17 Places You Shouldn’t Miss and Things to do in Allahabad
About Allahabad
Allahabad is one of the oldest living cities in India after Varanasi. The city is placed at the confluence of three holy rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati and has thus, enjoyed a central role in Hindu scriptures. Later, the Mughal emperor Akbar founded a great city in Prayag as mentioned in Akbarnama, henceforth, the city was called Ilhahabas or Ilahabad. The name was again changed to Allahabad as known today by Shah Jahan. Allahabad district is the 13th most populous district in India and is one of the most intriguing places to visit keeping note of its vast history.
Why Go There: Pilgrimage | Heritage
Ideal For: Friends | Family
Trivia: The city’s original name is Prayag or “place of offerings”
Things to Bring Back: Religious paraphernalia like sandalwood, incense, beads, vermilion, books, statues and other handloom items, embroidery clothes, mojri shoes
Best Time to Visit: November – April
Places to Visit in Allahabad
17. Minto Park
Situated along the banks of river Yamuna, Minto park gives you beautiful glimpses of the British Era in India. It was this place from where the declaration of transfer of power from The East India Company to the Government of Britain was read out in 1858. It is now known as the Madan Mohan Malviya Park after an Indian politician and educationist who played an important role in the Indian freedom struggle.
Distance: 5.1 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: Less than an hour
16. New Yamuna Bridge
The New Yamuna Bridge is the third longest cable-stayed bridge in India. A walk at this bridge in the morning or evening gives splendid views of the river. The bridge runs North-South across the river connecting Allahabad with its neighborliness Naini.
Distance: 5 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: Less than an hour
15. Saraswati Ghat
On the banks of the river Yamuna, in close proximity to Mankameshwar temple of Lord Shiva, lies the Saraswati Ghat. Take a boat ride here, be a part of the evening aarti with glowing lamps or simply watch the New Yamuna bridge glowing as the night ascends.
Distance: 6.5 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
14. Ulta Qila
Ulta Qila lies in the Jhunsi area, 14 km away from Allahabad. The story of this qila is highly amusing. It is said that King Haribong, a virtue less man, once gave a saint called Ali Mur-taza, wrong things to eat. The saint cursed him saying that a star called Mirrikh will fall upon the qila. The qila burnt out and thus, the name Jhuns (meaning burnt) came into being.
Distance: 14 km from Allahabad
Time required: 1 hour
13. Allahabad Clock Tower
The Allahabad Clock Tower is a historical landmark in Allahabad and one of the oldest as it was built in 1913. It showcases a fine example of Mughal art and structural skills. It is located at the centre of the Chowk, one of the oldest markets in India and is also known as Chowk Ghantaghar.
Distance: 1.9 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 hour
12. Swaraj Bhawan
Swaraj Bhawan was formerly known as Anand Bhawan and was owned by Motilal Nehru in the 19th century. This ancestral home of the Nehru family now functions as a museum with personal belongings and memorabilia of the Nehru family and Mahatma Gandhi. This place was originally built for Syed Ahmed Khan an educationist in 1871. Over a lot of events in time, the place was finally sold to Pandit Motilal Nehru in 1900.
Distance: 5 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
11. Alfred Park
This colonial era park has been renamed as Chandrashekhar Azad Park and is informally known as Company Bagh. It is the biggest park in Allahabad and was built in 1870 to mark Prince Alfred’s visit to the country. It was renamed as freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad sacrificed his life here duing the Indian freedom struggle.
Distance: 3.8 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 hour
10. Thornhill Mayne Memorial
Also known as the Allahabad Public Library, this memorial is situated in the Alfred Park. It exemplifies Scottish Baronial architecture and once served as the house of legislative assembly in the British era. It has a collection of more than 125,000 books, 40 types of magazines, 28 different newspapers, 21 Arabic manuscripts, old government publications, journals, parliamentary papers, blue books of the 19th century and more.
Distance: 3.5 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
9. Mayo Memorial Hall
The Mayo Memorial hall is located close to the Thornhill Mayne Memorial. It is a large meeting hall having a 180 ft high tower. This hall was meant for public meetings, balls and receptions commemorating assassinated Viceroy Mayo.
Distance: 3.5 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 hour
8. All Saints Cathedral
This Anglican cathedral in Allahabad, built in 13th century Gothic style is a beauty to behold. The architect of the Victoria memorial of Kolkata, Sir William Emerson designed this cathedral as well.
