Allahabad, previously Prayag, is one of North India’s fastest developing cities.
It is one of India’s most frequented religious places. Lord Brahama, according to Hindu mythology, selected this location for his ‘Prakrishta Yajna’. Apart from the usual attractions, the city is home to some of India’s most renowned parks and museums. The following are some of Allahabad’s most popular tourist attractions:
Sangam
Sangam or Prayag are synonymous with Allahabad (“place of sacrifice” and “confluence”). Here, the three sacred rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati converge. That is why Allahabad is one of India’s holiest cities. Annual Magha Mela/Ardh Kumbh/Kumbh Mela are held at the sacred Sangam.
Kumbh Mela
According to tradition, Vishnu was carrying a kumbh (pot) of amrita (nectar) when a dispute amongst the gods resulted in the spilling of four drops. They plummeted to earth in Prayag, Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain’s four tirthas (tirtha means “ford of a river”).
The Kumbh Mela, celebrated at each tirtha in turn every three years, commemorates the event; the Sangam is known as Tirtharaja, the “King of Tirthas,” and its Mela, conducted once every twelve years, is the grandest and holiest of all.
Patalpuri Temple
Patalpuri is an underground shrine located inside the Allahabad fort. This Temple has the eternal tree known as Akshaya Vat. The temple is claimed to have been visited by Lord Rama, and it was also observed by the famed Chinese explorer and writer Hiuen Tsang during his journey to this location.
Hanuman Temple
This temple in Sangam has one of the few reclining idols of Lord Hanuman. This temple gets submerged when the Ganges is in flood.
Mandapam Viman Shankar
Near Triveni, Shankar Viman Mandapam is situated.
It is 130 feet tall on four levels and has idols of Tirupati Balaji, Kumari Bhatt, Jagat Guru Shankaracharya, Yogshastra Sahasrayoga Linga, and Kamakshi Devi.
Allahabad Fort
This fortress was once regarded as the greatest in the whole Mughal Empire. At the moment, the region is occupied by the army, and only a small portion of it is available to tourists. Visitors are permitted to see the Ashoka Pillar and the Saraswati Kup, a well thought to be the source of the Saraswati River, as well as the Jodhabai Palace. Additionally, the Patalpuri temple is located nearby. Similarly, the Akshaya Vat or everlasting Banyan tree is highly respected.
Ashoka Pillar
This gigantic Ashoka pillar, made of polished sandstone, is 10.6 metres tall and dates all the way back to 232 BC. The pillar has various edicts and a Persian inscription celebrating Emperor Jahangir’s accession to the throne.
MintoPark
Minto Park, named after Madan Mohan Malaviya, is a must-see attraction in Allahabad. The park is well-known in the annals of history, which is why it is a must-see for both scholars and casual visitors.
Anand Bhawan
Anand Bhavan is the ancestral house of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and Indira Gandhi, India’s “Iron Lady.” This location has been transformed into an excellent museum.
Alfred Park
Alfred Park is Allahabad’s biggest park and also has historical value. The park is centred on a massive statue of George V and Victoria.
Khusro Bagh This park is home to the tomb of Prince Khusro, one of Emperor Jahangir’s sons.
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