Counted amongst the holiest cities, Allahabad is synonymous to Sangam which is the confluence of three holy rivers of India.

Formerly called as Prayag, Allahabad is one of the most sought tourist destinations in India. The city is most famous as an education hub and is a great pilgrimage centre known for its world famous Kumbh Mela.It is situated on the banks of the confluence of the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

History of Allahabad

Mentioned in the holy scriptures, the epics, Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Vedas, Allahabad has a history which goes back a long way. According to the Hindu mythology the “Creator of the earth “ Lord Brahma had chosen the piece of land to give his first sacrifice after he created the world. He then decided that the three rivers would flow in the quiet confluence and referred to it as the “king of all the pilgrimage centres”. According to the archaeologists, the history of this ancient town traces its roots way back to 1100 B.C.

Not just as a pilgrimage centre, Allahabad has a lot to offer to its tourists. It is amongst the largest cities of Uttar Pradesh where confluence of history, culture, and religion is synonymous to the union of the three rivers.

Tourism in Allahabad

Allahabad becomes the venue of the Maha Kumbh, which is held after every 12 years. It can be easily called the largest religious gathering of humankind on earth.  Named in the Guinness Book of World Records, Allahabad also holds two other types of Kumbh Mela, the one happening every year is called as 'Minor Kumbh' and the one celebrated every 6 years known as Ardh- Kumbh. Any travel to India whether it is through package tours or whether you are just holidaying in India, is incomplete without a trip to Sangam. Kumbh Mela finds its mention in any guide to India. So if you are choosing a tour to India to spend your holidays, take a special note to mention Allahabad in your travel itinerary.

However Allahabad is much more than just Kumbh Mela. It is famous for its historical attractions such as Alfred Park and Minto Park and educational hub like Allahabad University and Muir College which is an excellent example of a blend of Gothic and Indian architecture. The city is also famed for its many museums like Allahabad Museum and Anand Bhawan. All Saint's Cathedral, Holy Trinity Church, Jamuna Church etc are the testimonials to the religious confluence of the city.

Few kilometres from Allahabad lies Kaushambi which is a place associated with the Mahabharata and which was once a great Buddhist centre. If you are interested in archaeology then include Bhita in your travel itinerary. Famed as an archaeological site Bhita has remains dating back to 300 B.C.