Allahabad

Allahabad, a highly religious place for Hindus and Muslims, was established by King Akbar by the name of Illahabas, meaning house of Allah. It is best known as host to the mind-boggling number of Kumbh pilgrims who visit this endearing city every 12 years. According to Hindu mythology for the 'Prakrishta Yagna' Lord Brahma chose a piece of land on the earth on the confluence of the three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mytical Sarswati. would merge into a confluence. The land being surrounded by these 3 rivers would serve as the prime and central altar and came to be known as 'Prayag' today known as Allahabad.

The most sacred spot in Allahabad is Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three of the holiest rivers of the Hindu mythology, the holy Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Devout Hindus from all over India come to this sacred pilgrimage point to offer prayers and take a dip in the holy waters. It is believed that a holy dip taken at the Sangam washes away all sins.

Best way to reach Allahabad, if you are coming from outside India, is to take a direct flight to New Delhi and then take one of the numerous connecting trains from New Delhi to Allahabad. The Kolkata Rajdhani express, though a better train, lands at a very odd hour in Allahabad (2343 hrs IST) from New Delhi which can be inconvenient for Allahabad being a really quiet place at night. Best train from New Delhi to Allahabad is the PrayagRaj Express (Train No. 2418) which leaves from New Delhi Railway Station at 2130 hrs IST and arrives in Allahabad at 0630 hrs IST next day. The train runs every day.