Allahabad (Introduction)
According to Hindu mythology, for the 'Prakrishta Yagna', Lord Brahma, the creator - God of the Trinity, chose a piece of land on earth, on which the three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati - would flow into a quiet confluence. That land, blessed by the Gods, came to be called 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad', as it is known today. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres of India.

From the realms of mythology and legends, the history of Allahabad, then moved through time to 1575 A.D., when Emperor Akbar founded a city, of lavish proportions, and named it Allahabad. Allahabad lies 135 km west of Varanasi in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is at the confluence of the Ganga (also Ganges), Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River, the point of their mingling known as Sangam. Also known by its old name of Prayag, the city is an educational hub and a great pilgrimage center, especially the world-famous Kumbh Mela.

History
Allahabad built on a very ancient site, was known in Aryan times as Prayag, and Brahma himself is said to have performed a sacrifice here. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang described visiting the city in 634 AD, and it acquired its present name in 1584, under Akbar. Later on Allahabad was taken by the Marathas, sacked by the Pathans and finally ceded to the British in 1801 by the Nawab of Avadh.

It was in Allahabad that the East India Company officially handed over the control of India to the British government in 1858, following the Mutiny. The city was a center of the Indian National Congress and at the conference here in 1920, Mahatma Gandhi proposed his program of nonviolent resistance to achieve independence.

Places to VISIT
Sangam
The sacred Sangam is the confluence of three of the holiest rivers in Hindu mythology - Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. It is believed that it is at the Sangam, that a few drops of the nectar 'Amrit Bindu' fell .. making its waters truly magical. It is during the Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh that the Sangam truly comes alive .. attracting the devout from all across the country.

Allahabad Fort
Built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 A.D., the fort stands on the banks of the Yamuna, near the confluence site. In its prime, the fort was unrivalled for its design, construction and craftsmanship. This huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries, flanked by high towers.

Patalpuri Temple
Within this underground temple, inside the fort, lies the Akshayavat - or the immortal tree.

Ashoka Pillar
This gigantic Ashoka pillar, of polished sandstone, stands 10.6 m high, dating back to 232 B.C. The pillar has several edicts, and a Persian inscription of Emperor Jahangir inscribed on it, commemorating his accession to the throne.

Hanuman Temple
This unique temple at the Sangam, is the only one in North India, where the idol of Lord Hanuman, is to be seen in a reclining posture.

Mankameshwar Temple
Situated near Saraswati Ghat, on the banks of the Yamuna, this is one of the famous Shiv temples of Allahabad.

Anand Bhawan
The erstwhile ancestral home of the Nehru family, the Bhawan has witnessed several epoch - creating events of the freedom struggle. The main building houses a museum, displaying the memorabilia of the Nehru family.

Jawahar Planetarium
For a celestial trip of the scientific kind, visit the planetarium. It is an experience worth a lifetime.

All Saints Cathedral
Dedicated to the memory of people of all ages and places, who have kept their faith in the Almighty, this Cathedral is one of the finest cathedrals, in the country. Designed more than a century ago, by Sir William Emerson, the structure has some truly exceptional glass murals.
Khusru Bagh
This garden houses the tomb of Khusru, son of Salim and Shah Begum.

SITES NEARBY

Pratisthanpuri
Pratisthanpuri (Jhusi) is Situated 9 km from Allahabad, It has many ashrams and temples and can be reached from Allahabad by taxis, buses, and boats, etc.

Kaushambi
This Place is around 62 Km from Allahabad,Kaushambi is traditionally associated with the Mahabharata. The city was once a great Buddhist center. Lord Buddha is believed to have visited Kaushambi twice to deliver discourses. The ruins of an ancient fort bear witness to the antiquity of the place. There are also remains of a monastery.

Bhita
Bhita (20 km) is an archeological site with remains dating back to 300 bc.

Shringverpur
This place is around 40 Km from Allahabad, Shringverpur was once the capital city of the kingdom of Nishadraj (King of Boatmen). Legend has it that Lord Rama stayed here overnight while going to the forest. Before steering Rama across the Ganga in his boat, his feet were washed by Nishadraj.

Best time to visit : November to February

Languages : Hindi, English, and Urdu,

Fairs And Festivals

Kumbh Mela
One of the largest congregations of devout Hindus from all over the world, the Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years, on the banks of the Sangam. A holy dip in the sacred waters, and offerings to the Sun-God, are believed to cleanse the soul.

Ardh Kumbh Mela
The half Kumbh, this festival is held once every six years, on the banks of the Sangam.

Dussehra
Dussehra time in Allahabad is an experience, unrivalled by any other in the rest of northern India. During this period, in the evening and at night, beautifully decorated tableau are taken out from different localities, depicting various scenes from Indian mythology.

How to Get There

By Air: The nearest airports are Varanasi, Kanpur and Lucknow.

By Rail: The city has direct rail connections with important cities like Delhi, Calcutta, Patna, Gwalior, Meerut, Chennai, Mumbai, Varanasi and Guwahati.

By Road: Allahabad, on National Highway 2 and 27, is connected to the rest of the country by good, motorable all-weather roads.