As I typed the word ‘Allahabad’, my emotions started flowing out because it is the first tourist destination I visited alone first time when I was 13. It’s not only me who is in love with this city, rather every tourist who visits Allahabad once, becomes the admirer of this blessed and flamboyant city. The origin period of Allahabad is as old as the Indian Vedas itself. This spiritual place has been mentioned in many ancient Hindu manuscripts. Earlier known as ‘Prayag’ or ‘The City of Blessings’, Allahabad is one that place in India where culture, religion, politics, economics, and education meet the boasting historical lineage of its own.
The city was renamed as ‘Illahabad’ by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583. Illahabad literally means ‘the garden of Allah’ in Urdu. Later on, it became ‘Allahabad’ form ‘Illahabd’. Allahabad is worldwide known for the Kumbh Mela and the Triveni Sangam but the city has much more to enthrall you. Let’s explore the most significant places to visit in Allahabad-
Triveni Sangam
The Triveni Sangam is the signature mark of Allahabad. Do you know what this Triveni Sangam is actually? Well, it is the confluence of three major Indian rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. These all three rivers are very revered in Hindu religion and Allahabad is the only place in the country where these sacred rivers meet together. According to Hindu myths, a bath in Triveni Sangam washes away all the sins. Then, I must say I’m a completely sinless person because I have taken more than hundred baths in Triveni Sangam. Anyway jokes apart, taking a bath in Triveni Sangam can be a difficult task for the outsiders because here Ganga flows uncontrollably. So, if you can’t muster up the guts to get into the water, at least go for the boat riding.
In the early morning or in sunset enjoying the boat riding in Triveni Sangam while listening the gurgling waves of Ganga and capturing the panoramic view of nature is the best thing you can do in Allahabad. The Kumbh Mela which is the largest religious gathering of Hindus adds more significance to the auspiciousness of Triveni Sangam. Triveni Sangam is among the most important places to visit in Allahabad.
Allahabad Fort
Allahabad is so magnetic and enigmatic that nobody can resist himself from its mesmerizing allure. Mughal Emperor Akbar was also one of them. He once visited Allahabad and fell head over heels for the centric location and the bewitching charm of the city. What next?? He was an emperor after all. He commissioned a spectacular fort on his favorite place, the Shore of Ganga River, in 1583. The fort is built in Hindu-Muslim architectural style like all other Mughal structures.
Jodhabai Palace, Akshaya Vat, and Saraswati Kund are the major attractions inside the fort. Outside the fort, there is also a 35 feet tall Ashoka Pillar which accounts the time period of Maurya Empire around 232BC. The pillar bears several edicts and the inscriptions narrating the life timeline of Ashoka, that’s why it is believed to have had built by Ashoka. Today, a major portion is under Indian army still, half of the fort is opened for the visitors. It is one of the famous places to visit in Allahabad.
Anand Bhawan
Allahabad has always been the epicenter of politics in India and Anand Bhawan is a testimony of it. It is the ancestral home of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Built by his father and a leading politician of that time Motilal Nehru, Anand Bhawan is a double-storied spectacular mansion decked with imported wooden furniture and numerous artifacts.
Till 1970, it served as the residence of Indira Gandhi thereafter she handed over it to the Indian Government to keep the legacy of Nehru family intact. Soon, it was converted into a museum that showcases a huge range of memorabilia and photos of Nehru family as well as Indian freedom fighters. Definitely a must-visit place if you want to slake your thirst for the history buff. This one of the best places to visit in Allahabad.
Khusro Bagh
Allahabad was an important political center for the Mughals. The city also played a significant role in Mughal history especially for Emperor Jahangir. Khusro Bagh was built by him only in the memory of his son Prince Khusro. Located at the spitting distance from Allahabad Railway Station, Khusro Bagh is actually a walled garden which houses three Mughal Mausoleums.
Prince Khusro, his mother Shah Begum, and his sister Nithar Begum were buried here. Built with yellow sandstones and adorned with appealing carving and motifs, the all three tombs clearly reflect the Mughal architectural style. For an interesting fact, the garden is still well-maintained, so it certainly deserves a visit. Even if you’re not interested in history buffs, must visit this place to give your eyes a visual treat.
