My visit to Allahabad was quite planned as I knew what I seek fo . I knew it had monuments as well as many pilgrimage spots to explore. Through brochures I came to know that Allahabad, the sacred city of Hinduism, was formerly called Prayag an was made in memory of a sacrifice done by Lord Brahma. 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 mythical Sarswati. 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 where devout Hindus from all over India come to the 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.

The other places that Leena and I explored during our stay in Allahabad were Sangam is the place where the threee holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati merge into one. It offers facinating view at sunrise and sunset. At Sangam few drops of nector is believed to be fallen making the water truely magical. The place comes alive, during the Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh, attracting millions of devotees from all across the country.

Our guide took us to the most exotic monument Anand bhawan. Several history making events of freedom strugle took place here. today this ancestral home of the Nehru family, houses a museum displaying the memorabilia of the family. One room is devoted to Mahatma Gandhi where he use to stay.