Wondering where to head to this time around? Take a trip to Allahabad, one of the largest cities of Uttar Pradesh. Formerly called Prayag, this city is a major religious center and one can see its name mentioned in the Vedas and in the epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata. The colonial legacy of the British and Indian mythology both play an important role in the tourist sights of the city today namely in Alfred Park and Akshyavat. Allahabad is also a place to drool over some Mughlai dishes and also the fresh ripe mangoes and guavas during summer and winter respectively. Here is a guide to tourist places in Allahabad.
Alfred Park
Alfred Park, built by Prince Alfred on his visit to India, is the largest park in Allahabad. It once held huge statues of King George V and Queen Victoria. The park has a beautiful white marble canopy that is dedicated to Queen Victoria. The park was later re-named Chandra Shekar Azad park as it was here where the freedom fighter lost his life.
Photo Courtesy: Maini vaibhav
Allahabad Fort
Allahabad Fort built by Akbar stands at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The fort is famous for it's unique design, construction and craftsmanship. The fort at present is occupied by the Indian Army and some parts of the forts are restricted. The famous Ashoka Pillar also stands here.
Photo Courtesy: Aman Deshmukh
Akshayavat
Akshayavat or the 'Immortal Banyan Tree' is located at Allahabad Fort. The fort at present is occupied by the Indian Army and thus people who want to visit the tree have to take special permission before doing so.
Photo Courtesy: Eric Guinther
Allahabad Museum
Built in 1931, Allahabad Museum houses some of the unique objects of arts here. It has eighteen galleries seperated into archeological findings, natural history exhibits, art gallery and terracotta artifacts. One will also find on display few documents and personal items of Jawaharlal Nehru.
Photo Courtesy: Dananuj
Allahabad University
Allahabad University also called the University of Allahabad is one of the oldest English medium universities in India.
Photo Courtesy: Adam Jones
All Saints Cathedral
The All Saint's Cathedral is a famous church here in Allahabad built in exquisite gothic design. It can accomodate up to 400 people. The church is locally known as 'Patthar Ghar' which means stone church.
Photo Courtesy: Ojas Tripathi
Anand Bhawan
Anand Bhavan was the ancestral house of the Nehru-Gandhi family. The name means 'Abode of Happiness' and was a regular meeting point of great minds and political leaders. Today the house is vacant and is run by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund. One can step in here and get a feel of the past here.
Photo Courtesy: Adam Jones
Khusro Bagh
Khusro Bagh is a well protected walled garden in Allahabad. It houses three tombs of the Mughal family, namely- Khusrau Mirza (Jehangir's eldest son), Shah Begum ( Jehangir's first wife) and Sultani Nithar Begam (Jehangir's daughter).
Photo Courtesy: Ankur15989
Patalpuri Temple
The Patalpuri Temple is one of the oldest temples in India and is said to date back to the Vedic period. This underground temple is built within Allahabad Fort and civillians can access it through the eastern gate. It houses many beautiful idols of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Photo Courtesy: Adam Jones
Sangam
Sangam in Sanskrit means confluence and it is here in Allahabad that the three holy rivers- Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet. The 'Triveni Sangam' as it is called is one of the holiest places here. Hindu devotees come here and take a dip in this place where it is believed that all sins are washed away and one is again made pure.
Photo Courtesy: Arunawasthi
Food
Allahabad is a gourmet paradise. If you are in Allahabad, then do not forget to enjoy the Mughalai cuisine of North India. In every area of the city there are options and variety.
Photo Courtesy: Leningrad
Shopping
Other than the usual shopping one does anywhere, Allahabad is a place to shop for mangoes in the summer and guavas in winter. One should also try out the namkeens served here which are freshly made every morning. For those with religious sentiments they can purchase small brass pots having the water of Ganga in it and sealed with wax here.
Photo Courtesy: shankar s.