Allahabad

According to Hindu mythology, for the 'Prakrishta Yagna', Lord Brahma, the creator - God of the Trinity, chose a piece of land on earth, on which the three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati - would flow into a quiet confluence. That land, blessed by the Gods, came to be called 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad', as it is known today. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres of India.

From the realms of mythology and legends, the history of Allahabad, then moved through time to 1575 A.D., when Emperor Akbar founded a city, of lavish proportions, and named it Allahabad. 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.

Places to See:
Sangam
The sacred Sangam is the confluence of three of the holiest rivers in Hindu mythology - Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. It is believed that it is at the Sangam, that a few drops of the nectar 'Amrit Bindu' fell .. making its waters truly magical. It is during the Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh that the Sangam truly comes alive .. attracting the devout from all across the country.

Patalpuri Temple
Within this underground temple, inside the fort, lies the Akshayavat - or the immortal tree.

Ashoka Pillar
This gigantic Ashoka pillar, of polished sandstone, stands 10.6 m high, dating back to 232 B.C. The pillar has several edicts, and a Persian inscription of Emperor Jahangir inscribed on it, commemorating his accession to the throne.

Hanuman Temple
This unique temple at the Sangam, is the only one in North India, where the idol of Lord Hanuman, is to be seen in a reclining posture.

Mankameshwar Temple
Situated near Saraswati Ghat, on the banks of the Yamuna, this is one of the famous Shiv temples of Allahabad.

Travel Information:

By Air: The nearest airports are Varanasi, Kanpur and Lucknow.

By Rail: The city has direct rail connections with important cities like Delhi, Calcutta, Patna, Gwalior, Meerut, Chennai, Mumbai, Varanasi and Guwahati.

By Road: Allahabad, on National Highway 2 and 27, is connected to the rest of the country by good, motorable all-weather roads.