Renamed Madan Mohan Malaviya Park, Minto Park is located near the Saraswati Ghat on the River Yamuna in Allahabad. Its historical significance lies in the fact that it was the place where Lord Canning read out Queen Victoria’s declaration that transferred power from the English East India Company to the British. A foundation stone was laid in 1910 by Lord Minto to commemorate this transition. Four stone lions lie above a white marble plinth which form the most attractive element of the park. Allahabad also has strong ties with India’s freedom movement and with many revolutionaries. Chandrashekar Azad shot himself to avoid capture after putting up a valiant struggle against his captors.
Anand Bhawan, the home of the Nehru family which was in 1970 given to the government of India by Indira Gandhi with hopes that it would be developed into a museum is also located in Allahabad. The house contains paraphernalia of the Nehru family.
Additionally, Allahabad is often referred to as one of India’s holiest cities. According to legends, Allahabad is at a location where the Yamuna, Ganga and Saraswati converge so that the land is known as ‘Prayag’. Allahabad is also the site of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Then there is also the Allahabad Museum, which is a national-level museum that has some very unique art on the walls. Some of the museum’s galleries have a unique collection of artifacts drawn from some of the most ancient civilisations of the world, including the Indus Valley Civilization, Buddhist and Sanskrit work. There are also very artistic pillars dating back several centuries and some include sculptures from Barhut and Kasaumbi. The museum was inaugurated in 1947 by Jawaharlal Nehru. There is also a coin museum which includes real coins from the Gupta and Kushana dynasties. The museum itself has some 18 galleries housing a wide range of stone sculptures.
Other attractions in the city are include the Allahabad Fort which was built by Akbar in 1583 AD. The fort is known for its grandiose style of architecture. In addition, Allahabad is also home to the famous Ashoka Pillar which dates back to 232 BC.
How to reach there
By Air: Allahabad Airport or Bamrauli Airport as it is sometimes called is well connected with India’s metros and smaller cities through major domestic carriers.
By Rail: The Indian Railways service Allahabad and the station is located five kilometers away from Minto Park.
Where to stay
Grand Continental Hotel, Hotel Kanha Shyam are some hotels in the area.
