Allahabad is historic as well as a spiritual city. Illustrated numerous time for its prominent historic events, Kumbah Mela, highly revered temples and pious river ghats, as well as Prayag, the city bewitches backpackers from far and wide. Head to the city for a fun vacation and make it a memorable one.
Allahabad is recognized for its various aspects, some being: a quaint holy city, where the fervor-filled Kumbh Mela is celebrated once in 12 years; a place carrying massive significance in the books of Indian history; an upcoming city that thrives to preserve the uncanny essence of the old world and at the same time, races towards modernity. A city as well as a district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad is one of the most illustrated cities in India. It was formerly called Prayag, which signifies a place of offerings, and it is needless to say that the place occupies an important place in the spiritual universe of Hindus. The confluence of three holiest rivers, namely Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati is just a few miles off the city’s centre, and remains one of the most frequented places in the country. The sight of the pilgrims taking a dip in the river banks, praying and making offerings to the gods, and reciting out loud the mantras while doing the rituals, is very common here. It is indeed both exciting as well as surprising experience to walk down the old lanes and visit some of the oldest temples in the city.
Tourism is very big here as the place experiences a large and continuous footfall of pilgrims as well as tourists. Although, the place is quite easy to access as there are regular trains and intra-state buses to the city, a major percentage of backpackers are also taking an alternative route, which is reaching Kanpur first and subsequently boarding Kanpur to Allahabad train. Kanpur is a highly developed city and the largest one in the state. Plus, it also has very frequent trains and flights serving their purpose.
Without doubt religion is one major aspect of the city and simply can’t be overlooked. In fact, it will not take much time for you to realize that religion prevails a majority of the facets here. However, it is just one of the various aspects of the place and there is certainly more than that.
While you are here Allahabad Fort or Akbar’s Fort, as it is often called, is a must-visit attraction. Although, a only a small portion of the fort is open for tourists, still the fort is worth visiting. Built by Emperor Akbar himself, the fort resembles the best of design, craftsmanship, and construction. It stands on the bank of River Yamuna and quite close to the site of the confluence of the three rivers. Inside the fort are various plush buildings that exhibit the opulence of the past rulers. A major attribute of the fort that generates huge attention is a popular belief that there exists an old and revered tree that is called Akshaya Vat. Legend has it that if one jumps from the tree he will attain immortality. However, civilians are not allowed to see the tree.
There are several other interesting tourist attractions and legends to learn in Allahabad. So, go ahead and book the train tickets, make use of PNR prediction tools while booking a ticket, it helps! And, get going to the quaint and old city.
