Allahabad - Confluence of Holy Tourist Places

Allahabad is only place where the remains of the dead take rest and leave for the ethereal abode, and get rid of their eternal cycle of birth and rebirth. Allahabd is also the land where some of India's most charismatic people have either taken birth or made it their Permanent abode. Situated in Utar Pradesh, at a distance of 238 km from the state capital Lucknow, Allahabad is one of the holiest cities of India and prominent centre for culture, administration and education....

The city finds mention in the sacred scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, and the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as Prayag. The city is especially sacred for the Hindus, as it is here that the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati meet. Because of the confluence of three rivers, it is also called the Sangam. The Kumbh Mela is held here after every twelve years. Being a city with a rich history, Allahabad offers many sight seeing options to the tourists. History buffs tourists would have a great time visiting the Allahabad Fort and Khusrau Bagh while the spiritually inclined tourist would find peace of mind at the ghats of the Sangam, Patalpuri Temple and Hanuman Mandir, Besides, there are various places that are associated with India's freedom struggle like Anand Bhawan and Swaraj Bhawan. The vicinity of Allahabad is dotted with many places of tourist attractions, both historical and religious. Jhusi (also Prathishthanpuri) is a serene place dotted by ashrams and temples. Barely 9 km from Allahabad, it is a hot favourite among the tourists. Another notable place is Kaushambi (62km), which finds mention even in the Mahabharatha, Kara (70 km), sringverpur (40 km), and Bhita (20 km) are some other places that are worth visiting.
1) KUMBH MELA: Held once in every 12 years. It attracts millions of devotees from all over the world who congregate at Allahabad on the banks of holy river to wash their sins and gain redemption. A dip in the Sangam at that moment is supposed to increase the spiritual benefits manifold. 2) SAMGAM : It is one of the most sacred places, and is the meeting point of three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The Sangam becomes a hub of activity after every 12 years when it hosts the Kumbh Mela. 3) ALLAHABAD FORT : The strategic location of Prayag proved decisive in motivating Akbar to build the Allahabad Fort near 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 for has three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers. Visitors are allowed to see the Ashoka Pillar, Saraswati Kup and Jodhabai Palace. 4) PATALPURI TEMPLE AND AKSHAYA VAT : 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 Hiun Tsang, who visited India in AD 644. The famous Akshaya Vat, one of the most revered trees of the Hindus, is also located. 5) ANAND BHAWAN : Ancestral home of the Nehrus. Anand Bhawan now houses one of the finest museums of India and a memorabilia of the Nehru-Gandhi family. 7) SWARAJ BHAWAN : Lying close to Anand Bhawan, is the house where the former Prime Minister of Indira Gandhi was born. 8) KHUSRAU BAGH : This is a large gerden where the tombs of Khusrau, his sister, and his Rajput mother are located. Khusrau was the son of emperor Jahangir. 9) HANUMAN MANDIR ; The Hanuman Mandir is a unique temple in the vicinity of the Allahabad Fort. It is renowned for the superfine image of the monkey-god Hanuman. This is the only temple to have Hanuman is a reclining posture. Though a very small temple, it is thronged by hundreds of devotee's everyday. 10) ALLAHABAD MUSEUM : Located near Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, the key attractions of the Allahabad Museum are the paintings of Nicholas Roerich, Rajasthani Miniatures, terracotta figurings, coins and stone sculptures from the second century BC to modern times. The museum has eighteen galleries. 11) SIGHTS WORTH VISITING : Bhita : An archeological site. A museum housing stone and metal seals and various terracota statues is also located here. JHUSI : Find many ashrams and temples. KARA, KAUSHAMBI, SHRINGVERPUR etc.

How to reach : By Air : Allahabad hdoes not have an airport of its own. The nearest airports are at Varanasi, 147 km, and Lucknow, 210 km. By Rail : Allahabad is situated on the Delhi-Kolkata route and can be reached from any part of India by rail. It is connected with Delhi and Kolkata by several superfast trains in India. By Road : Allahabad has a good road network. Other cities of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh are easily accessible through road.