India Festivals Destinations
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Allahabad
Location
Allahabad is situated in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh, close to Varanasi,
Lucknow and Kanpur. The city is on the banks of rivar Ganga and Yamuna and
there confluence, known as Triveni Sangam.
The City
Allahabad, a highly religious place for Hindus and Muslims, was established
by King Akbar by the name of Illahabas, meaning house of Allah. The British
modified the name as per there convinience and started calling it Allahabad.
Akbar realised the commercial importance of this place and built several
Ghats on the river banks. Later the city developed as a major trade centre
in Uttar Pradesh. The city was once called Oxford of east, due to the high
standards of education in Allahabad University. Allahabad has produced many
great scholars, poets, thinkers, statesman and leaders. It was a strategic
location for the activities of Indian freedom struggle. Religiously highly
sacred, Allahabad is host of the Maha Kumbh Mela on the Confluence site (Triveni
Sangam). Many temples, churches and mosques are built across the city. Today
Allahabad rests peacefully with a great past, calm present and a promising
future.
Getting There
By Air
Nearest airports are Varanasi at 135 Km, Lucknow at 210 Km and Kanpur at 200
Km. From these airports one can get taxis and buses to move to Allahabad.
By Rail
Allahabad railway station is on the main lines of rail route of north and
north-east railways. The city is well connected to all the major and small
cities of Uttar Pradesh and India.
By Road
The road network connects Allahabad very well to the nearby and major
cities. Allahabad falls on NH 2 and 27. Some major distances from Allahabad
are: Agra 433 km, Kolkata 799 km, Chennai 1790 km, Delhi 643 km, Jaipur 673
km, Khajuraho 294 km, Mumbai 1444 km, Lucknow 204 km, Varanasi 125 km and
Kanpur 200 Km.
Tourist Attractions
Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three river- Ganges, Yamuna and mystic
Saraswati is the major attraction, as a religious as well as tourist
destination. The Sangam is the site for the Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12
years here. Pilgrims visiting Sangam do take a bath in the waters of Ganges
or confluence. It is said that a dip in the sacred water washes away all the
sins. Tourists can take a boat ride across the rivers, and see the beauty of
the ghats.
Maha Kumbh Mela
The Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest religious fair in India, attended by
millions of people. The mela is especially renowned for the presence of an
extraordinary array of religious ascetics - sadhus and mahants - enticed
from remote hideaways in forests, mountains and caves. Once astrologers have
determined the propitious bathing time or Kumbhayog, the first to hit the
water are legions of Naga Sadhus, the ferocious-looking members of the
"snake sect" who cover their naked bodies with ash, and wear hair in long
dreadlocks. The next Maha Kumbh Mela is due to take place in 2013.
Allahabad Fort
The massive fort built by emperor Akbar in 1583 AD, stands on the banks of
the Yamuna near the confluence site. In its prime, the fort was unrivalled
for its design, construction and craftsmanship. Presently Army has taken
over the court for usage. A small area is open for the visitors. The
Jodhabai palace in the fort was made in honor of Queen Jodhabai of Akbar.
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