Allahabad Travel Guide
Travel to Allahabad - Mughal Fort, Tombs and the Kumbh Mela
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At Allahabad 3 rivers converge: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mystical, invisible Saraswati. The joining point is a holy bathing point at the time of the Kumbh Mela attracting millions of pilgrims. Home to a wonderful Moghul fort and several tombs, interesting temples and the home-cum-museum of Jarwarharlal Nehru there is much to enjoy in this little-visited city.
One of the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad has its roots in Hindu mythology even if it does have a Muslim-given name. It is said that Lord Brahma chose a land on earth where three rivers would flow in to a quiet confluence and recorded evidence also exists in the revered Vedas and Ramayana and Mahabharata epics of this holy place, formerly called Prayag.
Allahabad stands at the confluence of two of India's holiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna. A third, mythical river, the Saraswati is believed to flow underground towards the Sangam, gives the confluence its other name "Triveni".
Sangam, as the confluence is called, is the venue of many sacred fairs and rituals, and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. This number swells to millions during the world-famous Kumbh Mela.
Founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1575 the monarch realized its strategic importance and so built a magnificent fort here. Over the centuries that followed, Allahabad remained at the forefront of national importance especially so during the days of the Indian independence struggle.
Attractions in Allahabad
The city’s fort, built by Akbar in 1583 has massive walls and three gateways and is a key landmark of the city. Within the fort is Patalapuri Temple and its famous banyan tree.
Khusru Bagh is a large, walled park and is the site of a striking tomb for fated Prince Khusru, eldest son of Emperor Jehangir.
During the British Raj Allahabad was an important cantonment and has some beautiful remnants of colonial architecture. It was here in Allahabad that the national heroes Jarwarharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi planned the overthrow of the British and the Nehru family home, Anand Bhawan (Bliss House) is today an interesting museum.
Other attractions in the city include Allahabad Museum and All Saints Cathedral.
The famous Kumbh Mela takes place in Allahabad every 12 years. It is the largest single gathering of people for a religious purpose anywhere in the world with attendees – at the same time – measured in the millions. A vast tented city is erected and the faithful come to bathe at the sangam. The event is attended by ordinary Hindus, sadhus in large numbers and Western travellers. The next Mela takes place in Allahabad in 2013 between January 27th to February 25th. The main bathing date is February 10th.
Activities in Allahabad
Allow a full day to see Allahabad’s sights.
Relaxing
Why not go for a sugar overdose and shop for some of Allahabad’s famous sweets of Mahatma Gandhi Road?
Getting Around
The best way to explore is with your own driver-guide or by using a taxi – Allahabad is a large city and cannot be explored on foot.
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