Allahabad is a bustling metropolitan centre, one of the largest in Uttar Pradesh. It lies on the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna and this riverine topography defines the city. It consists of the old city with areas such as Chowk, Dariyabad and Khuldabad, modern localities of Civil Lines and Mumfodganj and suburbs of Jhalwa, Naini and Jhunsi located on both banks of the Ganga. Allahabad district includes many towns and villages close to the city.
Allahabad Civil Lines
Meticulously planned and developed during British rule, Civil Lines in the north of Allahabad continues to be the city’s most prestigious locality and is at the heart of its central business district. Developed by Cuthbert Bensley Thornhill in 1857, its landmarks include the All Saints Cathedral, Allahabad High Court, Palace Theatre, Indira Bhawan, Allahabad University and the Railway Station. Indira Bhawan is a commercial complex. Other city landmarks such as Khusrou Bagh and Anand Bhavan are on its periphery. Civil Lines was developed on the modern grid pattern and boasts broad avenues, spacious parks and large residential areas. Localities close by include Lukerganj, Georgetown, Tagoretown and Mumfordganj.
Chowk
Part of the old city of Allahabad, it is where the traditional bazaar is located. Crowded and chaotic to most outsiders, it is one the main markets in North India and where anything from vegetables and spices to garments and household goods can be bought. It is also known for its street food with any number of stalls serving a variety of chaats. Near Chowk are the localities of Dariyabad, Johnstongunj and Khuldabad. Dariyabad has a number of Imambaras built by Shias. The Allahabad Fort and Khusrou Bagh are also close by.
Katra
In the very heart of Allahabad, it is a major commercial area with showrooms of every kind catering to every need. Here one can pick up anything from electrical appliances to clothes to furniture.
Kareli
A new locality in Allahabad, it was developed by Awas Vikas in 1979 and is one of the biggest planned residential colonies in India. It includes such neighbourhoods as GTB Nagar, Gaus Nagar, Shams Nagar and Rehmat Nagar.
Jhunsi
Jhunsi is Allahabad’s largest suburb. It is beyond Allahapur. Very close to the Ganga, it is home to the Harish Chandra Research Institute, GB Pant Social Science Research Centre, Vihangam Yoga and a Vishnu temple. A well, the Samudrakoop, which never dries up is also located here. There are some archaeological mounds here. They are evidence of the city’s ancient past as Prayag.
Phaphamau
A suburb of Allahabad, very close to the Ganga, Phaphamau is home to a homeopathic medical college. Allahabad Development Authority has developed a colony called Shantipuram here. Devprayag, a unique model school is also located here. The locality of Teliarganj is close by.
Jhalwa
A suburb in the eastern part of Allahabad, Jhalwa is home to the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Kendriya Vidyalaya.
Naini
A satellite town of Allahabad on the opposite bank of the Ganga, it is home to Naini Prison where many freedom fighters including Jawaharlal Nehru were imprisoned. It is also famous for the fact that the first airmail arrived here from Allahabad in 1911. Today Naini has a developed as a major industrial centre and is home to such companies as ITI, Steel Authority of India, Food Corporation of India and Raymond. Many ashrams as well as schools and colleges are also located here. Naini is accessible from the city centre via two bridges. It has its own railway station.
Handia
Part of Allahabad district, Handia is 50 km away from the city. It is home to one of the country’s oldest polytechnics which was inaugurated in 1956 by Jawaharlal Nehru. NH2 passes through Handia.
Koraon
Located in Allahabad district, Koraon is 75 km away from the city.