Hanuman Mandir
You must have visited hundreds of Hanuman temples in your life, then why I’m telling you to visit a Hanuman Mandir in Allahabad? Well, because this is not an ordinary temple likes others. The temple has a massive reclined idol of Lord Hanuman which is nearly 20 feet long and 8 feet wide. According to Hindu mythology, River Ganga must touch the feet of Lord Hanuman with its water once in a year.
Can you imagine, Hanuman Mandir is nearly 9 km from Triveni Sangam and during rainy seasons, River Ganga comes in full spate and wash the feet of this idol. Sometimes, the temple gets even submerged. And once it touches the feet of the idol, the water level goes down surprisingly. So, don’t forget to visit this mystic temple and seek the blessing of Lord Hanuman. This is among important places to visit in Allahabad.
Suggested Read: Someshwar Mahadev Temple
Alfred Park or Chandra Shekhar Azad Park
Alfred Park; one of the famous places to visit in Allahabad is the largest the most visited park in Allahabad. The park has statues of Gorge V and Victoria but they are not the reason for the popularity of this park. The park is mainly famous for being an important place during Indian freedom fight and being the death land of freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad.
It is the place where Chandra Shekhar Azad Shoot himself when he had no option left than surrendering. He chose to sacrifice his life rather than falling into the hands of enemies. After the independence, the park was renamed as Chandra Shekhar Azad Park in the honour of his valor and a statue of Azad was also installed. So, visit the park and pay the homage to his devotion.
- Location: Panna Lal Road Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: All days of the week 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Visit Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Allahabad Junction railway station (2.39 km), nearest airport is Bamrauli Airport 12 km away.
Swaraj Bhavan
Donated by Motilal Nehru to the Congress Party, the Swaraj Bhavan is situated in the same complex as the Anand Bhavan. Visitors can avail of either the conducted tours or follow the audio visual presentations in each room. Its tranquil ambience attracts tourists from all across the globe and is a must visit for one and all.
- Location: National Highway 96, Tagore Town, Allenganj 211002 Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry fee: Rs.20/-
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- How to Reach: Swaraj Bhavan is well connected by road transport to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh. Closest airport is Bamrauli airport which is 15 km away from the heart of the city. The closest junction to Swaraj Bhawan is Prayag Railway Station.
Alopi Devi Mandir
According to legend, on the demise of the Sati Mata, her hands fell in the place where the Alopi Devi Mandir, Allahabad now stands. A platform marks the spot which along with a wooden swing is considered sacred and a place of worship. The temple itself is rather small and simple, but it is held in great reverence by the faithful. This place is visited by devotee in large numbers during the Kumbh Mela and the Navratras.
Close to the Alopi Devi Mandir is another small temple dedicated to the Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. This temple also houses a Shivalinga and an idol of Hanuman.
- Location: Matiyara Rd, Alopi Bagh 211006 Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: All days of the week 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Visit Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: The closest airport to Alopi Devi Mandir is Bamrauli airport (16 km) & nearest railway station is Allahabad Railway Station (6 km).
ISKCON Temple
International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON as it is popularly known established the ISKCON temple at Allahabad in 1995. Although smaller than the huge ISKCON temples of Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and other large cities in India, the temple at Allahabad is no less in providing the calm and serene ambiance that these temples are known for. Housing a Dharamshala for the devotees to stay in, the temple is currently under expansion and renovation. This mesmerizing place of worship is visited by devotees and tourists from all across the world and is revered by one and all. A must visit indeed!
- Location: A/161, Kasiraj nagar, Baluaghat 211003 Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: All days of the week 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Visit Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: The closest airport to ISKCON Temple is Bamrauli airport (23 km). The closest junction to ISKCON Temple is Allahabad Railway Station (3.5 km).
Akshaya Vat
Akshaya Vat located in the Allahabad Fort, is home to the Banyan tree that according to legend stands here since the beginning of time. Claimed to be the oldest tree on earth and finding mention in the religious texts of the Hindus, this Banyan Tree can now only be spotted from a boat when on a river cruise on the Ganges, unless you can get permission from the Commandant of the Ordnance Depot to visit this out of bounds location.
