Explore Allahabad with These Top Places to Visit and Things to Do

Allahabad, recognized for hosting the largest and grandest Hindu pilgrimage festival, is actually more than that. The city is usually known as Allahabad but the original nameswere “Prayag” or “Kaushambi”. This important destination in Uttar Pradesh has seen days of political, cultural and administrative influence from the time when it was the capital of Kuru rulers of Hastinapur, so you see Allahabad’s rich history does hold a power to captivate tourists on their visit. The city is popular as a venue for Kumbh Mela and for housing edifices like the Allahabad Fort, Allahabad University, and Anand Bhawan which is the ancestral home of the Nehru Family. In fact, the city is not just the home of the Nehru family but 13 other Prime Ministers of India! Interesting, right? Read the blog and you’d inculcate more interest in visiting Allahabad because I am packing this write-up with the very best of the city so that you do not miss anything worth experiencing.

List of Best Places to Visit in Allahabad:

1. Khusro Bagh: An exquisite garden portraying Mughal architecture

A quadrangle-shaped walled garden, Khusro Bagh is the location of four tombs belonging to the family of Shah Jahan. This incredible tourist place, spread in 40 acre of area, is the burial ground for Prince Khusro- the eldest son of Emperor Jahangir who rebelled against his own father when he was only 19 years old; Shah Begum (Wife-I of Jahangir); Nesa Begum (Sister of Khusro); and a tomb of unknown origin called Tamolon. Though Khusro Mirza was a Mughal emperor, but his life was never easy to live. He had faced such worse days which came to an end upon his death only. This fascinating place has always seen tourists wandering around and exploring the place.

Timings: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Opens: 7 days a week.

2. Triveni Sangam: A perfect place to find your spiritual side

Known as the most sacred spot in Allahabad, Triveni Sangam is a point where three rivers of religious importance- Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati meet. People can easily differentiate between the rivers as they maintain their original colours and this convergence point is considered as an auspicious junction as according to the Hindus, a bath here will help them wash away their sins and free them from the cycle of rebirth. This place is also super crowded during the religious festival- Kumbh Mela.

3. Anand Bhawan: The historical home of the Nehru Family

Allahabad has always had that political touch dating back to independence struggle era. In the centre of the city, the home of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru is situated. The beautiful two-storied house is preserved and kept as it is. The house is also the same place where leaders like Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi as well as Mahatma Gandhi once stayed. There is a small room in the house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay. This white and blue coloured home has a library filled with books making it one of the important tourist places of Allahabad.

Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

4. Allahabad Museum: A place perfect for adding pages to your knowledge book

Considered as one of the most organised and well-maintained museums of India, Allahabad Museum is home to a great collection of artifacts and acts as a research centre for historians, archaeologists as well as academicians. Apart from this, the museum also has become the only one in the country which generates its own energy with solar power. This museum is funded by the Ministry of Culture, India.

Timings: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Opens: Everyday of the week except Monday.

5. All Saints Cathedral: A Gothic-Style Church that wins your heart with its architecture

Also famous as the church of stones or Patthar Girja, All Saints Cathedral is a must-visit location in Allahabad. It is an astonishing marvel and one of those Gothic-style churches which was built by the British. Sir William Emerson was the person behind the architecture of this cathedral who has also built Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. While you visit here, the magnificent carvings and glass work present here will surely catch your attention. Apart from this, the peace you’ll feel here is hard to express through words.

Timings: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

6. Allahabad Fort: An architectural marvel standing tall on the bank of Yamuna

Standing tall along the banks of Yamuna, Allahabad Fort presents architectural brilliance. This fort is said to be originally built by Ashoka the Great but was repaired by Akbar around 1583. Although the fort is under the administration of Indian Army now, a part of it is open to public. This is considered as one of the must-see tourist attraction of Allahabad. Apart from the gorgeous appearance of the fort, another thing which allures the tourists is the Ashoka Pillar, which is one of those pillars that carries the edicts.

Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

7. Chandra Shekhar Azad Park or Alfred Park: A historically rich place to take walk back in time

A place rich in history, Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad Park or Alfred Park is the location where the freedom fighter, Chandra Shekhar Azad shot himself before the British could arrest him. In his honour, a statue of him is erected to commemorate at the exact spot. The park also has statues of Queen Victoria and George V at the centre, which definitely adds to the beauty of it and makes it one of the best places to visit in Allahabad.

