Allahabad is a large metropolitan city and it is the seventh most populous city with several municipalities and a large portion under Allahabad district. The name Allahabad was given by Mughal Emperor Akbar which means the “Garden of God". The city has supreme exposure for tourist especially for its religious and historical influence. There are several attractions in the city which pull in visitors from various parts of the world.
Few of these famous tourist attractions are mentioned below.
PatalPuri Temple
Situated inside Allahabad Fort, this is an underground temple famous for the popular belief that Lord Rama used to offer prayers in this place. One can also find the mention of this place in the book of Hiuen Tsang around 644 AD. The Akshaya Vat is the immortal tree which is present for years and sight to be seen. But unfortunately this place can only be seen with a written request from Tourist office.
Location: Allahabad Fort, 7 km from railway station. One can hire a cab to reach here
Allahabad Fort
It is the location of the place that motivated the Mughal Emperor, Akbar - The Great, to built in the architectural brilliance through Allahabad Fort near Sangam (confluence of three rivers) in the year AD 1583. Such was the craftsmanship and design that it bewildered all and till date it remains one of the ultimate architectural works of the era. Though the fort is now used by the Indian Army and most of its parts are sealed for public visitors but still there remain few places which have been permitted for tourist visit. In the fort there are three main galleries which are the Ashoka Pillar, Jodhbhai Palace and Saraswati Kup. These three towers are open for public visit and tourist flock in to see the supreme craftsmanship of these places.Location: About 7 km from railway station. One can hire a taxi or a rickshaw to visit the fort.
Timings: 6am to 5pm on all days
Kumbh Mela Allahabad
One of the greatest affairs attended by millions of people from around the world is based in Allahabad and that is the Kumbh Mela which takes place near the confluence of three rivers. This is a pious occasion and comes in every 12 yrs. It is believed that God comes close to earth during this time and showers blessing to human all over. It is also believed that Kumbh Mela falls on a Monday then it is Somvati Amavasya which is the most pious occasion. A dip in the Sangam on such a day will decrease the sins and increase spiritual benefits.
Triveni Sangam Allahabad
For the Hindus, Triveni Sangam has an altogether different meaning and it is highly believed by them. Triveni Sangam virtually means the confluence of three rivers, Ganga Yamuna and Saraswati but for the Hindus it is a pious destination. Priests come here to conduct puja and other rituals for devotees and take bath for their own spiritual peacefulness. Every 12 years at the time of Kumbh Mela, it becomes a hub of religious activity with huge footfalls.Anand Bhavan Allahabad
The ancestral house which belongs to the Nehrus, the prime political family of the country, is based here. This place offers a glimpse of the lifestyle that the family maintained the beliefs and their basics. Now Anand Bhavan has been turned into a museum which is a memorabilia of Gandhi-Nehru family.
Location: 3.5km from Allahabad railway station.
Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Allenganj, Allahabad,
Timings: 9.30 to 5pm except Monday when the place remains closed
Swaraj Bhavan Allahabad
This beautiful house is the birthplace of our own former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It is very close to Anand Bhavan and was built by Pt Moti Lal Nehru. The building was later donated to the Congress committee to be used as their party headquarters in the year 1930. Now the building is transformed into Jawaharlal Nehru Trust. However, now the building holds art and crafts teaching classes to small children.
Khusro Bagh Allahabad
Khusro Bagh is a famous garden where the tombs of famous Mughal emperors and their relatives are present. Built by the Mughal King Jahangir in memory of his beloved son Khusro who was killed by his brother Shah Jahan this is a sandstone mausoleum completed in 1622. It also holds the Tomb of Khusro’s Rajput mother and his sister. The garden is an ideal place for evening walks as well as form spending a relaxing time in the serene quiet atmosphere away from the din and bustle of the city.Location: GT Road near Allahabad Railway Station
Timings: 6am to 7pm
Hanuman Mandir
In the vicinity of Allahabad Fort this is an unique temple of God Hanuman in a reclining position. Though from outside it looks quite simple but it is the faith of devotees which have turned the temple into a popular one.
Location: Allahabad Fort, 7 km from railway station. One can hire a cab to reach here.
Allahabad Museum
Based near Chandra Shekhar Azad Park this museum was inaugurated in 1947. This museum has 18 separate galleries which hold terracotta fittings, stone sculptures, coin sculptures, Rajasthani miniatures and paintings of Nicholas Roerich. The museum is open every day except Monday and remains operation from 10am to 5pm.
Allahabad has a lot of attractions for the religious believers and history lovers. Every year thousands of people turn out to this holy place to offer prayers and receive blessings. It is a destination which attracts all.
