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Allahabad Travel Guide, India

Allahabad, situated at the confluence of India’s two greatest rivers- the Ganga and Yamuna, is one of India’s most magnificent cities. It is the Mecca for Hindus who believe that the invisible, River Saraswati also joins the Ganga and Yamuna. Due to its location, Allahabad been one of the most important centers for trade and commerce and attracted the greatest rulers of the world to it. The location of the city on the banks of the Doab has more than a religious significance. The silt of the Ganges makes this region extremely fertile and suitable for the growth of wheat.

In fact its original name Ilāhābād was conferred upon it by the Mughal emperor, Akbar in 1583. History records depict a prosperous city by the name of Prague that historians identify as modern Allhahabad, which is one of the fastest growing cities of Uttar Pradesh. Its climate is similar to the rest of north India and warm in the summer, harsh in the winter with heavy monsoon rain.

The city is well connected by rail, road and air to the rest of the country.

One of the largest attractions of the city is the Kumbh Mela and the Maha Kumb Mela. Known for its religious importance it draws pundits and those in search of spiritual freedom, from all over the world. The Puranas also speak of this city, for it is from here that the legendary Yayati left to conquer the Sapt Sindhu.

The Ghats are the main tourist attraction and hundreds of visitors come to seek the blessings of the Ganga daily. The bazaars of the city are full of religious artifacts and the opulence of Prague is visible in these narrow lanes. The Allahabadi ‘pedha’ is known all over the world.

The city also marks the point of reference of the Indian Standard time and has a main role in the Indian Nationalist Movement.

Modern Allahabad is a vast city with a population of more than a million. It perfectly blends its past and present. This is visible in its culture and language- not only Hindi in the Khari Boli dialect is spoken here, but English is also widespread. The famous University of Allahabad has been labeled the ‘Oxford of the east’ and is one of the primary learning centers in the country. The city is also famous for its Agricultural Institute which attracts many students.

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