ALLAHABAD - PLACES OF INTEREST

Allahabad Fort

The massive fort built by emperor Akbar in 1583 A.D., the fort stands on the banks of the Yamuna near the confluence site. In its prime, the fort was unrivalled for its design, construction and craftsmanship. This huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers. At present is used by the army and only a limited area is open to visitors.The magnificent outer wall is intact and rises above the water'’edge. Visitors are allowed to see the Ashokan Pillar and Saraswati Kup, a well, said to be the source of the Saraswati river and Jodhabai Palace. The Patalpur temple is also here. So is the much revered Akshaya Vat or immortal Banyan tree.

Patalpuri Temple

Within this underground temple, inside the fort, lies the Akshaya Vat – or the immortal tree. Believed to have been visited by Lord Rama, the temple was also seen by the famous Chinese traveller and writer Hiuen Tsang during his visit to this place.

Ashoka Pillar

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

Akshaya Vat

The immortal tree within the Patalauri temple, has found mention in the description of several ancient scriptures, writers and historians. The tree stands in a deep niche above an underground shaft, which is said to lead to Triveni. 

Visitors need permission to visit the Fort, Patalpuri Temple, Ashoka Pillar and AkshayaVat from Commandant, Ordinance Depot, Fort, Allahabad. Phone: 6064738, Extn. 213.

Hanuman Mandir

Near the Sangam, this temple is unique in North India, for its supine image of Hanumana. Here the big idol of Lord Hanumana is seen in a reclining posture. When the Ganga is in spate, this temple gets submerged.

Shankar Viman Mandapam

130 feet high with four floors, it has the idols of Kumaril Bhatt, Jagatguru Shankaracharya, Kamakshi Devi (with 51 Shaktipeethas around), Yogsahastra Sahastrayoga Linga (2ith 108 Shivas around).

Mankameshwar Temple

Situated near Saraswati Ghat, on the banks of Yamuna, this is one of the famous Shiva Temples of Allahabad.

Minto Park 

It is situated near Saraswati Ghat, it has a stone memorial with a four-lion symbol on top, the foundation of which was laid by Lord Minto in 1910.

Swaraj Bhawan 

The old Anand Bhawan, which in the year 1930 was donated to the Nation by Moti Lal Nehru, to be used as the headquarters of the Congress Committee. Moti Lal Nehru renamed it as Swaraj Bhawan. Late Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born here.

Visiting hours: 09:30 am to 01:00 pm and 02:00 pm to 05:30 pm. Closed on Monday's.

Anand Bhawan 

The erstwhile ancestral home of the Nehru family. Today it has been turned into a fine museum. Here, many momentous decisions, events, related to the freedom struggle took place. The main building houses a museum which displays the memorabilia of the Nehru family.

Visiting hours: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm. Ticket: Rs.2.00. Closed on Mondays and Government holidays. Phone: 600476.

Jawahar Planetarium

For a celestial trip of the scientific kind, visit the Planetarium. Its worth every moment.

Visiting hours: 11:00 am to 04:00 pm. Ticket: Rs. 5.00. Closed on Mondays and 4th Thursday of the month. Phone: (0532)600493.

Allahabad University

One of the most famous universities of India, it has a sprawling campus, graced by fine buildings in Victorian and Islamic architectural styles.

Allababad Museum

The museum has a good collection of sculpture, especially of the Gupta era.

Muir College (1874)

Designed by William Emerson, this is an excellent mix of Gothic and Indian architectural elements. Commenced in 1874 and opened in 1886, it has an arcade quadrangle which is dominated by a 200 feet minaret tower in cream coloured sandstone from Mirzapur with marble and mosaic floors. The domes of the Indo-Saracenic structure are clad in Multan glazed tiles.

Chandra Shekar Azad Park

Adjacent to the museum, this splendid park was once known as Company Bagh. It has some fine colonial Buildings, including a public library.

All Saints Cathedral (Patthar Girjaghar)

This magnificent cathedral, designed by Sir William Emerson in 1870 and consecrated in 1887, is the finest of Anglican Cathedal in Asia is faced in White Stone with red stone dressing. No one visiting the cathedral can fail to be impressed by the beauty of the marble altar with intricate inlay and mosaic work. 

Khusro Bagh

A large garden in which tombs of Khusro, son of emperor Jahagir and Shah Begam are located.

Public Library (1864)

Standing at Chandra Shekhar Azad Park (Alfred park)l The memorial has a lofty tower and arcaded cloister. In 1879, the library was shifted to the present premises at Alfred Park. It has about 75,000 books, besides a treasure trove of manuscripts and journals.

Mayo Memorial Hall (1979)

Situated near the Thornhill and Myne Memorial, this large hall has a 180 feet high tower . The interior of this memorial hall was ornamented with designs by Professor Gamble of the South Kensington Museum, London. Completed in 1879 this hall was meant for public meetings, balls and receptions in commemoration of the assassinated Viceroy.

Near by Places

Jhusi(Pratisthanpuri)

For people looking for mental peace and spiritual healing. A place of many Ashrams and Temples. Situated just 9 km from Allahabad, across the Ganga. Approachable by Taxis, Buses, Boats, etc.

Bhita

An archaeological site 20 km from Allahabad, with remains dating back to 300 B.C.

Shringverpur

A famous kingdom of Nishadraj (King of Boatmen) situated 40 km from Allahabad. Excavations have revealed a temple of Shringi Rishi. On the banks of Ganga there’s a platform `Ramchaura’ – said to be the place where Lord Rama stayed overnight while going to the forest and his feet were washed by Nishadraj, before steering Rama across the Ganga in his Boat.

Tons River Aqueduct

A popular picnic spot situated around 43 km from Allahabad.

Upardaha Lake

One of the protected lakes in Uttar Pradesh, just 44 km away from Allahabad.

Kaushambi

Situated at around 62 km from Allahabad. It is a place traditionally associated with the Mahabharata, the city was also once a great Buddhist centre. Lord Buddha is believed to have visited Kaushambi twice to deliver discourses. The ruins of an ancient fort bear witness to the antiquity of the place. There are also remains of an monastery.

Kara

69 km. On the banks of Ganga, this provincial capital of the Mughals has many ruins.Sheetla Mata Mandir and Kaleshwar Mahadevji temple are famous temples of Kara.