 KUMBH MELA
KUMBH MELA The Kumbh Mela, held every 12th years, is the best of north Indian festival-fairs. It attracts millions of followers from all over the world who congregate on the banks of Sangam (the point of confluence of Ganga Yamuna and the mythological Saraswati)the holy river to wash away their sins and gain redemption. A Kumbh that falls on a Monday is called the Somvati Amavasya. It is considered to be the most auspicious of all. A dip in the Sangam on this day supposedly increase the spiritual benefits manifold. The last Kumbh Mela was held in January 2001.
SANGAM
 SANGAM The Sangam, among the most sacred places of the Hindus, is situated around 7 km from Civil Lines. The is the point on confluence of three holy rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The Pandas (priests) here can be seen sitting on small platforms performing puja and helping devout in their ritual ablutions. The Sangam is also the venue to Kumbh Mela held every 12 years.
ALLAHABAD FORT
 ALLAHABAD FORT The strategic location of Prayag was the primary reason for Akbar to build the Allahabad Fort in AD 1583. One is impressed by the architecture, art, design, and craftsmanship of the fort. Now under the Indian army, only a part is open to the visitors. There are three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers in trhe fort. Visitors can also have a look at the Ashoka Pillar, Saraswati Kup (source of the mythical river Saraswati), and Jodhabai Palace.
 PATALPURI TEMPLE AND AKSHAYA VAT
PATALPURI TEMPLE AND AKSHAYA VAT: This underground temple is located inside the Allahabad Fort. The temple is famous as Lord Rama is supposed to have worshipped once. Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang, who visited India in AD 644 also mentions about this temple. The famous Akshaya Vat (literally, Immortal Tree), a revered tree of the Hindus, is also located inside the temple. A permit is required from the Ordnance Depot or the Tourist Office to the Patalpuri Temple and the Akshaya Vat.
ANAND BHAWAN
ANAND BHAWAN Anand Bhawan is the ancestral home of the Nehrus, the most important political family of India, offers a glimpse of the lifestyle of the family. It now houses a museum and a memorabilia of the Nehru–Gandhi family.
SWARAJ BHAWAN
SWARAJ BHAWAN Swaraj Bhawan, lying close to Anand Bhawan, is where Mrs. Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, was born. Built by Pt. Moti Lal Nehru, father of Jawaharlal Nehru, the building was donated in 1930 to be used as the headquarters of the Congress Committee. Presently the Swaraj Bhawan houses the Jawaharlal Nehru Trust.
KHUSRAU BAGH
KHUSRAU BAGH is a large garden where the tombs of Khusrau, son of emperor Jehangir, his sister, and his Rajput mother are located. Khusrau is said to have made many unsuccessful attempts to murder his father and become the ruler. However, he was himself murdered by Shahjahan in the end.
HANUMAN MANDIR
HANUMAN MANDIR The Hanuman Mandir, a unique temple in the vicinity of the Allahabad Fort, is known for the supine image of the monkey-god Hanuman. It is the only temple with Hanuman in a reclining posture. Though a small temple, it is visited by hundreds of devotees’ everyday.
ALLAHABAD MUSEUM
ALLAHABAD MUSEUM Located near Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, the major attractions of the Allahabad Museum are its display of paintings of Nicholas Roerich, terracotta figurines, Rajasthani miniatures, coins and stone sculptures from ancient to modern times. The museum with its eighteen galleries is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Monday.
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