Prayagraj

Shah Begum' was the wife of Jahangir and the mother of Khurso Mirza. She was born as Man Bai and was the daughter of Raja Bhagwant Das, the ruler of Amer. She overdosed on opium in 1604, and the tomb was built in 1606. Designed by Aqa Reza, the elaborate calligraphy was executed by Mir Abdullah Mushkin Qalam. Shah Begum's Tomb is the principal tomb of the complex and occupies the central position. The three-tiered structure is built entirely with sandstone and stands on a high plinth. It is topped with a chatri and crowned with an elaborate finial.

Nithar Begum was Khurso Mirza's sister and daughter of Shah Begum. The tomb came up in 1624 - 25 and is the last of the three great tombs of Khusro bagh. It is also the most elaborate of the three tombs. A two-story structure built on a raised plinth, the material used is primarily red sandstone. The tomb chamber is approached through an elaborate doorway carved within the plinth that leads to the lower level (meant to house the actual grave). The two tired upper part is crowned with a massive dome topped with a beautiful finial. The dome is flanked with four chatris in the four corners and the four corners of the structure houses slender minerates. The interior houses finest frescoes of the Mughal period complete with elaborately painted stars in concentric circles. A series of inscriptions runns throughout the inner walls of the tomb.

Khurso Mirza, the eldest son of Jahangir was executed in 1622 under the order of Prince Khurram (later Saha Jahan). Today his tomb is the easternmost of the tombs of Khurso Bagh. The sandstone single-storey (although it seems to be double-storey from outside) mausoleum stands on a low plinth. It is topped with a massive dome standing on an octagonal drum. The dome is crowned with a decorative finial. The four corners are marked with chatris. Slender minerates marks the four corners of the upper storey. The interior contains brightly coloured fresco along with intricate calligraphy. Apart from the grave of Khurso Mirza the tomb houses two other graves in arcaded niches on opposite ends of each other. The south east corner of the plinth houses the grave of Khurso's horse.

On the western side of the three tombs lies the lone tomb of Bibi Tamolon. Nothing much is known about the tomb or its occupant. The sandstone built octagonal tomb stands on a high plinth and is topped with a dome.

It was at this very place in 1858 Lord canning read out the declaration of Queen Victoria's Proclamation which resulted in the complete transfer of control over India from The East India Company to the government of Britain. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the event Lord Minto installed a proclamation pillar in 1908. The marble pillar was topped with busts of Queen Victoria and Edward VII. In 1910 the park was named as Minto Park. Later after independence the two busts were removed and replaced by the Ashokan Lion Capital and the park was renamed as Madan Mohan Malaviya Park. Next to the park is a British era Christian cemetery containing graves of British soldiers killed during the Revolt of 1857.

The 4th oldest university of India, it has various neo-Gothic monuments. The university originally started as the Muir College in 1872. With the foundation of the Allahabad University in 1921 the Muir College merged with the newly formed university. The college was founded by William Muir, Lieutenant Governor of the North-West Provinces of India. The Muir College complete with domes and tower is built in Indo-Saracenic style. It is designed by William Emerson and has an interesting blend of Indian and Persian elements. Zoological museum, known as Agharkar Museum, is housed in the Department of Zoology. The museum houses a collection of skeletons of mammoth and elephants. The archaeology department also has its own museum.

Mayo Memorial and Town Hall was constructed in 1879 in memory of Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India who was assassinated in the Andamans in 1872. The foundation stone of the building was laid by Lord Lytton and was designed by Richard Southwell Bourke. The hall is meant for public meetings and elaborate parties. The structure is dominated by a 180 high tower. The interior of this memorial hall was ornamented with designs by Professor Gamble of the South Kensington Museum. The interiors are accessible to tourists and consist of. huge hall supported by decorative pillars and gothic arches.

Old Nani Bridge is one of the oldest bridge of the country it runs in the north-south direction across the Yamuna River connecting Prayagraj to the Naini area. The road and rail bridge came up in 1865 and established the rail link between Kolkata and New Delhi. In 1927 a lower deck was added to the bridge providing two-way traffic for both rail and road. Interestingly one of the pillars of the bridge is shaped like a shoe, this was done for the current of the river. The pillar came to be known as "gentleman's shoe.".

The New Yamuna Bridge Naini is located west of the Old Naini Bridge and is parallel to it. The cable styled bridge came up in 2004 had provides 6 lane road traffic. The bridge allows pedestrians and provides great views of the Yamuna River along with Old Naini Bridge. A boat ride below the bridge provides a great view of the bridge.

