Allahabad is a city that embodies India’s diverse and lively culture. Prayag is another name for the city, which is named from its location at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. It is considered to be India’s second-oldest city, located in Uttar Pradesh. The city has a fascinating history and is mentioned frequently in Hindu scriptures. The city is currently undergoing tremendous expansion and is contributing to India’s progress. A number of important educational and research institutions are located there.
In Allahabad, there are various points of interest, including the Jawahar Planetarium, which is located next to Anand Bhawan, the former residence of the Nehru-Gandhi family, the Triveni Sangam, and the Nehru-Gandhi Museum.
Best time to visit Allahabad?
The winter months of October to March are the finest time to visit Allahabad because the weather is cool and comfortable for touring. Though Allahabad is accessible all year, summer heat can be oppressive, and it is better to avoid visiting during this time. The Ghats may be inaccessible during the monsoon season, and bathing in the river is prohibited.
Thousands of people gather to the town to take a bath in the sacred Sangam during the Magh Mela, which takes place in the months of mid-January to early March (according to the Hindu calendar). The Maha Kumbh, on the other hand, occurs just once every 12 years during the same months and should not be missed.
How to Reach Allahabad
Allahabad is one of Uttar Pradesh’s main cities, and because of its central location, it is well-connected by bus, automobile, train, and air. Train or aircraft are the most convenient ways to get to this city from outside UP, while road travel inside the state is more convenient and cost-effective. Buses, trains, and airlines run frequently between other cities in the state, as well as important Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.
How to reach Allahabad by flight
Allahabad is one of the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh and is also centrally located making it very well connected by bus, car, train and air. The most convenient way to reach this city from outside UP is by train or by flight, but within the state, road travel is more convenient and economical. Buses, trains and flights regularly ply to and from other cities in the state as well other major cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.
Although Allahabad has its own airport, there is currently only one flight every day from Delhi (Air India). If you want to reach completely by flight, you can take the connecting flight from Delhi.
How to reach Allahabad by Road
The road connectivity from Delhi/Agra/Kanpur/Varanasi/Patna/Kolkata is excellent because Allahabad is located on the NH-2, which stretches from Delhi to Kolkata and is part of the Golden Quadrilateral. The roadway is smooth and well-kept, and it is not at all congested. The road between Lucknow and Allahabad is likewise in decent condition.
There are also very frequent Volvo bus services from Varanasi/Lucknow to Allahabad that have very comfortable seats and run all day, so you can basically just walk to the bus terminal and take the next bus.
How to reach Allahabad by Train
Allahabad is the headquarters of the Indian Railways’ North-Central division and is well connected by train to most of the country’s main towns. This is one of the most convenient possibilities because there are multiple overnight trains from Delhi/Kolkata and many trains connecting to surrounding cities (Varanasi/Lucknow/Kanpur/Agra). There are many Rajdhanis/Durontos that run between Allahabad and Delhi/Kolkata/Mumbai, making this one of the most convenient methods to get to Allahabad.
Places to Visit
1. Triveni Sangam
The Triveni Sangam connects three rivers: the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati (which is a mythical river, supposed to have dried up milleniums ago) In Indian mythology, both the Ganga and the Yamuna are revered rivers, and the confluence location of both rivers has a significant religious significance.
2. Khusro Bagh
Khusro Bagh, one of Allahabad’s most prominent tourist attractions, was built for King Jahangir’s son Khusro. The prince’s tombstone, as well as that of his mother, Shah Begum, are both located in this garden.
3. Anand Bhawan
The former mansion of the Nehru family, Anand Bhawan, has been converted into a museum displaying numerous items and articles from India’s independence campaign. Motilal Nehru designed the double-storey home himself. The famous planetarium, Jawahar Planetarium, is also located here.
4. Allahabad Museum
The Allahabad Museum is one of India’s national-level museums, located within the famed Chandrashekar Azad Park. Through stunning exhibitions of art, history, archaeology, architecture, environment, and literature, it provides an insight into India’s history, culture, heritage, and independence movement.
Food of Allahabad
Locals and visitors alike enjoy the variety of street delicacies available in Allahabad. Many shops in the old city area (especially Chowk and Katra) are known for their extensive selection of street cuisine. It is a foodie’s dream, with a wide range of chaats, kebabs, and desserts available at its unique cafes.
Loknath is a narrow and packed road in the Chowk region that is famous with street food aficionados; you’ll find everything here from chaat to kachori to khasta/dum aloo to lassi to halwa, to mention a few. Hari namkeen, known for its distinctive samosas, is one of the most popular businesses. Mughal food, as well as other cuisines, will be served.