If you are attending the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, then you should take some time and visit the following important places to see in Allahabad (Prayag).
Triveni Sangam : The Triveni Sangam is the most important part of Allahbad and is the star attraction of this ancient city. As the name suggest it is actually confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati River. The Triveni Sangam is considered to be one of the most holy places across the country as it is the exact place where the drops of nectar fell when Lord Vishnu was carrying it away from the demons. The evening aarti at the Sangam is a treat to watch as thousands of flickering Diyas (lamps) float in the waters of the Ganga. A bath at the Sangam is said to wash away all of one’s sins and frees one from the cycle of rebirth. It also has been the site of immersion of Ashes of several great personalities of India including that of Mahatma Gandhi.
Someshwar Maha Dev Mandir : The temple of Someshwar Mahadev is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Rudra and is one of the most important temples of Allahabad. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year. It is also popular for the face that it is the place of the Ekadaksha Rudra, the only supreme form of Lord Rudra, also referred as Shiva.
Alfred Park : Also known as the Chandrashekhar Ajad Park and the company garden, the Alfred Park was built in 1870 to mark Prince Albert’s visit to India. The park was later renamed in honor of freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Ajad who sacrificed his life here, but it is still popularly called the Alfred Park. Covering as area of 133 sq. kms, it is the biggest park in Allahabad. The park has many memorials and important historical and recreational sites like The Chandra Shekhar Ajad memorial, The Victoria Memorial, Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Madan Mohan Malviya stadium, Allahabad Museum and the Thornhill Mayne Memorial. Being the biggest park it is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Allahabad.
All Saints Cathedral Church : In the town that is multicultural and houses people of almost every religion the All Saints Cathedral is the slice of History of Allahabad. Built in the Gothic style of architecture it is also known as Patthar Girja (Church of Stones). It was constructed by British architect Sir William Emerson who also built the Victoria memorial. The cathedral is build at the centre of a large open space at the crossing of two of the principal roads of Allahabad, MG Marg and SN Marg.
Allahabad Fort : The Allahabad fort was originally built by Emperor Ashoka and repaired by Emperor Akbar in the 1583. The fort is constructed on the banks of the river Yamuna near its confluence with Ganga. The view of the confluence of the river from the fort is quite intimidating. At present the fort is used by the Indian army and only a part of it is open for visitors there is also a centuries old Banayan Tree in the fort which is believed to be Akshayavat or the Immortal tree. According to a popular belief anyone who jumps from the tree will attain immortality which is the reason why it is not open for visitors.
Allahabad Museum : The Allahabad museum was established in the year 1931is known for its exquisite collection of unique and ancient objects of arts. The museum is located within the Alfred Park and is open from Tuesday to Sunday with Monday being an off. It offers free guided tours, free entrance for cultural and educational programs. You can also buy miniature versions of some of the most popular arts of Indian from the Museum. Ancient sculpture from Mathua, Bhumra, Jamsot, and terracotta of Kaushambhi, Rajasthani miniatures and the .32 bore Colt Pistol of Chandra Shekhar Ajad are some of the unique and rare items present in the museum.
Swaraj Bhawan (old Anand Bhavan) : The erstwhile ancestral home of the Nehru family. Today it has been turned into a fine museum. Here, many momentous decisions, events, related to the freedom struggle took place. The main building houses a museum which displays the memorabilia of the Nehru family. Visiting hours: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm. Ticket: Rs.2.00. Closed on Mondays and Government holidays.
Swaraj Bhawan : The old Anand Bhawan, which in the year 1930 was donated to the Nation by Moti Lal Nehru, to be used as the headquarters of the Congress Committee. Moti Lal Nehru renamed it as Swaraj Bhawan. Late Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born here. Facility of light & sound show from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm is available at Rs.5.00 per head.Visiting hours: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm. Closed on Monday’s. Ticket: Rs.2.00 Ph:2467674
Jawahar Planetarium : The planetarium constructed in 1979 is situated besides the Ananda Bhawan the former residence of the Nehru- Gandhi family. It holds various intellectual meetings and functions where some of the greatest minds of the nation interact. It also holds special shows for people educating them about the Universe and our solar System. Visiting hours : 11:00 am to 04:00 pm. Ticket : Rs. 20.00. Closed on Mondays and 4th Thursday of the month.
Khusro Bhag : The Khusro Bagh holds the tomb of Khursro Mirza the eldest son of Jahangir, his sister Princess Sultan Nithar Begam and Shah Begum, his mother. These tombs are protected and taken care of by the Archeological Survey of India and provide the detailed work of the Mughal Architecture.
New Yamuna Bridge : The New Yamuna Bridge of Allahabad is a fat of the modern marvels of engineering. Built over the river Yamuna, the bridge spans over a length of 1510mts and is the longest cable – stayed bridge in India. It connects the town of Allahabad with its neighbor of Naini.
The Thornhill Mayne Memorial : The T.M memorial is a public library situated in the Alfred Park and is also known as the Allahabad Public library. It was the legislative assembly during the time of British rule but in 1879 it was turned into a library. This library holds a collection of approximate 125000 books, 40 types of magazines and 28 different newspapers of different languages and holds 21 Urdu manuscripts.
Patalpuri Temple : Within this underground temple, inside the fort, lies the Akshaya Vat – or the immortal tree. Believed to have been visited by Lord Rama, the temple was also seen by the famous Chinese traveller and writer Hiuen Tsang during his visit to this place.
Asoka Pillar : This gigantic Ashoka pillar, of polished sandstone stands 10.6 meters high, dating back to 232 B.C. The pillar has several edicts and a Persian inscription of Emperor Jahangir inscripted on it, commemorating his accession to the throne.
Akshaya Vat : The immortal tree within the Patalpuri temple, has found mention in the description of several ancient scriptures, writers and historians. The tree stands in a deep niche above an underground shaft, which is said to lead to Triveni.
Hanuman Mandir : Near the Sangam, this temple is unique in North India, for its supine image of Hanumana. Here the big idol of Lord Hanumana is seen in a reclining posture. When the Ganga is in spate, this temple gets submerged.
Shankar Viman Mandapam : 130 feet high with four floors, it has the idols of Kumaril Bhatt, Jagatguru Shankaracharya, Kamakshi Devi (with 51 Shaktipeethas around), Yogsahastra Sahastrayoga Linga (with 108 Shivas around).
Mankameshwar Temple : Situated near Saraswati Ghat, on the banks of Yamuna, this is one of the famous Shiva Temples of Allahabad.
Minto Park : It is situated near Saraswati Ghat, it has a stone memorial with a four-lion symbol on top, the foundation of which was laid by Lord Minto in 1910.
Sai Dham Mandir (Drummond Road, A.G. Office) : This new Temple of Shirdi Sai Baba is situated at Dramnd Road near A.G. Office. A large number of tourist comes on Thrusday to visit.
Allahabad University : One of the most famous universities of India, it has a sprawling campus, graced by fine buildings in Victorian and Islamic architectural styles.
Chandra Shekhar Azad Park : Adjacent to the museum, This splendid park was once known as Company Bagh. It has some fine colonial buildings, including the public library. G.N. Jha research institute and the status od chandra Shekhar Azad. Dicated to great martyr Chandra Shekhar Azad who laid down his life fighting British force here.
Public Library (1864) : Standing at Chandra Shekhar Azad Park (Alfred park)l The memorial has a lofty tower and arcaded cloister. In 1879, the library was shifted to the present premises at Chandra Shekhar Azad Park (Alfred Park) It has about 75,000 books, besides a treasure trove of manuscripts and journals.