Places to visit in Allahabad
As I typed the word ‘Allahabad’, my emotions started flowing out because it’s my hometown. It’s not only me who is in love with this city rather every tourist who visits Allahabad once, becomes the admirer of this blessed and flamboyant city. Here, I’m to talk about the places to visit in Allahabad but this entire city deserves a deep description. The origin period of Allahabad is as old as the Indian Vedas itself. This spiritual place has been mentioned in many ancient Hindu manuscripts. Earlier known as ‘Prayag’ or ‘The City of Blessings’, Allahabad is one that place in India where culture, religion, politics, economics, and education meet the boasting historical lineage of its own. The city was renamed as ‘Illahabad’ by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583. Illahabad literally means ‘the garden of Allah’ in Urdu. Later on, it became ‘Allahabad’ form ‘Illahabd’. Allahabad is worldwide known for the Kumbh Mela and the Triveni Sangam but the city has much more to enthrall you. Let’s touch the spirituality of Allahabad while sailing in the soaring waves of mighty Ganga.
Triveni Sangam
The Triveni Sangam is the signature mark of Allahabad. Do you know what this Triveni Sangam is actually? Well, it is the confluence of three major Indian rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. These all three rivers are very revered in Hindu religion and Allahabad is the only place in the country where these sacred rivers meet together. According to Hindu myths, a bath in Triveni Sangam washes away all the sins. Then, I must say I’m a completely sinless person because I have taken more than hundred baths in Triveni Sangam. Anyway jokes apart, taking a bath in Triveni Sangam can be a difficult task for the outsiders because here Ganga flows uncontrollably. So, if you can’t muster up the guts to get into the water, at least go for the boat riding. In the early morning or in sunset enjoying the boat riding in Triveni Sangam while listening the gurgling waves of Ganga and capturing the panoramic view of nature is the best thing you can do in Allahabad. The Kumbh Mela which is the largest religious gathering of Hindus adds more significance to the auspiciousness of Triveni Sangam. It is one of the first places to visit in Allahabad.
Allahabad Fort
Allahabad is so magnetic and enigmatic that nobody can resist himself from its mesmerizing allure. Mughal Emperor Akbar was also one of them. He once visited Allahabad and fell head over heels for the centric location and the bewitching charm of the city. What next?? He was an emperor after all. He commissioned a spectacular fort on his favorite place, the Shore of Ganga River, in 1583. The fort is built in Hindu-Muslim architectural style like all other Mughal structures. Jodha bai Palace, Akshaya Vat, and Saraswati kund are the major attractions inside the fort. Outside the fort, there is also a 35 feet tall Ashoka Pillar which accounts the time period of Maurya Empire around 232BC. The pillar bears several edicts and the inscriptions narrating the life timeline of Ashoka, that’s why it is believed to have had built by Ashoka. Today, a major portion is under Indian army still, half of the fort is opened for the visitors.
Anand Bhawan
Allahabad has always been the epicenter of politics in India and Anand Bhawan is a testimony of it. It is the ancestral home of India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. Built by his father and a leading politician of that time Motilal Nehru, Anand Bhawan is a double-storied spectacular mansion decked with imported wooden furniture and numerous artifacts. Till 1970, it served as the residence of Indira Gandhi thereafter she handed over it to the Indian Government to keep the legacy of Nehru family intact. Soon, it was converted into a museum that showcases a huge range of memorabilia and photos of Nehru family as well as Indian freedom fighters. Definitely a must-visit place if you want to slake your thirst for the history buff.
Hanuman Mandir
You must have visited hundreds of Hanuman temples in your life, then why I’m telling you to visit a Hanuman Mandir in Allahabad? Well, because this is not an ordinary temple likes others. The temple has a massive reclined idol of Lord Hanuman which is nearly 20 feet long and 8 feet wide. According to Hindu mythology, River Ganga must touch the feet of Lord Hanuman with its water once in a year. Can you imagine, Hanuman Mandir is nearly 9 km from Triveni Sangam and during rainy seasons, River Ganga comes in full spate and wash the feet of this idol. Sometimes, the temple gets even submerged. And once it touches the feet of the idol, the water level goes down surprisingly. So, don’t forget to visit this mystic temple and seek the blessing of Lord Hanuman.
Alfred Park or Chandra Shekar Azad Park
Alfred Park is the largest the most visited park in Allahabad. The park has statues of Gorge V and Victoria but they are not the reason for the popularity of this park. The park is mainly famous for being an important place during Indian freedom fight and being the death land of freedom fighter Chandra Shekar Azad. It is the place where Chandra Shekar Azad Shoot himself when he had no option left than surrendering. He chose to sacrifice his life rather than falling into the hands of enemies. After the independence, the park was renamed as Chandra Shekar Azad Park in the honor of his valor and a statue of Azad was also installed. So, visit the park and pay the homage to his devotion.
Khusro Bagh
Allahabad was an important political center for the Mughals. The city also played a significant role in Mughal history especially for Emperor Jahangir. Khusro Bagh was built by him only in the memory of his son Prince Khusro. Located at the spitting distance from Allahabad Railway Station, Khusro Bagh is actually a walled garden which houses three Mughal Mausoleums. Prince Khusro, his mother Shah Begum, and his sister Nitar Begum were buried here. Built with yellow sandstones and adorned with appealing carving and motifs, the all three tombs clearly reflect the Mughal architectural style. For an interesting fact, the garden is still well-maintained, so it certainly deserves a visit. Even if you’re not interested in history buffs, must visit this place to give your eyes a visual treat.
Best time to visit Allahabad
Because of extreme hotness, Allahabad remains drab during summers. The Ganga also seems calm and dull. So, don’t visit Allahabad in summer. If you want to see the flood of Ganga, visit in rainy seasons. During this time, you have to hire boats even to travel on roads. But if you want to explore Allahabad thoroughly and want to see the real Allahabad, visit in January or February. During this time, the Magh Mela which a one-month-long festival takes place and Ganga Ghats are thronged by the worldwide devotees. Taking a dip in Triveni during Magh Mela is believed to have more significance.
How to reach Allahabad
Allahabad gave three prime ministers to India. Now you can assume how deep-rooted this city is and how would be the transportation network of it. The rail and road network is well-linked to all major cities of India. Yeah, getting Allahabad by airways is a bit difficult because there is only one flight to Delhi in a day and Allahabad airport is also not connected to all airports in India. So, train, bus, and car are the most convenient way to reach Allahabad. To commute within the city, you won’t face any problem. Auto rickshaws and taxis are available all the time at every place.
These are the most significant places to visit in Allahabad. Since the ancient time, Allahabad has been a happening and many-faceted jewel of India. It is one of those cities in India that has retained its significance flawlessly since the old Vedic era. From being the god’s own city to an important part of Indian history and today a major religious touristic place of country, Allahabad has come a long way. So visit the city at least for once and explore the eventful timeline of it.
