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
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 :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a great place. You will definitely love it
DeleteI 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! :)
ReplyDeleteYou will love India..I am not saying it because it is my home but really becauseof its culture, art and beauty
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