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A city
of many dimensions is what befits a description of
Allahabad. In addition to being a major pilgrimage
centre, the city has played an important part in the
formation of modern India. Hindu mythology states
that Lord Brahma, the creator god, chose a land for
'Prakrishta Yajna'. This land, at the confluence of
three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, blessed
by gods, came to be known as 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad'.
During the time of the Mughals a massive fort was
built in 1583, by emperor Akbar. Centuries followed,
Allahabad became the headquarters of north western
proviences, after being shifted from Agra. Well preserved
relics of the British impact includes the Muir college
and the All Saints Cathedral. Many important events
in India's struggle for freedom, took place here -
the emergence of the first Indian National Congress
in 1885, the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence
movement in 1920.
General information
Altitude: 322 ft.
Best Season:
October to March.
Temperature:
Summer- Max 46.6, Min 27.2; Winter- Max 25.6,
Min 10.5.
STD Code:
0532.
How to get there
Air
The nearest airport Varanashi (135 km) is connected
with Agra, Bhubaneshwar, Bombay, Delhi, Khajuraho,
Lucknow.
Rail
Allahabad is an important rail terminus connected
by rail with all the major cities in India.
Road
Allahabad is connected by road with the major cities
in India. Important road distances from Allahabad
are:- Agra 483 km, Delhi 612 km, Lucknow 227 km, Lumbini
406 km, Khajuraho 294 km, Varanashi 127 km, Bombay
1,502 km, Chitrakoot 128 km.
In and around
Anand Bhawan
Several history making events of the freedom struggle
took place here. Today this ancestral home of the
Nehru Family, houses a Museum displaying the memorabilia
of the family.
Allahabad Fort
The lofty Allahabad Fort, built by Emperor Akbar stands
close to the Sangam. It can be best appreciated from
boats on the river. Much of the fort remains in military
occupation, public access is restricted to the corner
around the Patalpuri temple and the "Akshyavata"
or the unduing tree. At the main gate of the fort,
stands the resorted polished stone Ashokan Pillar
dating back to 232 BC.
Bhardwaj Ashram
Lord Rama is said to have visited this Ashram during
his exile. It's also associated with Rishi Bharadwaj.
Sangam
The sangam is the meeting point of three holy rivers
- Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. At the Sangam, a few
drops of nector is believed to have fallen, making
the waters truly magical.
Allahabad Museum
Also located inside the Chandrasekhar Azad Park, it
is the oldest library of the city. Founded in 1864,
the building is a fine piece of architecture and houses
about 10,000 rare books, old Government Publications,
Parliamentary Papers and Blue Books of the 19th century.
All Saints Cathedral
Described as the finest Anglican cathedral in Asia,
following the 13th century Gothic style, the All Saints
Cathedral is a remarkable example of colonial architecture
in India. Designed by Sir William Emerson, architect
of Victoria Memorial, Calcutta, the cathedral still
retains much of its stained glass work and its impressive
marble altar.
Kaushambi
The erstwhile capital of the Vatsa Kingdom, believed
to have been ruled by King Udayan, Kaushambi, however,
was also a great centre of Buddhism and Jainism. In
fact, Lord Buddha is said to have delivered several
discourses here. Ashikan column, Ghosita Ram Vihar,
Syen Chiti and ruined palaces are some of the archeological
remains.
Chitrakoot
Closely associated with the exile of Lord Rama, Chitrakot
is the holy centre for pilgrims through centuries.
The place to visit include Kamadgiri, Ramghat, JankiKund,
HanumanDhara, GuptaGodavar and Sati Ansuiya Ashram.
Fairs and Festivals
The Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela is held at the sangam in Allahabad
for over a month every 12th year.
Ardh Kumbha Mela
Ardh Kumbha Mela - second only to the Kubha in sanctity,
the Ardh Kumbha is celebrated every six years, on
the banks of the Sangam. Millions of devotees, from
around the worls come to attend this festivals
The Magh Mela
(Mini Kumbha)
The Magh Mela (Mini Kumbha) is held every year(except
in the years of Kumbha Mela & Ardh Kumbh Mela)
in the month of Magh (January-February
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