ALLAHABAD

ALLAHABAD



In 1575 AD, Mughal Emperor Akbar founded the city and named it Illahabas, whose pronunciation latter corrupted into Allahabad. The city stands at the confluence of the two most holy rivers of the Hindus – Ganges and Jamuna. A third mythical river, Saraswati – the river of enlightenment, believed to flow underground, gives the confluence its name - Triveni. Formerly called Prayag in commemoration of a sacrifice by the Hindu triumvirate Lord Brahma, it is one of the oldest places of Hindu pilgrimage. Sangam, as the confluence is commonly called, is one of the three venues of the famous Kumbh Mela, drawing millions of people on the occasion.  It is said to be the largest assembly of human population on any occasion in the world.

There are many attractions of the city, the important among them being the Sangam, the Fort, Hannuman Mandir, Swaraj Bhawan, Anand Bhawan, the Museum, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, Patthar Girja and the Allahabad University.

At Sangam, Akbar built a fort on the edge of the water, much of which remains intact even today. There is an Ashokan pillar, a sacred well, namely, Saraswati Kup, believed to be the source of the mythical Saraswati River, the Patalpuri Temple and Akshay Bat – a holy banyan tree, believed to be immortal. In the yonder stands the Hannuman Temple.

Homes of Moti Lal Nehru, the Swaraj Bhawan and the Anand Bhawan were once the head quarters of the Indian National Congress and testify to many important events of the Indian freedom struggle. Today, they have been turned into nice museums and also house a planetarium.

The Allahabad University has been the most famous university of 19th century India and still retains its glamour as a revered seat of education. Housing some beautiful colonial buildings, the erstwhile Company Bagh is now known as the Chandra Shekhar Azad Park. Panelled with beautifully stained glass, the Patthar Girja is the most beautiful church of Allahabad.

 Accessibility: Allahabad is on the major Kolkata-Delhi and Kolkata-Mumbai rail routes and therefore, is extremely well connected by rail. The road connections to the city are equally good. Varanasi is the nearest airport, 220kms east of the city.

Accommodation: Standard and luxury Hotels provide good accommodation.

Season: Throughout the year.

Location: Uttar Pradesh, India

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