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by Akshay Balraj on Apr 21, 2010
If you are going on a pilgrimage, then you cannot find a better place than Allahabad. Allahabad also contains some heritage buildings which portray the best of Mughal architecture
History
Allahabad, the modern name of ‘Prayag’ has links to various ancient civilizations like the Iron Age. While most of the mythological beliefs associate the city with the Puranas and the Rigveda, the city also boasts of being an integral part of the Hindu mythological epic Ramayana.
Several dynasties are known to have ruled this city. According to the memoirs of Huien Tsang, the popular Chinese traveller, Allahabad was the reign of king Harshavardhan during 607 to 647 AD.
In the year 1193 Muhammag Ghori, conquest the reigns of Allahabad and brought it under the Delhi Sultanate empire. The Mughals took complete control over Allahabad in 1526 and it was during the reign of Akbar that the Fort of Akbar was built.
After the death of King Akbar, the city was ruled by King Jehangir. Many Maratha excursions were also made at Allahabd. However, the city came under the British flag in 1765, after the blood-spattering battle between the British and the combined forces of Nawab of Awadh and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam.
Allahabad played an active role during the mutiny of 1857. It was during this time that Allahabad was made the capital of the North West province of the British and remained so for the next 20 years.
Allahabd has been an important seat of learning since times immemorial. Various legends like Subhadra Kumari and Harivansh Rai Bachchan have been born here. In the 19th century, Allahabad was referred as the ‘Oxford of the East’.
Travel within city
The city of Allahabad is well connected by air, rail and road. The city also has a good internal transportation system which travelers can use to visit the various sites that are available in the city. The city has air force base known as Bamrauli, this base also serves as an airport and is well connected to Delhi and Calcutta. Taxi services can be arranged from the airport either through the hotels or through the taxi booths that are available outside the airport. They cost around Rs 300 to reach the airport. Allahabad has railway stations within the city and all the stations are connected to the city either through auto rickshaws or taxis. The best option is to hire prep paid autos from the station.
There are five main modes of transportation in the city. Travelers can opt for buses, tempos, auto rickshaws or taxis.
Bus
Buses connect most of the main areas of the city and are easily accessible and are cheap. They cost Rs 40 from one end of the city to the other.
Shared Tempo
Shared tempo and autos are another good way to get around the city as they are fast and can be hailed of the road. Also, the prices are negotiable. Some street corners also have cycle rickshaws which are cheap and are a good option for short distances. There are no separate night fares.
Hotels
You can find
17 hotels in Allahabad under following categories:
