Allahabad Travel Guide

Site Name: Allahabad.

Site Type: Temple City.

Location:  Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh state, India.

Allahabad city

Allahabad is among the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh. Hindu mythology has it that for the Prakrishta Yajna, Lord Brahma, the creator God of the Trinity, chose a land on earth, on which the three rivers would flow in to a quiet confluence. Brahma also referred to it as Tirth Raj or the King of all pilgrimage centres. Recorded evidence also exists in the revered scriptures (the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as also in the Puranas) of this holy place formerly called Prayag. Allahabad stands at the confluence of two of India's holiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna. Sangam, as the confluence is called, is the venue of many sacred fairs and rituals, and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. This number swells to millions during the world-famous Kumbh Mela. An annual Magh Mela is also held in Allahabad around the Sangam areas in the month of January (Magh is the name of month in Hindu calendar). A third mythical Saraswati river, believed to flow underground towards the Sangam, gives the confluence its other name, Triveni.

How to go:

Best way to reach Allahabad, if you are coming from outside India, is to take a direct flight to Delhi and then take one of the numerous connecting trains from Delhi to Allahabad. The Kolkata Rajdhani express, though a better train, lands at a very odd hour in Allahabad (2343 hrs IST) from Delhi which can be inconvenient for Allahabad being a really quiet place at night. Best train from Delhi to Allahabad is the PrayagRaj Express (Train No. 2418) which leaves from New Delhi Railway Station at 2130 hrs IST and arrives in Allahabad at 0630 hrs IST next day.

allahabad railway station

Train: Allahabad is situated on the trunk train route from Delhi to Kolkata and from Mumbai to Kolkata, so it is well-connected by trains. Innumerable trains stop at Allahabad. The city has four railway stations, Daragang (near the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna), Prayag (near the University), Rambagh (city centre), and Allahabad Junction (the main station). In addition, another temparary railway station known as Prayag Ghat (to be distinguished from Prayag) is used during important religious festivals for the better management and control of extra pilgrim traffic on those occasions. Train Time click here.

Bus: Allahabad is on NH2 and NH27 and is, therefore, well connected by road. Several buses ply to and from nearby cities and towns. Bus seat to book click here.

Aeroplane: Allahabad Airport (IXD) also called Bamrauli Field is essentially a military base with a one-room passenger terminal and two commercial flights per day are run by Air India (IC 7801) and Spice Jet.

The air travel scene is changing slowly after Kumbh Mela of 2013. Still it is easier to fly into Varanasi (120 km away) or Lucknow (200 km away) as both of these airports are much better serviced.

Where to Stay:

Guest house bungalow, lohia marg,civil lines,  91-9335971978 misra87@gmail.com. Fully furnished rooms with all the modern facilities and amenities with all the comforts of home ,located in a peaceful and calm environment very near to the city center! 18$ to 29$. Bungalow One, Civil Lines, Bungalow One is a heritage homestay, in a family home built in 1869. It is located in Civil Lines, walking distance from the main market and park. $50-60

1. Hotel Kohinoor, 10 Noorulla Road,  +91-532-2655501.
2. Hotel Samrat, Mahatma Gandhi Marg,  +91-532-2561200 to 2561208 (get@hotelsamrat.net). 
3. Hotel Harsh Ananda, M.G. Marg, Civil Lines,  0532-2427697 (info@hotelharshananda.com),
4. Valentines Hotel, Clive Road.
5. Hotel Yatrik, 33 Sardar Patel Marg.
6. Hotel Ajay International, Elgin Road.
7. Hotel Grand Continental, SP Marg, Civil Lines. 
8. Hotel Kanha Shyam, Strachey Road. 
9. Hotel Milan, Strachey Road. 
10. Hotel Allahabad Regency (Regency), Tashkent Marg, +91-532-2407835 (mails@hotelallahabadregency.com),
11. Hotal Samrat, Civil Lines.

For more hotels click here.

