Allahabad

State : Uttar Pradesh
In Hindu mythology, its status of 'Tirth Raj' or the king of all pilgrimage centres was bestowed by Lord Brahma, the creator god of Hindu Trinity, who performed 'Prakrista Yagna' at the confluence of the three holy rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati.

In Hindu mythology, its status of 'Tirth Raj' or the king of all pilgrimage centres was bestowed by Lord Brahma, the creator god of Hindu Trinity, who performed 'Prakrista Yagna' at the confluence of the three holy rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati. 128 kms.from Varanasi and located at the confluence (Sangam) of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, Allahabad - one of the oldest cities of India and a pilgrimage centre of utmost importance is also famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas held every twelve and six years respectively.

These are attended by the largest congregation of saints, believers and followers of Hindu religion in India and from across the world. Allahabad is also known for its annual Magh Mela (mini Kumbh Mela) and colourful Dussehra festival.

'Prayag' or 'Allahabad' as it is known today is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres of India.

Recorded evidence also exists in the revered scriptures - the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata as also in the Puranas-of this holy place called 'Prayag'. The present city of Allahabad was founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1575 A.D. Realising its strategic importance as a waterway landmark in north India, Akbar built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy 'Sangam'.

Every 12th year during the months of Jan-Feb world famous Kumbh Mela is held here on the banks of the holy sangam. Ardha Kumbh Mela is held every 6th year. The Magh Mela is the annual version of the Kumbh and Ardh kumbh mela which starts every year from Makar Sankranti in Jan. and ends at Maha Shivratri in Feb.


Place to See
Sangam
The holy place SANGAM is the place where the threee holy rivers GANGA, YAMUNA, and the mythica l SARASWATI merge into one. It offers facinating view at sunrise and sunset. At SANGAM few drops of nector is believed to be fallen making the water truely magical. The place comes alive, during the Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh, attracting millions of devotees from all across the country. The Sangam is the site for important fares and festivals, the year around.

Hanuman Temple
The Hanuman Temple is also near the SANGAM, houses the largest unique reclining image of LORD HANUMAN it is believed that the river GANGA rises during the annual floods to touch the feet of the image before receding back.


How to Reach
Air: There is no direct air link to Allahabad. However, the near Airports are Varanasi (147 kms.) and Lucknow (210 kms.).

Rail: The city has direct rail connections with important cities viz. Calcutta, Delhi, Patna, Guwahati, Chennai, Mumbai, Gwalior, Meerut, Lucknow, Kanpur and Varanasi.

By Road: Allahabad is on National Highways 2 and 27.