Allahabad Tour
Duration: 2-3 Days
Destination: Allahabad - Kaushambi - Varanasi
Best Time: October to March
About
Allahabad is among the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh. Hindu mythology has it that for the Prakrishta Yaina, Lord Brahma, the creator God of the Trinity, chose a land on earth, on which the three rivers would flow in to a quiet confluence. Brahma also referred to it as `Tirth Raj' or the `king of all pilgrimage centres'. Recorded evidence also exists in the revered scriptures – the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as also in the Puranas – of this holy place formerly called Prayag. Allahabad stands at the confluence of two of India's holiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna. Sangam, as the confluence is called, is the venue of many sacred fairs and rituals, and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. This number swells to millions during the world-famous Kumbh Mela. A third mythical Saraswati river, believed to flow underground towards the Sangam, gives the confluence its other name 'Triveni',
The city being an important cantonment during the British Raj has some beautiful remnants of colonial architecture. In the early 20th century, Allahabad University was the foremost center of learning in the country. Allahabad, today is an important city where history, culture and religion create a confluence … much like the sacred rivers that caress this God-graced land.
Major Buddhist Attractions
Buddhist Heritage Sites
Allahabad has several Buddhist heritage sites including ancient monasteries and stupas that reflect the city's historical connection to Buddhism.
Other Attractions
Triveni Sangam
The sacred confluence of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. This is the site of the world-famous Kumbh Mela.
Allahabad Museum
Houses a collection of Buddhist sculptures, figurines, coins, and terracotta sculptures from Kaushambi and other archaeological sites.
Anand Bhavan
The ancestral home of the Nehru family, now a museum showcasing India's freedom struggle.
Getting There
Air: There is no air link to Allahabad. Nearest Airports are Varanasi (147 km) and Lucknow (210 km).
Rail: Allahabad is well connected by trains with all major cities, viz. Calcutta, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow and Mumbai. Some of the important trains providing access to Allahabad are: 2311/2312 Kalka Mail (Kalka / Delhi / Kolkatta) 2381/2382 & 2303/2304 Air Conditioned Express (Amritsar-Delhi-Calcutta); 2815/2816 New Delhi-Puri Express; 3007/3008 Udyan Abha Toofan Express (Shriganganaga / Delhi-Calcutta); 3011/3012 Howrah Express (Calcutta-Delhi); 2321/2522 North East Express (New Delhi-Guwahati); 2391-2392 Magadh Vikramshila Express (New Delhi-Patna); 2417/2418 Prayag Raj Express (New Delhi)
Road: Allahabad, on National Highways 2 and 27, is connected to all parts of the country by good roads. Some important road distances are Agra, (433 km), Ayodhya, (167 km), Chitrakoot, (137 km), Delhi (643 km), Jhansi, (375 km), Khajuraho, (294 km), Lucknow, (204 km), Patna (368 km) and Varanasi (125 km)