Allahabad Sightseeing : Places to visit in destination Allahabad

Places to visit in the city Allahabad

KUMBH MELA - Allahabad

The Kumbh Mela, held after every 12 years, is the greatest of north Indian festival-fairs. It attracts millions of devotees from all over the world who congregate at Allahabad on the banks of the holy river to wash their sins and gain redemption. If the Kumbh falls on a Monday, it is called the Somvati Amavasya and is considered to be the most auspicious moment. A dip in the Sangam at that moment is supposed to increase the spiritual benefits manifold

. The last Kumbh Mela was held at the Sangam in January 2001.

SANGAM - Allahabad

The Sangam is one of the most sacred places of the Hindus. Situated around 7 km from Civil Lines, it is the meeting point of three holy rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Pandas (priests) can be seen here perched on small platforms performing puja and assisting the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. The Sangam becomes a hub of activity after every 12 years when it hosts the Kumbh Mela.

ALLAHABAD FORT - Allahabad

The strategic location of Prayag proved decisive in motivating Akbar to build the Allahabad Fort near the Sangam in AD 1583. One is awed by the art, architecture, design, and craftsmanship of the fort. The Indian army now uses the fort and only a part of it is open to the visitors. This huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers. Visitors are allowed to see the Ashoka Pillar, Saraswati Kup (a well, said to be the source of the river Saraswati), and Jodhabai Palace.

PATALPURI TEMPLE AND AKSHAYA VAT - Allahabad

This is an underground temple located inside the Allahabad Fort. The temple is famous as the place where Lord Rama worshipped once. It also finds mention in the travelogue of the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang, who visited India in AD 644. The famous Akshaya Vat (literally, Immortal Tree), one of the most revered tree of the Hindus, is also located within the temple

. A permit from the Ordnance Depot or the Tourist Office is required for visiting the Patalpuri Temple and the Akshaya Vat.

ANAND BHAWAN - Allahabad

Anand Bhawan is the ancestral home of the Nehrus. Here one is offered a glimpse of the lifestyle of the family that retained for a long time the status of the most important political dynasty in India. Anand Bhawan now houses one of the finest museums of India and a memorabilia of the Nehru–Gandhi family.

SWARAJ BHAWAN - Allahabad

Swaraj Bhawan, lying close to Anand Bhawan, is the house where the former Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born. Built by Pt. Moti Lal Nehru, the building was donated to the nation in 1930 to be used as the headquarters of the Congress Committee. Today, the Swaraj Bhawan houses the Jawaharlal Nehru Trust.

KHUSRAU BAGH - Allahabad

This is a large garden where the tombs of Khusrau, his sister, and his Rajput mother are located. Khusrau was the son of emperor Jahangir who had made many unsuccessful attempts to assassinate his father and take the reigns in his hands. However, he was murdered by his own brother Shahjahan in the end.

HANUMAN MANDIR - Allahabad

The Hanuman Mandir is a unique temple in the vicinity of the Allahabad Fort. It is renowned for the supine image of the monkey-god Hanuman. This is the only temple to have Hanuman in a reclining posture. Though a very small temple, it is thronged by hundreds of devotees everyday.

ALLAHABAD MUSEUM - Allahabad

Located near Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, the key attractions of the Allahabad Museum are the paintings of Nicholas Roerich, Rajasthani miniatures, terracotta figurines, coins and stone sculptures from the second century BC to modern times. The museum has eighteen galleries and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Monday.