Distance: 2.8 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 hour
7. Allahabad Fort and Ashoka Pillar
Built in 1583 by Mughal Emperor Akbar, this fort stands tall near the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna. Its is known to be the largest fort built by Akbar unequalled for its design, construction and craftsmanship. The fort enclosed the famous Akshayavat tree, where people would commit suicide in order to gain salvation. The Ashoka stambh, 35ft high, noted for inscriptions and edicts of Ashoka (3rd century BCE), is also located inside the fort’s premises.
Distance: 7.2 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
6. Allahabad Museum
Located in the Chandrashekhar Azad Park, this museum was finally opened to the public in 1954 after a turbulent past. Further in 1986, the Ministry of Culture took over the museum realizing its rich collection of archaeological artefacts and art treasures. It houses a diversified collection of antiques, paintings, coins, sculptures, farmans, manuscripts, natural specimen history and more.
Distance: 3.5 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
5. Allahabad University
Once called the Oxford of the East, the Allahabad University is one of the oldest universities established in the Indian subcontinent. It was established in 1887 with its origins lying in the Muir Central College, named after Lt. Governor of North-Western provinces, Sir William Muir.
Distance: 5.3 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
4. Jawahar Planetarium
The Jawahar Planetarium was built in 1979 and is situated beside the Swaraj Bhawan. It is famous for the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture held each year on November 14th, the birth date of India’s first Prime Minister.
Distance: 4.8 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
3. Khusro Bagh
The Khusro Bagh is listed as an Indian Site of National Importance. It is a walled garden occupying an area of over 40 acres. The site includes tombs of Shah Begum, Khusrau Mirza and Nithar Begum, Jehangir’s Rajput wife, eldest son and daughter respectively.
Distance: 600 m from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
2. Triveni Sangam
This Sangam or confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati is one of the most revered religious Hindu sites. Different colours of these rivers and the undercurrent of river Saraswati attracts pilgrims from all over. A major attraction here is also the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years.
Distance: 8.3 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: 2 hours
1. Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela is inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Millions of Hindus gather every year for this mela held every 12 years in order to take a dip into the holy confluence. Three other Kumbh fairs in Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik are held in respective cities. Bathing in the river is said to cleanse a person of all his sins.
Distance: 8 km from Civil Lines Bus Stand, Allahabad
Time required: Less than an hour
Things to do in Allahabad
6. Shopping and Eating
Civil Lines, MG Marg and Katra are some of the most popular market places for any visitor. When in Allahabad, do visit these places and get some souvenirs back home. Also buy religious paraphernalia, handloom, garments, imagery and jewellery. You can find the streets of MG Marg lined with street food vendors, shops and stalls where you can get a taste of North Indian cuisine. Do try their namkeen, Dehati ke Rasgulle, Netraam Kachori – Sabzi, Faluda Kulfi and Gathiyas.
5. Bike Ride on Old Naini Bridge
Naini bridge is the oldest rail and roadways across the Yamuna river. This British era bridge is made entirely of steel and gives a beautiful view of the river. Rent a bike to enjoy the view and explore the place from around the bridge.
4. Heritage Tour at the Fort
The Fort is situated on the shore of river Yamuna and its history which goes back to the 1500’s makes it a splendid attraction. Currently the Indian Army occupies the place and a permission is required to enter it, but once in, you can enjoy this Mughal beauty.
3. Cultural Tour to Kalyani Devi Temple
Visit the Kalyani Devi Temple when in Allahabad. The idols of the goddesses are said to be ancient, possessing great power.
2. Boating at Triveni Sangam
Sunrise and sunsets make a fabulous time to take a boat ride on the Triveni sangam. You can enjoy being in the water of three rivers while also admiring the beauty of the fort.
1. Skywatching at Jawahar Planetarium
Watching stars and galaxies is something everyone would enjoy, so take some time out and visit the Jawahar Planetarium with your family or friends.
Places to Visit Near Allahabad
- Chitrakoot
- Khajuraho
- Rewa
- Ayodhya
- Bandhavgarh
- Panna National Park
- Buxar
- Bodhgaya
- Sasaram
- Orchha
How to Reach Allahabad
Nearest Airport: Bamrauli Airport, 12 km
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Nearest Railway Station: Allahabad Junction
Nearest Bus Stops: Civil Lines
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Where to stay in Allahabad?
Hotel Harsh Ananda | Hotel Kanha Shyam | Kunjpur Guest House
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