Timings: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM

List of Top Things to Do in Allahabad:

1. Be a Pilgrim at the Grand Kumbh Mela

The one thing that drives tourists from all over the world to Allahabad is Kumbh Mela. This Hindu pilgrim fair is held in four different places in India. The reason behind this large-level celebration is that mythologically believed the Demons and the Gods are battling for the pot of nectar (Amrit Kumbh) and to show respect, the faith holders of Hindu mythology, who belong from every sector of society, draw in large crowds to purify themselves and their souls before entering the realm of god. People visit especially during this time of the year just to witness the grand celebration of Kumbh Mela in Allahabad. Since this festival is celebrated at a period of 12 years, this is the reason for a 120 million people gathering at the banks.

When to go: The next mela is scheduled in 2025.

2. Be a Part of the Smaller Version of Kumbh Mela at Ardh Kumbh Mela

Held every sixth year Allahabad, Ardh Kumbh Mela marks the halfway journey of the Purna Kumbh Mela in simple words. Also, the place witnesses an annual fair called Magh Mela which is organised in the months of January and last till February (according to Gregorian calendar and according to Hindu calendar it is the month of Magh). The fair starts on the day of Makar Sankranti which according to the Hindu calendar falls in the month of January.

When to go: Held six years after Kumbh Mela.

3. Binge on Some Delicacies at Eat On

One of the pages in your travel diaries should be titled what to eat when in Allahabad. A small shack called Eat On where no seating arrangement is available, serves the mouth-watering and heavenly food in Allahabad. This place has a selected menu comprising of four dishes- succulent shami kebabs, roasted and juicy chicken with a crispy and thin paratha, and the most popular delicacy is the aromatic chicken biryani. The other reason of it being a hot-joint is that these dishes are amazing and are budget-friendly. No doubt, Eat On is the favourite of Allahabad.

4. Explore the Silent Side of Allahabad While Boating

To enjoy the silent side of Allahabad, boating is the best option for you. Enjoy the beauty of nature while you sail on the water of Ganga. Boats are available near Triveni Sangam and I would suggest that when you rent one, hire the boat at sunrise or sunset to enjoy the best of nature. The tranquil water with a view of bustling ghats of Allahabad will surely make you love the city more.

5. Lose Yourself in the Rich Literature of the City in Allahabad Public Library

One of the biggest libraries of Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad Public Library is also a true depiction of Scottish Baronial architecture. This library was known as Thornhill Mayne Memorial and was built in 1864 and served as a house of legislative assembly during British era. In 1879 the library was shifted to Alfred Park or Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park and has been since there. The place possesses hundreds of manuscripts dating to 19th century like blue books, 125,000 books, manuscripts in different languages, etc. Take a walk down the literature road by visiting this place on your trip to Allahabad.

Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Opens: All days except Thursday.

6. Fall in Love with the Stars at Jawahar Planetarium

The city always had an influence of the Nehru family and to honour their contribution to India, their house has been turned into a museum. Besides this museum, there is a Jawahar planetarium where tourists often visit to have an experience of the celestial body movements. There are shows dedicated to the solar system. It is value for money and a favourite destination of the kids.

Timings: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Opens: Closed on Monday, open every other day.

7. Delve in the Rich Literature with Allahabad University

Formerly known as the Oxford of the East, Allahabad University was and is the truly deserving universities of India. This university was the fourth modern university of India and was established in 1887. It has a hint of Indo-saracenic, Gothic and Egyptian style of architecture and is unique in its own way. So while you are in the Allahabad, one of the must visit locations is the Allahabad University.

The gorgeous city of Allahabad has always welcomed a huge number of tourists or pilgrims. The city has a treasure filled with evidences of ancient happenings and to explore the best of it, we at Tour My India provide some amazing holiday packages to Allahabad. To know more, call us at +91-9212553106 or write to us at info@tourmyindia.com and let us plan an amazing trip for you.

If you feel like I missed something, mention it in the comment section below and if you liked my blog, give it a thumbs-up and share it with your friends, family or whomsoever you want. Hope you enjoy your trip to the divine land of Allahabad.