Allahabad is one of the holiest cities for Hindus located in Uttar Pradesh. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma chose this city for the confluence of three rivers; Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati river which is believed to be underground. Lord Brahma also referred Allahabad as the King of all pilgrimage centres.
Every year atleast one million pilgrims travel to Allahabad during the Uttarayan also known as Makar Sankranti. The city is famous for the Sangam, confluence of two of the holiest rivers in India The Ganga and Yamuna. Millions of Hindu pilgrims travel Allahabad for a holy dip in the Sangam.
Due to this Holy Sangam, Allahabad is the venue of Maha Kumbh Mela, that takes place once every 12 years. Maha Kumbh is the holiest festival for Hindus. The last Maha Kumbh Mela took place in 2001. Around 60 million devotees took a bath in Ganga during the last Maha Kumbh making it the largest gathering of humans in the world. Thousands of foreign tourists also travel to Allahabad for the Maha Kumbh Mela widely considered as the largest religious gathering.
Today Allahabad is not just an important pilgrimage center but its a nice place for spending holiday as well. Tourists can enjoy wonderful Mughal architecture in the city as well several temples.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Ideal time to travel Allahabad is winter (October to March). The temperature remains pleasant enough for the visit especially for tourists from Western Countries. The summer is quite hot with temperature crossing 40 degree Celsius mark consistently.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Allahabad Fort - The fort is prime example of Mughal architecture. The fort was built by the Akbar after conquering the city. The fort has lost its original look due to restoration work however Zenana Palace still remains as marvelous as it was hundred years ago. The fort stands on the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna. The main attraction of the fort is 35 feet high Ashoka Pillar outside the main entrance of the fort.
Khusro Bagh - The Khusro Bagh is the tomb of Mughal King Shah Jahan's elder brother Khusro. The walls of the tomb are painted with beautiful birds and flowers. There's another tomb nearby which is believed to be of Khusro's sister.
Anand Bhawan - Anand Bhawan is the ancestral home of India's first Prime Minister - Jawaharlal Nehru. Today this place has been turned into memorial and museum. Visitors are learn about the India's freedom movement. There are personal belongings of Nehru Family at display in the museum. The building also feature Jawahar Planetarium.
Thornhill Mayne Memorial - This place once served as the legislative assembly during the British rule in India. This beautiful white sandstone monument has been turned into public library.
All Saints Cathedral - This beautiful 13th Century Gothic style cathedral was built by William Emerson, the same person who designed Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. The cathedral was made from the Jaipur marble.
Company Bagh - This park has very important place in Indian history. Onsite are the Allahabad Museum, Victoria memorial and Thornhill Mayne Memorial. However this park is known for the place where Chandrashekhar Azad, the most feared freedom fighter was killed.
Dashaswamedh Temple - The temple is located on the exact place where Lord Brahma performed Parikshit Yajna and Allahabad got its first name, Prayag.
Bare Hanumanji Temple - One of the most famous Hanuman temple in India. The statue of Hanuman in the temple is consider to be among the oldest in India.
FESTIVALS
Magh Mela - Some people consider it as a sneak peak of Maha Kumbh mela. This festival takes place every year in January and February.
Maha Kumbh Mela - The largest gathering of Humans, takes place once in 12 years. Maha Kumbh is the holiest festival for Hindus. Next Maha Kumbh will take place in 2013 and over 100 million people are expected to participate in it.
ALLAHABAD HOTELS
Due to large number of devotees, Allahabad is dominated by Dharamshalas, the best budget option for the tourists. However there are several hotels in Allahabad like Grand Continental Hotel Allahabad and Hotel Yatrik Allahabad.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - Allahabad Airport is a military base therefore only very few commercial flights are available to the city. The nearest airports are at Varanasi (120km) and Lucknow (200km). The best option for international tourists is to arrive at Delhi and take any train to Allahabad.
By Train - Allahabad has four railway stations that keeps the city well connected with rest of the country. There are direct trains to Allahabad from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata etc.
By Road - Allahabad is connected via 2 national highways - NH2 and NH27. You can either drive or take bus from any North Indian city to reach Allahabad.