What you will see:

1^st Day

1. Allahabad Fort: The Allahabad Fort, built from the year 1583 onwards by Akbar, stands at the junction of the two great rivers. It was the largest of Akbar`s forts, and although its original form has been much impaired by early restoration work, the splendid Zenana Palace still survives. It is a fine pavilion, with a central square hall carried on sixty-four columns bordered by a deep veranda of

   

   Allahabad Fort

   double columns and there are clusters of four in each corner. Kumbha Mela Under the wall of the palace, there is the so-called `Undying Banyan Tree` or Akshai Vata. In front of the entrance to the-Fort is the `Ashoka Pillar`, 35 feet high, it is made up of polished stone. Edicts of Ashoka are inscribed on it. The fort was later garrisoned under Company Raj, this imposing structure stands on the bank of Yamuna at sangam nose. Due to serious military concerns, only a limited area of the fort can been seen.
2. Khusro bagh: 8 am - 8 pm. Khusro Bagh is entered through an old doorway that is 60 feet high. Khusrau was the elder brother of the Emperor Shah Jahan. He died in the year 1615 and the tomb was completed seven years later. The actual burial chamber is underground. It was enriched with plasterwork and was painted with birds and flowers and Persian inscriptions. West of the tomb is another tomb, which is believed to be the tomb of Khusrau`s sister. The place is also known for famous 'Allahabadi Guavas'.
3. Anand Bhawan: 8 am - 4:30pm. Learn about the intricacies of Indian struggle for freedom during early 20th century. Among many things, you will find the personal correspondence and family photographs of the Nehrus. Besides Anand Bhawan is Swaraj Bhawan, ancestral place of the Nehru clan. It offers a best way to know about Nehru family via its video shows which are

   

   Anand Bhawan

   scheduled hourly. Anand Bhawan and Swaraj Bhawan are the places which have served as the parliament in real sense during British era. Many important decisions and happenings have been witnessed by these monuments. (Closed on Mondays).
4. Moti Mahal and Bari Kothi, Daragunj:
5. Jawahar Planetarium: 11 am-4:30 pm. A place for those who are interested in astronomy. Shows are at every hour and charges are nominal. Children under age of 7 are not allowed.(Closed on Mondays) Rs 20.
6. Thornhill Mayne Memorial (Allahabad Public Labrary): The marvelous monuments is perched in Company Garden. The monument has served as the house of legislative assembly in British era when Allahabad was the capital of United Provinces. Presently it has been converted to a library which is popularly known as Public Library. The monument is beautifully carved from white sandstones and is drenched in Gothic serenity.
7. Allahabad Museum: 9am-4pm. Spot for the lovers of ancient history. The museum is rich in remains
   
   of mighty city of Kaushambi and Srungverpur. Allahabad being a historical city, the museum offers a convenient way to explore the history of the city and vicinity.(Monday closed).
8. All Saints Cathedral: All Saints` Cathedral, designed by William Emerson (later President of the Royal Institute of British Architects) in complete Gothic style, was commenced in the year 1877. Standing in a grass compound at a major junction, it is in white stone with red sandstone dressings. The pavement to the choir and sanctuary is constructed pure Jaipur marble. Also known as Patthar Girja among local people, it is one of the oldest church of India.
9. University of Allahabad Campus: Being 4th oldest (formal) university of India, it is a place to see some of the most beautiful monuments drenched in Gothic style. Zoological museum in Department of Zoology homes a unique collection of skeletons of mammoth and elephants.
10. Company Bagh (Alfred Park or Chandrashekhar Azad Park): It is the place to experience the British era of Indian history. Encircled in this park are Allahabad Museum, Victoria memorial and public library. History is scattered at every step in the park. It was in this park where Chandrashekhar Azad, (freedom fighter) shot himself after only one bullet was left in his revolver so that the British can't catch him alive.
11. Minto Park: (Between Fort and Yamuna Bridge). A historical spot where 'Company Raj' came to its end and India was formally transferred to the British crown. The park also homes a replica of famous Ashok Pillar upon which the national emblem of Indian Republic is perched.
12. Yamuna bridge. A stroll or a cycle ride on the bridge at sunrise or sunset is extremely refreshing.
13. Allahabad High Court. It is the seat of Justice in Uttar Pradesh, and is the oldest high court in the country with largest strength of judges. 
14. Nagvasuki Temple, (In Daraganj). 
15. Churches and Convents of the city. Allahabad boasts of its magnificent churches that were buit during the epoch of British Raj. Some of them are All Saints Cathedral, St Josephs' Convent, Evangelical Church and Bethany Convent. Diocese of Allahabad was the first in North India and has played a major role in nurturing the missionaries in the region.

Museums

Visit to a historical city like Allahabad can not be complete without understanding and feeling its vibrant and varied history. The city is rich in museums and offers attractive spots for people of every discourse.

