Allahabad
Situated in eastern Uttar Pradesh at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, Allahabad is close to Varanasi, Lucknow and Kanpur. It was formerly known as Prayag. Established by Moghul Emperor Akbarby the name of Illahabas (House of Allah), Allahabad remains a highly religious place for both the Hindus and Muslims. During British rule, Illahabas got its name anglicised as Allahabad.
Allahabad is a famous trade centre, and also boasts of having produced many great scholars, poets, statesmen and leaders. Allahabad is also popular for the biggest gathering of humanity in the world, the Maha Kumbh Mela which takes place at the confluence site (Triveni Sangam) once in 12 years.
How to get there National Highways 2 and 27 connects Allahabad with the rest of India. Both the government and private buses operate to all major towns and cities including Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Patna, Jhansi and Gorakhpur. Allahabad is an important Railway Junction and there are several express as well as superfast trains from ahabad. The Bamrauli Airport is 12 km r°m Allahabad. Air India, Kingfisher, Jet irways, JetLite operate regular flights to and ci°m Allahabad. Other operational airports °se to Allahabad are Varanasi and Lucknow.
Places of interest Sangam: It is the confluence of three of the holiest rivers in Hindu mythology – the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Saraswati. Legend has it that a few drops of the nectar (Amrit) spilled at this confluence, making its waters truly magical. It can be reached travelling 7 km from Civil Lines towards the eastern ramparts of the Allahabad fort. A bath here is said to wash away all the sins and free humans from rebirth. The site is truly a visual treat and one can see the muddy and pale yellow water of Ganges merging with the green waters of the Yamuna. Pandas (Priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their rituals. During the annual Magh Mela (mid-January to mid- February), the sangam draws a multitude of pilgrims, who assemblefora ‘Holydip’ here.
Allahabad Fort: The fort on the banks of the river Yamuna near the confluence site was built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 AD. It is about 8 km from Civil Lines. The fort known for its unrivalled design, construction and craftsmanship is now used by the Indian Army and only a limited area is open to’ visitors. Visitors are allowed to see the Ashoka Pillar and Saraswati Koop, a well, said to be source of the Saraswati river and the Jodhabai Palace. The underground Patalpuri temple is crowded with all sorts of idols. Hanuman Temple: Located near the Sangam, this small temple houses an unusual supine Hanuman statue in reclining posture, which is about 20 ft. in length and 8 ft. in breadth. It is said that during the monsoon when the Ganges is in spate, this temple gets submerged.
Anand Bhawan: This is the former ancestral home of the Nehru family. The Bhawan has witnessed several historical events connected with the freedom struggle. Today it has been turned into a fine museum with a good collection of the Nehru family’s memorablia.
Swaraj Bhawan: It is a massive bungalow constructed by Motilal Nehru in the 1920s to serve as the residence of the Nehru family when the original mansion Anand Bhavan was converted as the local headquarters of the Indian National Congress. It is the birthplace of our late Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. At present, the Bhawan is used for teaching arts and crafts to children and a light and sound programme can also be seen there.
Jawahar Planetarium: Situated near Anand Bhawan, this planetarium draws both the young and old who are interested in science. There are five shows every day except on Mondays and Government holidays.