Places to visit in Allahabad
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is a city where history, spirituality, culture, and architecture come together in perfect harmony. One of India's oldest and holiest cities, Prayagraj is situated at the sacred confluence (Triveni Sangam) of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. This revered pilgrimage destination attracts millions of devotees and heritage enthusiasts from around the world. Prayagraj is also famous for hosting the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, which has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The historic city of Prayagraj finds mention in ancient Hindu scriptures and continues to be one of the most significant spiritual centers in India. Visitors can explore numerous historical and cultural landmarks, including Khusro Bagh, a beautifully landscaped Mughal garden housing impressive mausoleums; Triveni Sangam, the sacred meeting point of the three rivers; Anand Bhawan, the ancestral home of the Nehru family; the Allahabad Museum, showcasing the region's rich history and art; All Saints Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture; the majestic Allahabad Fort, built by Emperor Akbar on the banks of the Yamuna; and Chandra Shekhar Azad Park (formerly Alfred Park), an important historical landmark associated with India's freedom movement.
Prayagraj is world-renowned for its grand religious festivals. The annual Magh Mela draws thousands of pilgrims every year, while the Ardh Kumbh Mela is celebrated every six years and the Purna Kumbh Mela every twelve years. The magnificent Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 144 years, is regarded as the largest peaceful gathering of people anywhere in the world and attracts millions of devotees seeking spiritual blessings at the sacred Sangam.
Prayagraj also delights food lovers with its rich culinary heritage. Visitors can savor local specialties such as succulent Shami Kebabs, aromatic Chicken Biryani, roasted meat dishes, and a variety of traditional North Indian street foods. Boating on the Ganga at the Triveni Sangam offers a memorable experience, while history enthusiasts can visit the iconic Allahabad Public Library (Thornhill Mayne Memorial) and the Jawahar Planetarium. The city is also home to several revered temples, including Mankameshwar Temple, Patalpuri Temple, Alopi Devi Temple, Bade Hanuman Temple, Nag Vasuki Temple, Kalyani Devi Temple, Shivkoti Mahadev Temple, and Beni Madhav Temple, making Prayagraj an unforgettable destination for spiritual seekers and cultural explorers alike.
Prayagraj Fort
Allahabad Fort is a fort built by the Mughal emperor Akbar at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India in 1583. The fort stands on the banks of the Yamuna near its confluence with the river Ganges. It is recognised by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance
Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam is one of the holiest in Allahabad (Prayagraj). It is the meeting point of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (which is a mythical river, supposed to have dried up more than 4,000 years ago). It is one of the places where the Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years. The exact date of the Mela is determined according to the Hindu calendar i.e. the Panchanga
The Allahabad Museum
The Allahabad Museum is established in 1931, it is famous for its rich collection and unique objects of art, and is funded by Ministry of Culture. Moreover, it is a premier research centre for archaeologists, historians and academicians and carries out extensive research activities and publications in archaeology, art and literature. Its rock art gallery has the largest collection of prehistoric paintings displayed in India dating from 14,000 B.C to 2000 B.C. The museum, using solar power system, has become the first museum in the country to become self-reliant in power generation.
Jawahar Planetarium
The Jawahar Planetarium is built in 1979 and situated beside Anand Bhavan the former residence of the Nehru-Gandhi family and now a museum. It is managed by the 'Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund', which has its headquarters at Teen Murti House, New Delhi. Each year, the prestigious 'Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture' is also held at the planetarium, organised under the auspices of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund on the birth anniversary of India's first prime minister, 14 November.
