The quaint, small town of Allahabad is located at the confluence of two rivers—Ganga (Ganges) and Yamuna. It is one of the largest cities of the state; however, it derives its immense importance within the country due to the elaborate and rare fairs and festivals held in this city periodically. The world famous Kumbh Mela, held once in twelve years, is attended by renowned saints and scholars from all over the world along with hundreds of curious tourists and travelers. The Ardh Mela, held once in six years i.e., between the two Kumbh mela’s, also invokes an almost equal amount of interest among the people. The annual Magh Mela held every year, except in the years of the Ardh and the Kumbh, equally signifies the jubilance and sanctity disseminated by the other fairs.

Sangam

Witness the merging of two almost human, almost holy entities—the murky, shallow Ganges and the greenish crystalline, deep Yamuna. Boats and ferries are available to take you to this confluence, which is not only a breathtaking site but also considered a significant holy spot. Prayers and ceremonies are offered at a daily basis in the evening and the early morning paying reverence to this remarkable confluence which is considered to be the bequest of Lord Brahma (the creator). The Melas are held at the banks of this Sangam (union).

Akbar’s Fort

Lying on the northern banks of the Yamuna, close to the Sangam, is a Mughal fort built by Akbar in 1583. It comprises of colossal walls bordered by towers, representing fine Mughal Architecture and strategy. The “Patalpuri” temple that lies towards the eastern portion of the wall, however, is the only part available for public viewing. The idols and the “undying Banyan tree” are definitely worth a watch.

Hanuman Temple

Usually crowded throughout the year, especially on weekends, this temple is a simple iron structure that contains a rare statue of Lord Hanuman towards the basement. The interesting part about this temple is that during the monsoons a point comes when the river Ganges floods up to extends upto this statue to touch the feet of the Hanuman idol before it starts to recede.

Anand Bhavan and Swaraj Bhavan

The two white and yellowish, well-maintained government buildings stand as a reverence to the Nehru Family. The rooms and meeting places have been re-established and constructed as per the original settings so as to re-enliven this place that was the seat for a number of meetings and strategies formulated by great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel.

Khusru Bagh

High rising walls enclose three Mughal tombs of members of the famous Emperor Jehangir’s family; Prince Khusru (son), Shah Begum (wife) and Nesa Begum (daughter). The tombs in this park have elaborately designed interiors and authentic fretwork doors and windows.

Popularly also known as Company Bagh, this garden is the largest central park in the city and a favorite among early morning joggers, nature lovers, couples and visitors alike. It has a pleasant, serene aura and is enormous in terms of area. In fact, you might just lose your direction here. It also contains the public library that was built in the 1870’s and the Victoria Memorial.

Allahabad Museum

The city museum has an extensive collection of articles from the time of the freedom movements, artifacts from the Nehru Family artifacts, modern paintings, ancient sculptures and weapons and warfare used by the Mughals

Allahabad University

The University building that was founded in 1887 is a fine display of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The 200 feet tower that stands tall in the campus is made from pale-yellow sandstone. The architectural style is a blend of the Victorian and the Islamic and reflects the influences that molded the rest of the city.

This park is located near Saraswati Ghat and has a stone memorial with a four lion heads on the top symbol on the top. It was founded by Lord Minto in 1910 and is also known as the park the East India Company officially handed over the reigns of the country over to the British Government.

All saints Cathedral

Designed by Sir William Emerson, this gothic cathedral holds the exclusive remains and proof of the Indian freedom struggle from the British regime that went on within the city.

• Chitrakoot (128 km) is the birth city of the three main Hindu gods; Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and Lord Shiva, the destroyer
• Kushambi (63 km southwest) is a Buddhist pilgrim center.
• Garwha is a walled enclosure containing ruins of ancient temples with carved stone pillars
• Civil Lines is a favorite hangout for teenagers and is the shopping hub of the city

Hotel Prayag, Hotel IIawart, Hotel Tepso, Hotel Ramkrishna

Hotel Milan Palace, Hotel Yatrik, Hotel Kanha Shyam, Samrat Hotel, Grand Continental.

• Canara Bank
• Bank of India
• Union Bank of India
• State Bank of India
• Allahabad Bank

• Head Post Office, S.N. Marg
• Sub Post Office, Near Johnstonganj

• Tej Bahadur Sapru Hospital
• Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital
• Northern Railway Hospital
• Dufferin Hospital
• Kamala Nehru Hospital
• Moti Lal Nehru Hospital
• Nazareth Hospital

• Government of U.P regional Tourist Office
• Krishna Travel Agency, Gupta Motels, Airodia Travels, Varuna Travel agencies, Pratap Travel agencies

• Well connected by rail to all major cities like, Calcutta, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow and Mumbai. Also connected to most parts of the country and state by good roads

• Bar and Restaurant, Tourist Bungalow, UPSTDC, Tel: 91-532-260 1440; 91-532-260 4377
• Jade Garden, Hotel Tepso, Tel: 91-532-262 3635; 91-532-262 1802
• El Chico Restaurant, Tel: 91-532-242 0753
• Kwality Restaurant, 26 A, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Civil Lines
• Pacific Restaurant, Opp. Swaraj Bhawan
• Rajdoot Bar and Restaurant, Vivekanand Marg

The city goes back to the Mughal Empire when it was founded by Akbar and used as a waterway landmark owing to its strategic naval importance. Its prominence in the Freedom struggle stems from the fact that a number of leaders of that regime belonged to the city, thereby making it a prime center for anti-British activities. It was this very city where the East India Company handed over the governance of the country to the British in 1858. Thus, adding to the historical importance of Allahabad.