Allahabad, or City of God in Arabic, also known as Prayag, is a city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and administrative headquarters of the Allahabad district. The ancient name of the city is Aggra (Sanskrit for "place of sacrifice") and is believed to be the spot where Brahma offered his first sacrifice after creating the world. One of the largest cities in India, Allahabad has a history which dates back to the Vedas.
Emperor Akbar founded this city in 1575 and called it by the name of Illahabas, which has now become the modern Allahabad. The monarch realised its strategic importance as a waterway landmark in north India and also built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy Sangam. An historian's paradise, the city has a number of secrets still hidden amongst the various ruins which dot parts of the city.
Allahabad is also popularly known for being one of four sites of the mass Hindu pilgrimage Kumbh Mela, the others being Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. The festival is organised at the confluence of the River Ganges, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati, popularly called the Triveni Sangam. The holy city is famous for its religious tourism. Today, it is a bustling metropolis, which has maintained a steady growth of progress and development. It has, however, not lost touch with its rich past of glory.
Sangam
Almost ten million pilgrims, tourists, ascetics and sadhu/sant (holy men) visit Prayag at the time of the month-long Kumbha, many taking a holy dip at Sangam and performing religious rituals and ceremonies.
Temples
Some temples to consider visiting are Shivkoti Mahadev Temple, Someshwar Mahadev Temple, Patalpuri Temple, Dashaswamedh Temple, Bare Hanumanji Temple and Jhusi-Tallest Hanuman Mandir. The last temple is an unusually tall Hanuman deity, together with 108 Shivalingas and Mankameshwar Mandir.
How to Get There
By Air:
Allahabad has a small airport and is connected only to Delhi.
By Rail:
Allahabad is situated on the trunk train route from Delhi to Kolkata and from Mumbai to Kolkata, so it is well-connected by trains. Over 50 trains stop at Allahabad.
By Road:
Allahabad lies on two national highways and is very well connected by road.
Getting Around
Hire a cycle-rickshaw. It is the cheapest, best and most common means of transport in the area. You could also opt for an auto-rickshaw.
Where to Stay
Allahabad has no shortage of accommodation. Some of the better places are the Hotel Yatrik, Hotel Allahabad Regency, Hotel Kanha Shyam and the Hotel Presidency. Other equally good options are the Grand Continental Hotel, Hotel Ajay International, Hotel Milan Palace, Hotel Samrat, Hotel Yatrik, Hotel Allahabad Regency, Hotel Finaro, Hotel Prayag and the Hotel Presidency. The Hotel Taoosi, Hotel Tepso, Hotel Vilas, Mayur Guest House, New Sangam Hotel, Royal Hotel and the Santhosh Palace are budget class.
Where to Eat
The Connoisseur Restaurant, Kanha Shyam and El Chico are pricey. McDonald's and Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) are universal eateries. Netram, Lok Nath, Madras Cafe and Loknath are popular.
