Allahabad Fort

The massive fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 A.D. Akbar was the emperor who gave this town the name – “Allahbabad”. The strategic location of Prayag (modern day Allahabad) proved decisive in motivating Akbar to build this Fort near the Sangam. This fort stands on the banks of the Yamuna near Sangam (the confluence site). The largest of Akbar's forts, it was matchless in its design and construction. It is also called “Allahabad Fort”.

This huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers. At present is used by the army and only a limited area is open to visitors. The magnificent outer wall is intact and rises above the water’ edge. Visitors are allowed to see the Ashoka Pillar and Saraswati Kup, a well, said to be the source of the Saraswati River and Jodhabai Palace. The Patalpur temple is also here. So is the much revered Akshaya Vat or immortal Banyan tree. The Ashoka pillar standing 10.6 meters high has several decrees and a Persian inscription of Emperor Jahangir inscribed on it, celebrating his accession to the throne.

The Indian army now uses the fort and only a part of it is open to the visitors. This huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers. Visitors are allowed to see the Ashoka Pillar, Saraswati Kup (a well, said to be the source of the river Saraswati), and Jodhabai Palace. It can be best appreciated from boats on the river.