this fort is also a fine example of the curation and craftsmanship of the Mughal era.
Other popular places to visit in Allahabad include the Anand Bhavan, All Saints Cathedral, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and Allahabad Museum.
Allahabad finds its mention in Hindu Scripture Mahabharata as Kaushambi, the place which Kuru rulers of Hastinapur made their capital. It was also a provincial capital of Mughals under the rule of Jahangir. The places ooze heritage, history, and stories galore, and once you visit, you will definitely have seen Allahabad differently for having travelled to and through it.
Places to visit In Allahabad
Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela, widely regarded as the largest gathering of pilgrims in the world, is a very important event for Hinduism. Held in at four different areas, a great number of Hindus arrive at the fair to bathe in the holy rivers, a ritual meant to cleans them of sin and bring purity to their lives. The Kumbh Mela is held every three years in a rotation between Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik, and Ujjain, thus occurring once every twelve years at each destination
Triveni Sangam: One of the holiest places in Central India, Triveni Sangam is located about 7 kilometers away from Civil Lines in Allahabad (Prayagraj). It is the meeting point of three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (which is a mythical river, supposed to have dried up more than 4,000 years ago). It is one of the places where the Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years. The exact date of the Mela is determined according to the Hindu calendar i.e. the Panchanga.
Khusro Bagh: Lying at Lukarganj, Khusro Bagh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Allahabad. The walled bracketing of the Khusro Bagh is a stunning remnant of the Mughal architecture.
It houses three sandstone tombs of the Jehangir family; his wife; Shah Begum, his oldest son; Khusrau Mirza and his daughter; Sultan Nithar Begum. Most of the design of the place is credited to Aqa Reza, an artist on Jehangir’s court. Landscaped amid an elaborately beautiful garden of guava trees and roses, the Bagh cites intricate carvings and inscriptions on each of the mausoleums.
Anand Bhavan: Anand Bhawan is the former residence of Nehru family, which has now been transformed into a museum showcasing various artifacts and articles of the era of Independence movement in India. The double-story mansion was personally designed by Motilal Nehru.
Allahabad Museum: Situated inside the famous Chandrashekar Azad Park, the Allahabad Museum is one of the national-level museums of India. It gives an insight into the history, culture, heritage and independence movement of India through the amazing displays of artifacts related to the art, history, archaeology, architecture, environment and literature.
Allahabad Fort: Allahabad Fort is a splendid work of architecture that was built during the reign of Akbar, the Mughal Emperor in 1583. The marvelous structure is located on the banks of the confluence of the Rivers Ganga and Yamuna and is well-known for being the largest fort ever built by Akbar.
Ashoka Pillar: A significant remnant of the Gupta era, the Allahabad Pillar is one of the many pillars set up by the Mauryan emperor, Ashoka. This polished sandstone spire hones inscriptions from the Samudragupta and Jahangir era, of the 4th BCE and 17th Century respectively.
Bade Hanuman Temple: Colloquially known as Bade Hanuman Mandir, Hanuman Temple is located at Sangam area of Allahabad. Constructed underground, with a leaning posture of a 20-feet long and 8-feet wide deity of Hanuman, this temple is one of its kind.
Magh Mela: Organized every year in the pristine city of Allahabad, Magh Mela is the mini version of the famous Kumbh Mela. Taking place at the confluence of the three great Indian rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Prayag near Allahabad, the mela is held in the Hindu month of Magh (January/February) every year and is a much-awaited event amongst the pilgrims.
Best time to visit Allahabad?
The best time to visit Allahabad is during the winter months of October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing. Though Allahabad is accessible throughout the year, summer temperatures can get uncomfortably high, and it is best to avoid this time. During the monsoon, the Ghats may not be accessible, and there are restrictions on people bathing in the river.
How to reach Allahabad
Although Prayagraj Airport has its own airport, there is currently only one flight every day from Delhi (Air India). If you want to reach completely by flight, you can take the connecting flight from Delhi. Another option would be to take a flight to Varanasi (120 km) or Lucknow (200 km) and take an AC bus/cab from there.
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