Allahabad finds reference in ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas, Puranas and the epic Ramayana as Prayag, the confluence of the three holy rivers of Yamuna, Ganga and Saraswati. The latter is a subterranean river believed to emerge at the sangam or confluence to join with the other two rivers. Known as ‘tirtha raj’ or the king of all pilgrimages, Allahabad was believed to have been chosen by Lord Brahma for the sacred confluence. According to legend, this is the spot where the sage Bharadwaj had his ashram, where thousands of students lived and studied under him. Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana also visited the ashram.
Located on a strategic point in the heartland of India, Allahabad was also of great importance for the Mughal rulers and later the British.In the heart of northern India, watered by the two sacred rivers of Ganga and Yamuna lies, the pilgrimage city of Allahabad.
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Most important places to Visit in Allahabad
Which all places I can visit along with Allahabad?
Tour Itineries along with Allahabad
Best time to visit Allahabad
How to reach Allahabad
Most important places to Visit in Allahabad
Ganga Gallery
The National Academy of Science, India established the Ganga Gallery in 5, Lajpat Road, New Katra, Allahabad. The motive of this gallery is to make people aware for the conservation and restoration of the river Ganges, by using a scientific approach in order to highlight the religious, culture, socio-economic and scientific aspects of the river.
Opening hours are from 11.00 AM to 1.00 PM and 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM on all week days expect Monday.
Contact no. - 0532-2640224
Sangam
Around 7 km from Civil Lines, overlooked by the eastern ramparts of the fort, wide flood plains and muddy banks protrude towards the sacred Sangam. At the point at which the brown Ganges meets the Greenish Yamuna, pandas (priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. Beaches and ghats are littered with the shorn hair of pilgrims who come to offer pind for their deceased parents.
Boats to the Sangam, used by pilgrims and tourists alike, can be rented at the ghat immediately east of the fort, for the recommended government rate of Rs 30 per head. However, most pilgrims pay around Rs 60 and you can be charged as much as Rs 150. Official prices for a whole boat are between Rs 100 and Rs 120 but can soar to more than Rs 250 during peak seasons.
The holy Sangam is the site for Annual MaghaMela. Boats are available for visitors.
2015 (MaghaMela)- Main Bath Dates
1 05 Janaury PaushPurnima
2 14 Janaury MakarSankranti
3 20 Janaury MauniAmavasya
4 24 Janaury BasantPanchami
5 03 Febraury MaghiPurnima
6 14 Febraury Mahashivaratri
KumbhMela
Hindus traditionally regard river confluences as auspicious places, more so the theSangam at Allahabad, where the Yamuna and the Ganges meet the River of Enlightenment, the mythical Saraswati. According to legend, / Vishnu was carrying a Kumbh (pot) of Amrita (nectar), when a scuffle broke out between the gods, and four drops were spilled. They fell to earth at the four Tirthas of Prayag, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain (Tirtha means "ford of a river") a place where the devout can cross from this finite world into divine celestial realms. The event is commemorated every three years by the KumbhMela, held at each tirtha in turn; the Sangam is known as Tirtharaja, the "King of Tirthas", and its Mela, once every twelve years, is the greatest and holiest of all.
The MahaKumbhMela - the "Great" KumbhMela - is the largest religious fair in India, attended by literally millions of rejoicing the vast floodplains and river banks adjacent to the confluence are overrun by pilgrims, tents, organized in almost military fashion by the government, the local authorities and the police. The mela is especially renowned for the presence of an extraordinary array of religious ascetics - sadhus and mahants - enticed from remote hideaways in forests, mountains and caves.
Allahabad Fort
The massive fort built by emperor Akbar in 1583 A.D., the fort stands on the banks of the Yamuna near the confluence site. In its prime, the fort was unrivalled for its design, construction and craftsmanship. This huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers.
Patalpuri Temple
Within this underground temple, inside the fort, lies the Akshaya Vat - or the immortal tree. Believed to have been visited by Lord Rama, the temple was also seen by the famous Chinese traveller and writer Hiuen Tsang during his visit to this place.
Hanuman Mandir
Near the Sangam, this temple is unique in North India, for its supine image of Hanumana. Here the big idol of Lord Hanumana is seen in a reclining posture. When the Ganga is in spate, this temple gets submerged.
Shankar VimanMandapam
130 feet high with four floors, it has the idols of Kumaril Bhatt, JagatguruShankaracharya, Kamakshi Devi (with 51 Shaktipeethas around), YogsahastraSahastrayogaLinga (2ith 108 Shivas around).
Mankameshwar Temple
Situated near SaraswatiGhat, on the banks of Yamuna, this is one of the famous Shiva Temples of Allahabad.
Minto Park
It is situated near SaraswatiGhat, it has a stone memorial with a four-lion symbol on top, the foundation of which was laid by Lord Minto in 1910.