1. Allahabad museum: chandrashekhar Azad Park, Kamala Nehru Road, Allahabad -211002., (aldamasalld@sancharnet.in). 10.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M.; closed : Mondays and gazetted holidays and Sunday falling after second Saturday. Rs. 5.00 adult, Rs.2.00 below 12 years, Rs. 100.00 foreigners..  edit
2. Anand Bhawan museum: Moti Lal Neharu Marg, (jlnmfald@dataone.in). 9.30A.M. to 5.30 P.M. (Lunch Break) 1.00 P.M. and 1.30P.M.; closed: Mondays and gazetted holidays. Personal Belongings of Jawaharlal Nehru, of his parents and other member of his family. Picture gallery of national movement, painting textile books parquetry. Library. Rs. 5.00-(for first floor only).
3. Archaeological Museum: Museum Department of ancient History, culture and Archaeology, university of Allahabad -211002.. Summer :7.00 A.M. to 12.00 noon; winter ; 10.00A.M. To 4.00 P.M.; closed: Sunday and other university holidays.
4. Anatomy Museum: M.L.N. medical College. July 1 to April 30: 9.00A.M. To 4.00 P.M. May 1 to June 30: 8.00 A.M. to 12.00 noon: closed university holiday. Dissected parts of the human body, models of human organs embryology models to study various branches of anatomy 
5. Hindi Sangrahalaya hindi Sahitya Saammelan. Summer: 6.30A.M. to 11.30A.M. Winter: 11.00A.M. To 5.00P.M.; closed; Sunday and important holidays. Printed Book, periodicals, manuscripts, coins letters, photographs, memoir trophies and personal belongings of literary personalities 
6. Agharkar museum Botany Department: university of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002.. Summer : 7.00 A.M. to 12.00 A.M.; winter: 10.00 A.M. to 4.00P.M.; closed : Sunday and university holidays;.
7. Ganganath Jha kendriya Sanskrit vidyapeetha: C.S. Azad Park, ☎ Tel . 2460957,(R)2504081, 2506892. 9.30A.M. to 6.00 P.M.; closed: Saturday, Sunday & gazetted holidays;. Mainly Sanskrit manuscripts about 50,000; along with in Telugu, Bangali, Maithili and oriya,

Temples

1. Ankaleshwara Temple (Stanley Rd, Mehndauri Colony).  edit
2. Shankar Vimana Mandapam: Build in South Indian style, the temple offers a great view of Sangam and surrounding areas.  edit
3. Bharadwaj Ashram: The hermitage of Saint Bharadwaj, as per Ramayana. There is a temple of Lord Prayagraj, the God of the Prayag city. it's located very near to Anand Bhavan.  edit
4. Maharshi Sadafaldeo Ashram: The hermitage of Sadguru Sadafaldeo Ji Maharaj and a serene vast campus by river Ganga. Started in year 1921, this 10 acre campus houses meditation cave, temple, library, Vedic Yajnashala and a Gurukul. Located in Jhunsi on the bank of river Ganga, 3 km off Allahabad-Varanasi highway. 10 km from the Allahabad Bus stand. http://www.vihangamyoga.org/jhunshAshram.html  edit
5. Dashaswamedh Temple: (On the bank of Ganges in Daraganj). According to Hindu mythology this was the spot where Lord Bramha performed Parikshit Yajna and city got its name Prayag  edit
6. Bare Hanumanji Temple: (Near the Sangam). Here lies a magnificent statue of Lord Hanuman which is believed to be of Ramayana era.  edit
7. Jhusi-Tallest Hanuman Mandir: The temple is an unusally tall Hanuman diety along with 108 Shivalingas.  edit
8. Mankameshwar Mandir: The temple is at the bank of Yamuna river near Triveni Sangam. You can't miss it as it has flashy neon animations at its entrance.  edit
9. Someshwar Mahadev Temple:

2^nd Day

1. Bauddhatirtha Kausambi (60 km):
2. Laksagriha (45 km):
3. Sitamari (75 km):

Eat

Allahabad is paradise for those who are made for taste. If you are in Allahabad, then do not forget to enjoy the Mughalai cuisine of North India.Out of innumerable spots for having delicacies of the North Indian cuisine, a mere glimpse is here. In every area of the city there are options and variety. Loknath area of the city may be your favorite spot if you are foody and comfortable with hustle and bustle of 'ilahabadi raunak'.

Useful Phone Numbers: (STD Code: 0532): Dufferin Hospital - 2651822, Kamala Nehru Hospital - 2608830, diema - 26412532640300, esapi - 2641902, 2640600, Tourist Information Office - 2601873 Railway (Junction), 131, 1331, 2600179, Railway (City) - 2606878, in standa (Civil Lines) - 2601257.

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