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Allahabad - Exploring the Land of three Rivers



The land of Prayag or Allahabad where Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meets was always a special place for Hindus. They continue to come here from different parts of Globe to take a holy dip in Ganga and ask forgiveness for their Sins in life and free them from the cycle of rebirth.

Once called the Oxford of the East, Allahabad has lost its glory in this Modern world. It was once the capital of United Province, now called Uttar Pradesh at the time of Britishers. From Asoka to Akbar, the City was a center of Statesmanship, art and culture. The time has gone and so is its glory, but it has protected its heritages and past to get vanished in current time.

I visited Allahabad a few days back and found there are many places of my Interest. They can be a mythological place or a Modern architecture. The City has seen it all. I am listing out a few of my experiences and will welcome if you want to add anything in the list:--

1)      Take a holy dip in Sangam


The two great rivers that start their journey from the Himalayas, One from Gangotri and another from Yamunotri travel thousands of Kilometers to meet and unite in Sangam, Allahabad. The place offers a divine experience where daily thousands of people arrive to take a bath in Mother Ganga, as Ganga is considered the Mother in Hindu culture. You can’t escape the feeling of just sitting there and watch people with so devotion.

 

2)      Visit Khusro Bagh


Khusro bagh is a hidden Monument and probably very less people know about it outside Allahabad. It has three Mausoleums of Khusro (Jahangir’s Son), his mother and Sister. It resembles with Qutub Shahi tombs of Deccan. My pick would be to take a Morning walk in Khusro Bagh as it is situated in middle of a beautiful Park. You will definitely love the place and wonder that the monument is still protected in this hustling environment of busy City.

 

3)      Re-live the pre Independence period
 


Anand or Swaraj Bhavan which was once the home of our first Prime Minister Jawahar lal Nehru is now his memorial where his belongings and other stuffs are kept for public display. You got to see Historical images and belongings which is a Unique experience in itself.
Alfred Park, popularly known as Company Garden is the same park where legendary freedom fighter Chandrasekhar Azad shot himself. The park has a museum which is not less in any sense than other such museums like Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai.  

4)      Walk around Allahabad Fort

Adjacent to Sangam, there lays great fort built by Akbar on the banks of Ganga. It is occupied by the Army and we get to see only a limited area. Apart from the fort, there are some unique things which are present in its premises. It has an Ashok Pillar which is one of its series. The other being in Delhi, Sarnath etc. Fort premises has a tree called Akshat Vat or Immortal tree which is believed by Hindus to be present on the earth since the start of the human race.  It is only opened to pilgrims in the time of Kumbh Mela.

5)      Witness a modern wonder in this world’s second oldest city.


The latest gem added in Allahabad Crown is the Naini- Yamuna bridge. It is India’s longest cable-stayed bridges. It runs across the Yamuna River in the North-South direction, connecting Allahabad to the Naini district.

6)      Always Eat like Locals

Allahabad is considered a border between the Awadh region and Bhojpuri belt. So, its cuisine is influenced by Mughali as well as traditional Indian food. Chowk, the old Allahabad has a lot of old restaurants and Non-vegetarians will not be disappointed. For my Vegetarian friends, I will suggest Lok nath bazaar in Chowk which would be the perfect place for their starvings.

Listing my picks for Eating Out
  • Nirala Misthan Bhandar in Lok Nath Bazaar
  • Eat On in Civil lines for kabab and Biryani
  • Indian Coffee House in Civil lines for its coffee and the old world charm
  • El Chico – Finest Dining experience in Allahabad

Let me know your feedback on the blog.

Also Read:
Love affair with Daman
Photo-Essay of Tadoba Tiger Reserve
 
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Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 16, 2014 at 12:01 PM

    I had no idea about Allahabad until I read this post. Beautiful pictures!! I'll need to go there next time I'm in India :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arshad khanAugust 18, 2014 at 7:25 PM

      It's a great place. You will definitely love it

      Delete
  2. FrancaOctober 1, 2014 at 12:55 PM

    I need to visit India, I keep putting off because there is always something else coming up but I think it's time for me to go, thanks for sharing! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arshad khanOctober 17, 2014 at 2:58 PM

      You will love India..I am not saying it because it is my home but really becauseof its culture, art and beauty

      Delete

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