SwarajBhawan
The old AnandBhawan, which in the year 1930 was donated to the Nation by MotiLal Nehru, to be used as the headquarters of the Congress Committee. MotiLal Nehru renamed it as SwarajBhawan. Late Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born here.
Facility of light & sound show from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm is available at Rs.5.00 per head.
Visiting hours: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm. Closed on Monday's.
Ticket: Rs.10.00
Ph:2467674
AnandBhawan
The erstwhile ancestral home of the Nehru family. Today it has been turned into a fine museum. Here, many momentous decisions, events, related to the freedom struggle took place. The main building houses a museum which displays the memorabilia of the Nehru family.
Visiting hours: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm. Ticket: Rs.10.00. Closed on Mondays and Government holidays.
Phone: 2467071,2467096.
Jawahar Planetarium
For a celestial trip of the scientific kind, visit the Planetarium. Its worth every moment.
Visiting hours: 11:00 am to 04:00 pm. Ticket: Rs. 40.00. Closed on Mondays and 4th Thursday of the month. Phone: (0532)2467093.
SaiDhamMandir (Dramand Road, A.G. Office)
This new Temple of ShirdiSai Baba is situated at Dramnd Road near A.G. Office. A large number of tourist comes on Thrusday to visit.
Allahabad University
One of the most famous universities of India, it has a sprawling campus, graced by fine buildings in Victorian and Islamic architectural styles.
Allababad Museum
The museum has a good collection of sculpture, especially of the Gupta era.Ph:2407409,2408690
Muir College (1874)
Designed by William Emerson, this is an excellent mix of Gothic and Indian architectural elements. Commenced in 1874 and opened in 1886, it has an arcade quadrangle which is dominated by a 200 feet minaret tower in cream coloured sandstone from Mirzapur with marble and mosaic floors. The domes of the Indo-Saracenic structure are clad in Multan glazed tiles.
Chandra Shekar Azad Park
Adjacent to the museum, This splendid park was once known as Company Bagh. It has some fine colonial buildings, including the public library. G.N. Jha research institute and the status odchandraShekhar Azad. Dicated to great martyr chandrashekhar Azad who laid down his life fighting British force here.
All Saints Cathedral (PattharGirjaghar)
This magnificent cathedral, designed by Sir William Emerson in 1870 and consecrated in 1887, is the finest of Anglican Cathedal in Asia is faced in White Stone with red stone dressing. No one visiting the cathedral can fail to be impressed by the beauty of the marble altar with intricate inlay and mosaic work.
KhusroBagh
A large garden in which tombs of Khusro, son of emperor Jahagir and Shah Begam are located.
Public Library (1864)
Standing at Chandra Shekhar Azad Park (Alfred park)l The memorial has a lofty tower and arcaded cloister. In 1879, the library was shifted to the present premises at Chandra ShekharAzad Park (Alfred Park) It has about 75,000 books, besides a treasure trove of manuscripts and journals.
Mayo Memorial Hall (1979)
Situated near the Thornhill and Myne Memorial, this large hall has a 180 feet high tower . The interior of this memorial hall was ornamented with designs by Professor Gamble of the South Kensington Museum, London. Completed in 1879 this hall was meant for public meetings, balls and receptions in commemoration of the assassinated Viceroy.
Which all places I can visit along with Allahabad?
Tour Itineries along with Allahabad
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Destinations Covered: Varanasi - Allahabad - Varanasi
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Mathura - Agra- Allahabad - Varanasi
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Varanasi - Allahabad - Khajuraho - Orchha - Bhopal - Ujjain - Indore - Rishikesh - Delhi
Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
Destinations Covered: Delhi – Patna – Bodhgaya – Varanasi – Allahabad – Faizabad – Lucknow – Delhi –Rishikesh– Pauri – Delhi
Best time to visit Allahabad
From October to March, is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
How to reach Allahabad
How to Reach Allahabad by Air
Bamrauli airport lies 18 kms out of the city. At the time of writing, no commercial airlines operate to Allahabad. The closest operational airport is at Varanasi, which is three hours away by road.
How to Reach Allahabad by Rail
The best way to get to Allahabad is by train. Allahabad is on the main broad gauge trunk line between Delhi and Calcutta. Trains on this line stop at the Allahabad Junction Station in the Civil Lines area.
How to Reach Allahabad by road
The city is extremely well connected from all directions. The city is connected to most places in Uttar Pradesh and around by state and national highways. All east bound traffic coming from the north has to pass Allahabad. The roads are reasonably good and driving on them is quite pleasant, particularly if you have a driver. Buses link Allahabad to all the major north Indian cities including Delhi (643 kms), Gwalior, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow (204 kms), Meerut and Varanasi (122 kms). Buses terminate at the Leader Road bus stand, the Zero Road bus stand and MG Marg bus stand.
More information on Allahabad visit: http://allahabad.nic.in/TouristPlace.htm