Allahabad Travel Guide

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Location
Allahabad is situated in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh, close to Varanasi, Lucknow and Kanpur. The city is on the banks of rivar Ganga and Yamuna and there confluence, known as Triveni Sangam.

The City
Allahabad, a highly religious place for Hindus and Muslims, was established by King Akbar by the name of Illahabas, meaning house of Allah. The British modified the name as per there convinience and started calling it Allahabad. Akbar realised the commercial importance of this place and built several Ghats on the river banks. Later the city developed as a major trade centre in Uttar Pradesh. The city was once called Oxford of east, due to the high standards of education in Allahabad University. Allahabad has produced many great scholars, poets, thinkers, statesman and leaders. It was a strategic location for the activities of Indian freedom struggle. Religiously highly sacred, Allahabad is host of the Maha Kumbh Mela on the Confluence site (Triveni Sangam). Many temples, churches and mosques are built across the city. Today Allahabad rests peacefully with a great past, calm present and a promising future.

Getting There
By Air
Nearest airports are Varanasi at 135 Km, Lucknow at 210 Km and Kanpur at 200 Km. From these airports one can get taxis and buses to move to Allahabad.
By Rail
Allahabad railway station is on the main lines of rail route of north and north-east railways. The city is well connected to all the major and small cities of Uttar Pradesh and India.
By Road
The road network connects Allahabad very well to the nearby and major cities. Allahabad falls on NH 2 and 27. Some major distances from Allahabad are: Agra 433 km, Kolkata 799 km, Chennai 1790 km, Delhi 643 km, Jaipur 673 km, Khajuraho 294 km, Mumbai 1444 km, Lucknow 204 km, Varanasi 125 km and Kanpur 200 Km.

Tourist Attractions
Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three river- Ganges, Yamuna and mystic Saraswati is the major attraction, as a religious as well as tourist destination. The Sangam is the site for the Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years here. Pilgrims visiting Sangam do take a bath in the waters of Ganges or confluence. It is said that a dip in the sacred water washes away all the sins. Tourists can take a boat ride across the rivers, and see the beauty of the ghats.

Maha Kumbh Mela
The Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest religious fair in India, attended by millions of people. The mela is especially renowned for the presence of an extraordinary array of religious ascetics - sadhus and mahants - enticed from remote hideaways in forests, mountains and caves. Once astrologers have determined the propitious bathing time or Kumbhayog, the first to hit the water are legions of Naga Sadhus, the ferocious-looking members of the "snake sect" who cover their naked bodies with ash, and wear hair in long dreadlocks. The next Maha Kumbh Mela is due to take place in 2013.

Allahabad Fort
The massive fort built by emperor Akbar in 1583 AD, stands on the banks of the Yamuna near the confluence site. In its prime, the fort was unrivalled for its design, construction and craftsmanship. Presently Army has taken over the court for usage. A small area is open for the visitors. The Jodhabai palace in the fort was made in honor of Queen Jodhabai of Akbar.

All Saints Cathedral
Also called Pathar Girja, one of the finest anglican cathedral in Asia is dedicated to memory of people of all ages and places who have faith in God. Built in medieval era Gothic style, the Church is a remarkable example of colonial Architecture in India. It was designed by Sir William Emerson, architect of Victoria memorial, Kolkata.

Ananda Bhawan
The former residence of the Nehru family and birthplace of Indira Gandhi, Anand Bhawan has been preserved as a museum. The museum of the Nehru family contains the relics of the freedom movement. This building bears witness to the long years of the freedom struggle and it has been very much involved in the Independence movement. Gandhiji had come and stayed here at various times. It remains open from 9:30 am to 7 pm everyday, except on Mondays and Holidays.

Accommodations
One can find good acommodations facilities across the city. Being a major tourists destination, Allahabad enjoys a special attention from government and administration. Its not difficult to get a luxury or budget stay option here.