ALLAHABAD

Hallowed Sangam

Sangam- or the confluence of the three holy rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Sarsawati, is considered to be one of the most auspicious places for the Hindu faith. Allahabad (Prayag, as it is also known as), where these three water courses meet is the site for mass pilgrimage. This holy city is also the venue of the Mahakumbh Mela which takes place every twelve years and its one of the most moving sights, as pilgrims and sadhus mingle and merge into one heaving mass of humanity on the sands of the river.

HOW TO REACH

By Air:
Though there is an airport at Allahabad it is not operational.

By Rail:
The city has excellent rail connections to the rest of India's major cities out of Allahabad Junction, the main railway sation.

List of Trains
Rajdhani
Kalka Mail
By Road:
Good road connections with important cities like Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Khajuraho and Calcutta via the state run and private bus service operators from the MG Rd.Bus Stand and the Leader Rd. Bus Stand. Other states well connected to the city also.

GETTING AROUND
Only private taxis available - no yellow and black cabs. Rates always negotiable -as with tempo- rickshaws, which run on various routes. There are a few autorickshaws, but plenty of tongas, cycle-rickshaws and bikes around.

WHERE TO SHACK UP

If You Wanna' Blow Dough
Presidency Hotel- 19-D Sarojini Naidu Rd.. Tel 0532 62330.11 rooms. Rates vary from Rs 850 to 950.

If You Wanna' Live Sensibly
Samrat Hotel , MG Rd. Tel 0532 420780. 33 rooms. Rates vary from Rs 475 to 900

If You Wanna' Be Really Smart
Tourist Bungalow Tel. 0532 601440) MG Rd.Rates vary from Rs.300 to 600
Hotel Prayag, close to Allahabad Junction. Rates vary from Rs 150 to 500

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
MG Rd. has a clutter of good eating joints to meet all budgets- ranging from roadside stalls selling chowmein and dosas to espresso coffee outlets. Nathus Sweets on Sardar Patel Marg and Tandoor are popular haunts with the local residents. At the Tepso Hotel there's the Jade garden and Kwality Restaurant in Civil Lines that are worth exploring, when you're tired of slumming.

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Taking a boat ride to the Sangam is de riguer. This is one of the holiest rituals in a very hallowed city. The foundations of Allahabad go back deep into the mists of time. The holy city, is said to have been blessed by Bramha himself when he made a sacrifice here. The confluence of the three rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati have made the city a major pilgrim destination and priests have worked out various auspicious schedules for devotees to take the holy dip. Though the famous Kumb mela, is held once every 12 years on the river banks here, and the Ardh mela (every 6 years) there is the annual Magh Mela, which takes place annually around January/February. Even if it is a tourist trap make it a point to make the boat trip for the holy immersion. You'll also get stunning views of Akbar's Fort whose massive walls line the northern bank of the Yamuna.

Let your footsteps carry you to the Hanuman temple on the riverbanks, once you are back on terra firma. The god lies (unusually) in a reclining position and it is said that when the waters of the Ganga rise they lap at the feet of the deity.

If you have the urge to check out the family home of Jawahar Lal Nehru, head out to Anand Bhawan, now a major shrine to the Nehru family. There's an audio-visual presentation of the Story of Independence daily at the Swaraj Bhawan, next door. This is where Indira Gandhi was born.

WHERE TO SHOP

Your best bet are the shopping centres at Civil Lines You can pick up handicrafts made in Uttar Pradesh at the UP handicrafts Emporium. Check out Gangotri also.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tourist Office
Regional Tourist Office,
MG.Rd,Civil Lines.
Tel 0532 601873


STD code
0532

Medical Matters
Kamla Nehru Hospital
Kamla Nehru Marg.
Tel 0532 600469.
Dufferin Hospital,
Civil Lines.
Tel. 0532 651822

Money Matters
State Bank of India
Police Lines

Canara Bank
(Civil Lines),

Bank of Baroda
Sardar