Spot for the lovers of ancient history. Prayagraj being a historical city, the museum offers a convenient way to explore the history of the city and vicinity. Stone sculptures, terracottas, miniature paintings, modern Indian paintings, seals, sealing, coins, presents from Jawaharalal Nehru, miniature objects, handicrafts, firms, manuscripts, arms and armour inscription, thangkas. Citivithika half yearly. Library. Guide service; film shows on request; Lectures. Photography allowed on payment of ₹25 per snap. Multi-purpose museum.

Learn about the intricacies of Indian struggle for freedom during the early 20th century. Among many things, you will find the personal correspondence and family photographs of the Nehrus. Besides Anand Bhawan is Swaraj Bhawan, ancestral place of the Nehru clan. It offers a best way to know about Nehru family via its video shows which are scheduled hourly. Anand Bhawan and Swaraj Bhawan are the places which have served as the parliament in real sense during British era. Many important decisions and happenings have been witnessed by these monuments. Picture gallery of national movement, painting textile books parquetry. Library.

Dissected parts of the human body, models of human organs embryology models to study various branches of anatomy.

Mainly Sanskrit manuscripts about 50,000; along with in Telugu, Bangali, Maithili and Odia.

Books, periodicals, manuscripts, coins, letters, photographs, memoir trophies and personal belongings of literary personalities.

The hermitage of Saint Bharadwaj, as per Ramayana. There is a temple of Lord Prayagraj, the God of the Prayag city.

Here lies a magnificent statue of Lord Hanuman which is believed to be of Ramayana era.

According to Hindu mythology this was the spot where Lord Bramha performed Parikshit Yajna and city got its name Prayag

The temple is an unusually tall Hanuman deity along with 108 Shivalingas.

The temple is at the bank of Yamuna river near Triveni Sangam. You can't miss it as it has flashy neon animations at its entrance.

Built in South Indian style, the temple offers a great view of Sangam and surrounding areas.

All Saints' Cathedral, designed by William Emerson (later President of the Royal Institute of British Architects) in complete Gothic style, was commenced in the year 1877. Standing in a grass compound at a major junction, it is in white stone with red sandstone dressings. The pavement to the choir and sanctuary is constructed pure Jaipur marble. Also known as Patthar Girja among local people, it is one of the oldest churches of India.

The church dates back to 1879 and follows Italian architecture. The bell tower of the church follows a Dominican style. The patron saint of the church is Francis of Assisi. The church has a number of beautiful marble statues brought from Italy. The complex also houses St. Joseph College (1881) and St. Mary's Convent (1866) both of which are housed in imposing buildings.

A dip in the holy Sangam of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati is a must for the spiritually inclined. It is a sacred holy site for Hindus. According to Vedic literature and myths it is called Triveni Sangam because three rivers meet up here namely the holy Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati which is believed to be flowing beneath the surface. At the time of churning of sea (samudra manthana) by Gods (Devas) and the Demons (Asuras) few drops of amrita (holy nectar that makes a mortal immortal) fell at four different parts of the subcontinent during a fight between Gods and Demons over it. That places are Haridwar, Nashik, Prayag and Ujjain and are considered holy and Maha Kumbh Mela is organised once in 12 years. Millions of pilgrims, tourists, ascetics, sadhu/sant (holy men) visit Prayag at the time of month long Kumbh for taking holy dip at sangam and perform religious rituals and ceremonies. Also Magh Mela is organised annually on January–February (Magh month of the Hindu calendar) and millions visit to take holy dip at Sangam.

Spiritual and refreshing. Sitting along the river banks and seeing the flowing water is also worth to be done. However sitting alone in aloof areas is risky for women and foreigners. Nagvasuki Ghat and Saraswati Ghat are suitable places for enjoying the serenity of river. Go at sunrise or after sunset to avoid crowds during Magh Mela.

The days which are best to visit Prayagraj falls in the Hindu month of 'Magha'. A stroll in the make shift streets of Mela area is blissfully energizing. Be sure to keep a close watch on your purse/day-pack, not flash any cash or wear expensive jewellery to avoid being a target for theft.

Various water sports can be enjoyed in the waters of Yamuna. Skiing, para-sailing, kayaking, canoeing, wind surfing enterprise, yachting boat, optimist sailing, water snookering, shallow water diving. Allahabad Boat Club is the organiser.

A place for those who are interested in astronomy. Shows are at every hour and charges are nominal. Children under age of 7 are not allowed.(Closed on Mondays).

Being a seat of leaning, Prayag is a hub of famous astrologists and Sanskrit Vidyapeeths (Institutes). Get your kundli evaluated and your problem solved by Indian astrology. Approach a 'jyotishi' if you have faith in soft sciences.