Allahabad lies 135 km west of Varanasi in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is at the confluence of the Ganga (also Ganges), Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River, the point of their mingling known as Sangam. Also known by its old name of Prayag, the city is an educational hub and a great pilgrimage center, especially the world-famous Kumbh Mela.
The meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, Sangam is around 7 km from Civil Lines. Near the Sangam is situated the Allahabad Fort built by Akbar in the AD 1583. Unrivalled for its design and craftsmanship in its heydays, the fort is now used by the army and only a part of it is open to the visitors.
Swaraj Bhawan, the historical building built by Motilal Nehru, was donated to the nation in 1930 to be used as the headquarters of the Congress Committee. The former prime minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born here.
A fine museum today, Anand Bhawan was once home to one of the most powerful families of Indian politics, the Nehrus. Khusro Bagh is a large garden where tombs of Khusro, son of emperor Jahangir, and Shah Begum are located. Hanuman Mandir is a unique temple famous for the supine image of Hanuman. This is the only temple to have Hanuman in a reclining posture.
Other place to visit are Shankar Viman Mandapam, Mankameshwar Temple, All Saints Cathedral (Patthar Girjaghar), Allahabad University, Mayo Memorial Hall, Allahabad museum, Minto park, Muir College, Jawahar Planetarium, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and public library.
The weather is one of the finest in the month of January and February. Monsoon touches Allahabad by 15th of June.
BY AIR – Allahabad does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airports are at Varanasi (147 km) and Lucknow (210 km).
BY ROAD & RAIL – Allahabad is situated on the Delhi-Calcutta route and can be reached from any part of India by rail or bus.