The city of Allahabad is one place where the remains of the dead take rest and leave for the ethereal abode, and get rid of their eternal cycle of birth and rebirth. Allahabad city is also the land where some of India's most charismatic people have either taken birth or made it their permanent abode.

Situated in Uttar Pradesh, at a distance of 238 km from the state capital Lucknow, city of Allahabad is one of the holiest cities of India and a prominent centre for culture, administration, and education. The city finds mention in the sacred scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata, as Prayag. The city is especially sacred for the Hindus, as it is here that the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati meet. Because of the confluence of three rivers, it is also called the Sangam. The Kumbh Mela is held here after every twelve years.

Fast Facts

Area	:	63.07 sq km
Altitude	:	98 m above sea level
Population	:	9, 90,298
Languages	:	Hindi, English, and Urdu
Best time to visit	:	November to February
STD Code	:	0532

History

Allahabad finds mention in the Holy Scriptures-the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and in the Puranas-as Prayag. Hindu mythology has it that Lord Brahma, the creator, chose a piece land on earth, on which the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati would flow into a quiet confluence. He referred to it as 'Tirtharaj' or the 'king of all pilgrimage centers.'

Allahabad's antiquity attracted curious itinerants from even the Far East. Huen Tsang and Fa Hien, the Chinese travelers, who visited it in the fifth and the seventh centuries respectively, found it a flourishing state. As time wore on, Allahabad found playing itself host to the royalty, including the illustrious Harsha, Akbar, Dara Shikoh, Khusro, and Queen Victoria. In 1575, the Mughal Emperor Akbar named it 'Illahabas.' Akbar realized its strategic importance and built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy Sangam. Over the centuries that followed, Allahabad remained on the forefront of national importance-more so during the days of the Indian independence struggle. The chequered history of Allahabad with its religious, cultural and historical ethos also gave rise to several renowned scholars, poets, writers, thinkers, and political leaders. Allahabad today is an important city where history, culture, and religion create a confluence-much like the sacred rivers that caress this God-graced land.

Best Season, Climate, and Clothing

The climate of Allahabad city is one of the extreme types with annual range of temperature differing by around 12�C. The temperature varies from a maximum of 45.6�C to a minimum of 1.1�C. The weather is one of the finest in the month of January and February. Annual rainfall is 1935.5 mm and the maximum being 914.7 mm (August) and minimum 68.3 mm (December). Monsoon touches Allahabad by 15th of June. Thus the best time to visit Allahabad is from the month of November to February. In case you are planning your trip to Allahabad city in summers than the cotton clothing will be apt. In case of winters woolens are required.