Allahabad is synonymous to Sangam. 'Sangam' actually means confluence in Hindi. The city has been named so because it is situated on the confluence of Ganges, Yamuna and mythical river Saraswati. That is why; Allahabad is counted among the holiest of cities in India. A holy fair called Kumbh marks the place. These are of three types. The one that takes place every year is called 'Minor Kumbh'. Whereas the ones celebrated every 6 years and 12 years are called Ardh-Kumbh and Maha Kumbh respectively.

The Maha Kumbh that takes place every 12 years is the largest religious or for that matter, largest congregation of humankind on the earth. In the 1988 edition of Maha Kumbh, 15 million people took dip in a single day. Guinness Book holds the figure as a world record. During the Mela, whole of the city turns in to a camp of a sort. Separate camps are pitched on the bank of confluence for different sects of hermits who are always at war. There are as many as 13 different camps dedicated to various sub-sects of Vaishnavite and Shaivite sects. There are dedicated days for these dips that are calculated by astrologers.

Nevertheless, Allahabad is much more than that. There are other attractions too. Some of them like Alfred Park and Minto Park have historical importance where as some others like Allahabad University and IIIT is the temple of learning. The city is also known for its numerous museums that includes among others, Anand Bhawan and Allahabad Museum.

Sangam literally means confluence. The place has been named so because it is situated on the confluence of Ganges, Yamuna and a mythical river named Saraswati. The actual confluence is located around 7 Kilometers from the Civil Lines. The place is considered to be one of the most sacred in Hindu religion and is the site for Ardh-Kumbh and Kumbh Mela that takes every 6 and 12 years respectively. At the point at which the Ganges meets Yamuna, pandas (priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. Boats are available for visitors to take a ride in the river.

During the month of Magh (mid-January to mid-February) pilgrims come to bathe at this holy confluence for the festival known as the Magh Mela. Astrologers calculate the holiest time to enter the water and draw a 'Holy Dip Schedule' that is updated annually. The most propitious time of all comes every 12 years when the massive Kumbh Mela takes place. The Mela holds a record in the Guinness Book as the largest human gathering on the earth. This was created in the year 1988 when 15 Million people gathered to take a dip in a single day.

Allahabad Museum is one of the best-kept museums in India and that is what makes it a must visit destination in Allahabad. The specialty of this museum lies in the fact that it has separate galleries devoted to archeological findings, natural history exhibits, art gallery and artifacts donated by Jawaharlal Nehru.

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, himself inaugurated Allahabad Museum in 1947. The museum boasts off a large collection of displays that are scattered across whopping 18 galleries! The objects on view include prehistoric and Indus Valley antiquities, stone sculpture, terracotta, bronzes, seals, miniature paintings, Buddhist thanks, textiles, weapons, medieval land grants as well as documents and the personal effects of Nehru and the freedom movement.

Beautiful stone images, intricately carved temple pillars and lintels dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD, represent important dynasties, both ancient and medieval. There are antiquities from nearly all the renowned schools of sculptures namely Gandhara, Mathura, Kausambi and Sarnath.

Nevertheless, the most interesting part of the display is the magnificent terracotta collection of this museum. Indeed, the collection is counted among the largest of its kind in the world. The oldest on the display dates as back as the fall of Indus valley civilization. The subject of these terracotta ranges from dancing and amorous scenes to bacchanalian feasts and hunts. The coin collection has outstanding too and includes Kushana and Gupta gold coins, while the manuscripts that are mainly in Sanskrit, date from the 16th century onwards.

Anand Bhavan is the ancestral home of Jawaharlal Nehru, the freedom fighter and the first Prime-Minister of India. The place is also home to Indira Gandhi, the "Iron Lady of India". The place has today been turned into a fine museum. The importance of this place also increases because of the fact that several momentous decisions and events, related to the freedom struggle took place here. The main building houses a museum that displays the memorabilia of the Nehru family.

Indira Gandhi donated Anand Bhawan to the Indian government in the year 1970 that was later converted into a museum on her behest. This museum is very well kept and worth visiting. This shrine to the Nehru family indicates the high regard in which this famous dynasty is held in India. The exhibits in the house highlight the events that compelled a well-off and prestigious family to get involved in Indian independence. The family has the honor of producing five generations of astute politicians - Moti Lal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajeev Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

The most interesting part of the museum is Nehru's bedroom and study. There is a room specially dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, father of the Indian Nation, where he used to stay during his visits. There is a room dedicated to Indira Gandhi as well that houses many of her belongings. The drawing room also houses some of the belongings of Moti Lal and Jawaharlal Nehru. The study is another interesting section where you can glance through numerous bookshelves that are full of titles dedicated to Marx and Lenin. Out in the lush green garden is an outhouse that houses a picture gallery dedicated to the life and times of Jawaharlal Nehru. Next-door is Swaraj Bhawan, where Moti Lal Nehru lived until 1930 and where Indira Gandhi was born. It houses a museum featuring dimly lit rooms and an audio-visual presentation 'The Story of Independence'

Alfred Park is a must visit tourist destination in the city of Allahabad. Apart from the fact that Alfred Park is the largest park in Allahabad, it has historical significance as well. The park is marked by huge statue of George V and Victoria that were installed in the very center. The Park was the site for official ceremonies at the time of British that were often followed by musical performances of the Police Band.

The park became famous during the Indian Freedom Struggle. This was the same place where the famous encounter between the British police and Indian revolutionary took place. Chandra Shekhar Azad had taken the vow that come what may, he will never let himself in to the hands of imperial police. Therefore he took the pseudonym 'Azad' that means 'Free' in Hindi.

It happened so that Azad got cornered in the Alfred Park while he was escaping out after an act. A full unit of the then Allahabad Police cordoned the park and cut the escape route. An hour-long exchange of fire followed but when Azad found that he has only one bullet left in his pistol, he preferred to shoot himself than breaking his vow. After independence this park was renamed as Chandra Shekhar Azad Park and a bust statue of Azad has been erected where he died.

Minto Park that has been re-christened Madan Mohan Malaviya Park is a must visit destination in Allahabad. The park has its prominence in the chronicles of History and that is why it is a must for both researchers as well as casual visitor. Minto Park has been erected on a site near the Saraswati Ghat in Yamuna. The site has a special place in the history of British India.

This is the same place where in the year 1858, Lord Canning read out the declaration of Queen Victoria's Proclamation. This famous proclamation resulted in the complete transfer of power from the hands of The East India Company to the government of Britain. The step was taken in the wake of 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. One of the reasons behind this mutiny was the blatant corruption that prevailed in the ranks of The East India Company. The decision resulted in converting the status of India from an 'Economic Interest Zone' into a 'Colony'.

52 years after the incidence, in 1910, Lord Minto laid a foundation stone for the park. The Governor General laid this park in order to commemorate the transfer of power. This lush-green Park has a white memorial stone that is mounted by four ferocious looking lions. This memorial stone has edicts confirming it as the site where the historic proclamation was read. The park has now been christened Madan Mohan Malaviya Park.