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 which 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
Triveni Sangam
One of the holiest places in Central India, Triveni Sangam is located about 7 kilometres 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.
All three rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati are highly revered rivers in Indian mythology, and hence the confluence point of these rivers hold tremendous religious importance. According to Hindu mythology, taking a bath in the holy Triveni Sangam is supposed to flush away all the sins and free you from the cycle of rebirth. Moreover, the Sangam itself is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. The brownish Ganga meeting the slightly greenish Yamuna is indeed a sight to behold.
If you take a boat ride to the gently flowing waters of Ganga and Yamuna, you’ll be able to make out the difference in colours of water from the two rivers. There are also makeshift wooden banks made at the Sangam. Hence, devotees who want can take a bath right at the confluence point. The water is clean enough at the Triveni Sangam for a bath, especially during the winters; and also not very deep, so it is fun to take a dip in the water here.
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. The Kumbh Mela in Allahabad is held at Prayaga, the site of the convergence of the three holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati, known as Triveni Sangam. Ardh Kumbh Melas are organised every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad.
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 Bhawan
Anand Bhawan is the former residence of Nehru family which has now been transformed into a museum showcasing various artefacts and articles of the era of Independence movement in India. The double-storey mansion was personally designed by Motilal Nehru.
When the prior residence of Nehru’s family Swaraj Bhavan started to be used as an office of Indian National Congress, a new Nehru residence was designed by Motilal Nehru, a notable independence movement leader, and politician. The house is beautifully adorned with the wooden furniture imported from China and Europe and various artefacts from all around the world.
Anand Bhawan has an important historic value not only because of its construction but also for the major role that it has played in the history of India. It was visited by many famous freedom fighters to develop conspiracies to drive Britishers out of the country. In 1970, Anand Bhavan was donated to the Indian government by Indira Gandhi, to convert it into a national museum to keep intact the legacy of the Nehru family.
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 artefacts related to the art, history, archaeology, architecture, environment and literature.
The main highlights of the Allahabad Museum are the rock sculptures, the miniature paintings from Rajasthan, terracotta from Kaushambi, literature and artwork from Bengal School of Art. Beginning from the historic era of Harappan civilisation, the artefacts of the medieval period, the carvings from the Gupta period and Khajuraho, to the Independence struggle of India against the British, Allahabad museum is a treasure of Indian history.
Recently, a new rock gallery was inaugurated in the museum which showcases the pre-historic rock arts. There is also a gallery for the Allahabad Museum Green Project where you can witness the eco-life of the present and past in the digital form. The museum also houses a large collection of Bengal School of Art and Modern Painting of Anagarika Govind, Nicholas and Svetoslav Roerich.
Allahabad Fort
Allahabad Fort is a splendid work of architecture that was built during the reign of Akbar, the Mughal Emperor in 1583. The marvellous 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.
This famous attraction draws thousands of tourists from all over the world not only for its historical importance but also for its architectural magnificence. However, one should note that quite, unfortunately, access to Allahabad Fort is generally closed to the common public. Tourists are allowed inside only during the Kumbh Mela, which is held once every 12 years. Nevertheless, the glorious architecture and the massive build of the monument as it stands strong on the banks of the confluence of the two rivers is a sight to behold!
The Allahabad Fort holds a huge significance and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort is also quite well known for its Akshayavat Tree (Banyan Tree) which, according to a legend, was used by the locals to commit suicide to attain salvation. For those who wish to see the Akshayavat Tree, entry is allowed through a small gate to only the area that is occupied by the magnificent tree. Allahabad Fort is also home to the Patalpuri Temple, which is said to be home to all the gates of hell. The best way to explore the Allahabad Fort from outside is on a boat ride in the river either during sunrise or sunset.
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 own kind.
The shrine is a popular pilgrim spot in the city and stays especially busy on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Located just outside the Allahabad Fort, the Hanuman Mandir is also known as the Lete Hue Hanuman Temple.
One part of this holy site is always submerged, with rising water levels coming only up to Hanuman’s feet. The temple would typically require a 10-stair pathway to reach the idol beneath ground level,
At a little distance from the main city area, one finds the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi. One of the many sacred structures of Tirupati, this one is home to many legends and stories about the Goddess.
The legend has it that while Akasha Raja of Thondamandalam was having a great yagna performed and had the earth ploughed, he found a little girl in a lotus flower, and hence the name. A voice from the skies asked him to love and bring up the child. As she grew up, she was married to Lord Venkateshwara. The temple is frequently visited by the devotees on their spiritual trail around the town.
Magh Mela
Organised 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.
The Magh Mela attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims every year, looking forward to washing their sins off in the holy river at the time of the mela, which is spread over a period of 45 days. The Mela gets its name from its occurrence in the Hindu month of “Magh” or the month of February in the Gregorian calendar. Numerous arrangements are made all over to accommodate the massive crowd the mela observes, thus making it one of the must visit the religious festival in the country.
Boating In Ganges
Boating is one of the top touristy things to do in Allahabad. Watching a sunrise or a sunset with clear water all around you is an ethereal experience. The ghats at a distance also present a pretty picture and the ambiance is divine. Make sure you experience this activity definitely, whenever you are in the city.
Allahabad High Court
The state High Court for Uttar Pradesh is based in Allahabad, known as Allahabad High Court or High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. Built in 1869, the court is one of the earliest to be established in the country. The court practices jurisdiction over the entire state of Uttar Pradesh and has the highest number of serving judges in India i.e. 160.
Must Try Food in Allahabad
1. Sagar Ratna Restaurant
2. Multi Cuisine Restaurant El Chico
3. Punjabi Restaurant Pind Balluchi
4. Old School Cafe
5. Makkhan Vegetarian Restaurant
6. Eat On
7. Khana Khazana Restaurant
8. Muktanandam
9. Eden Cafe by Connoisseur
10. R P Restaurant
How To Get Here
Allahabad is one of the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh and is also centrally located making it very well connected by bus, car, train and air. The most convenient way to reach this city from outside UP is by train or by flight, but within the state, road travel is more convenient and economical. Buses, trains and flights regularly ply to and from other cities in the state as well other major cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.
By Air
Although Allahabad 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.
By Road
Allahabad falls on the NH-2 which runs from Delhi to Kolkata and is part of the Golden Quadrilateral – so the road connectivity from Delhi/Agra/Kanpur/Varanasi/Patna/Kolkata is great. The highway is smooth and very well maintained, and not at all crowded. The road from Lucknow to Allahabad is also pretty good.
There are also quite a few frequent Volvo bus services to Allahabad from Varanasi/Lucknow which have very comfortable seats and run throughout the day, so you can practically just reach the bus station and catch the next bus.
By Train
Allahabad is the headquarters of the North-Central division of Indian railways and is very well connected by train to most major cities in India. There are numerous overnight trains from Delhi/Kolkata, and a lot of trains connecting to nearby cities (Varanasi/Lucknow/Kanpur/Agra) so this is one of the most convenient options. There are quite a few Rajdhanis/Durontos connecting Allahabad to Delhi/Kolkata/Mumbai, so this is one of the most convenient ways to reach Allahabad.