Known as Prayaga in the Vedic literature, as Tirth raj in the Puranas, and as Illahabas during the times of Emperor Akbar, Allahabad is situated at Triveni Sangam, or the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati (which has now disappeared). It is an ancient belief that all sins get washed away when you enter this holy city. Various mythological stories are attached to this city. It formed the epicenter of the Indian Freedom Movement and has produced many of India’s leading political figures. Many important government offices are also situated in this city. It is also well-known for the Diocese of Allahabad. Allahabad is a city of mixed cultures. Awadhi is the dialect of Hindi spoken here.

Places to See

Allahabad is a both a historical and a popular center for education. Places you must visit at Allahabad are:

• The Sangam
• Maha Kumbh Mela (after every 12 years)
• Allahabad Fort
• Patalpuri Temple
• Ashoka Pillar
• Akshaya Vat
• Allahabad High Court
• Shivkoti Mahadev Temple
• Someshwar Mahadev Temple
• Anand Bhavan
• Allahabad Planetarium
• Allahabad Museum
• Patthar Girja
• Minto Park
• Khusro bagh
• Dashaswamedh Temple (on the bank of Ganges in Daraganj)
• Prayag Sangeet Samiti (A place in Civil Lines for musically oriented)

Shopping

Being a historical and religious center, shopping in Allahabad for ethnic jewelry, incense sticks, sandalwood, camphor, and vermillion, posters of gods and goddesses, and items made of brass can be a memorable experience. For the book lovers, Allahabad is a city of publishers.

Where To Stay

Allahabad caters to people of all economic strata. Some of the hotels that we recommend are: Kanha Shyam Hotel, Hotel Milan Palace, Hotel Saket, Grand Continental Hotel and Hotel Ajay International.

How to Reach Allahabad

For the international traveler, the best route to Allahabad would be to take a flight to New Delhi and then take any one of the innumerable trains from New Delhi to Allahabad.

By Road: Allahabad is situated on the National Highways 2 and 27 and well-connected by roads in good condition to all the other parts of the state. You can either take a bus run by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport or a private transporter. An eight-lane access known as Ganga Expressway is soon going connect Allahabad to other cities.

By Rail: Allahabad is a major city on the railway map of India. Many rains ply to and fro. Some of them are the Shivganga Express (from New Delhi), New Delhi-Puri Express, Mathura Express (from Mathura).

By Air: The nearest Airport is at Bamrauli (14 km) and Varanasi (120 km). There are regular flights from Delhi.