According to text from the Hindu religious books, Akshaya Vat was the only visible sight over the waters, when Lord Narayan caused the earth to flood in order to show his power to Sage Markandeya. Lord Rama, according to the Ramayana, rested under the Akshaya Vat and according to some Jain texts, Rishabha meditated under this tree. The mention of this place in such texts has given credence to the tree and it is considered sacred by the Hindus and Jains.
- Location: Baand Marg, Allahabad fort 211005 Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: All days of the week 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Visit Duration: 15 to 30 minutes
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Akshaya Vat is well connected by air, rail and road. The closest junction to Akshaya Vat is Allahabad Railway Station, about 7 km away.
Kumbh Retreat
Known for the famous Kumbh Mela, Allahabad offers you a healing experience, both spiritual and physical at the Kumbh Retreat. Set up as a result of collaboration between Sukrit Wellness Tours and Vihangam Yoga, the Kumbh Retreat is the perfect place to rejuvenate your body and soul. Offering yoga sessions and meditation lessons, Vihangam Yoga also adds Vedic and Ayurvedic healing processes to provide you with a holistic experience. The management and staff at the retreat are courteous and helpful along with possessing good knowledge about wellness and the healing process. The retreat also offers you tours in and around Allahabad.
With spacious and well maintained accommodation, the retreat set on the banks of the river with its own private Ghat, is spread over ten acres of lush green landscaped gardens. A visit to the retreat will help you relax and recharge yourself.
- Location: Maharshi Sadafaldeo Ashram Chhatnag Road, Jhunsi 211019 Allahabad
- Timings: All days of the week 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Visit Duration: 1 day or more
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach: Kumbh Retreat is well connected by air, rail and road. The closest junction to Kumbh Retreat is Jhusi Railway Station.
All Saints Cathedral
Built in the 1800s by the British, the All Saints Cathedral at Allahabad was designed by Sir William Emerson, the architect of the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. A classic Gothic structure, the cathedral is complete with intricate carvings on the pulpit and boasts of arrange of beautiful glass work. Evoking an old world charm, the All Saints Cathedral is a place of serenity and peace, a part of which originates from the lush greenery that surrounds the building. Serene and soothing, the cathedral is a sight for sore eyes and tired limbs. Best visited after a strenuous day of sightseeing of the other wonders of Allahabad.
- Location: Sarojini Naidu Marg, Civil Lines 211001 Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: All days of the week 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Allahabad Railway Station (1 km), Allahabad Airport is 10 kms from All Saints Cathedral.
Best Time to Visit
Because of extreme hotness, Allahabad remains drab during summers. The Ganga also seems calm and dull. So, don’t visit Allahabad in summer. If you want to see the flood of Ganga, visit in rainy seasons. During this time, you have to hire boats even to travel on roads. But if you want to explore “Allahabad thoroughly and want to see the “real Allahabad, visit in January or February. During this time, the Magh Mela which a one-month-long festival takes place and Ganga Ghats are thronged by the worldwide devotees. Taking a dip in Triveni during Magh Mela is believed to have more significance.
How to Reach
Allahabad gave three prime ministers to India. Now you can assume how deep-rooted this city is and how would be the transportation network of it. The rail and road network is well-linked to all major cities of India. Yeah, getting Allahabad by airways is a bit difficult because there is only one flight to Delhi in a day and Allahabad airport is also not connected to all airports in India. So, train, bus, and car are the most convenient way to reach Allahabad. To commute within the city, you won’t face any problem. Auto rickshaws and taxis are available all the time at every place.
Since the ancient time, Allahabad has been a happening and many-faceted jewel of India. It is one of those cities in India that has retained its significance flawlessly since the old Vedic era. From being the god’s own city to an important part of Indian history and today a major religious touristic place of country, Allahabad has come a long way. So visit the city at least for once and explore the eventful timeline of it.” This is all about places to visit in Allahabad.
