Allahabad Fort stands on the Yamuna in Prayagraj, close to the Sangam, where the Ganga and Yamuna meet. The fort’s Ashokan Pillar carries ancient edicts as well as a later Persian inscription; access to the fort is limited, so confirm what you can see before setting out.
- The fort’s outer wall rises above the water’s edge.
- The Ashokan Pillar is 10.6 metres tall and dates to 232 B.C.
- The Ashoka Pillar’s visiting hours are 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
The fort’s place beside the Sangam
Allahabad Fort occupies a riverbank position close to the Sangam, the meeting point of the Ganga and Yamuna, with the Saraswati traditionally believed to join them.
Its outer wall remains intact and rises above the water’s edge, giving the fort a strong presence in the riverfront landscape. Its location also makes it easy to pair a visit with a visit to Triveni Sangam.
The Prayagraj district website records that Emperor Akbar built the fort in 1583. Its position connects a visit to the wider Sangam area.
Allahabad Fort is about a 27-minute drive from Hotel Mandiram, a property in Allahabad. The fort’s setting makes the river and the nearby confluence central to understanding its place in Prayagraj’s heritage.
Allahabad Pillar and its inscriptions
The Ashokan Pillar stands within the fort complex and bears inscriptions from more than one period. It is 10.6 metres tall and dates to 232 B.C.
Several edicts appear on the pillar. It also carries a Persian inscription by Emperor Jahangir commemorating his accession to the throne. Together, the inscriptions make the pillar a record of different moments in the region’s history.
The coordinates for the Allahabad Fort Ashoka Pillar are 25.43131° N, 81.87502° E. The pillar is among the places visitors are permitted to see inside the fort, subject to its limited access arrangements.
What visitors can see from outside
From a publicly accessible exterior vantage, the fort’s intact wall and its position above the water’s edge are the main features to look for. The exact view depends on where access is available, so keep the riverfront setting in mind when choosing a public viewing point.
Inside the limited area open to visitors, the permitted sights include the Ashokan Pillar, Saraswati Koop and Jodhabai Palace. Boats to the Sangam can be rented by pilgrims and tourists at the ghat near the fort. If you are planning a fuller day around the city, the fort and riverfront can fit into a one-day Prayagraj itinerary.
Checking current access restrictions before travelling
Allahabad Fort is used by the army, and only a limited area is open to visitors. The places permitted inside and the arrangements for access can be subject to security restrictions, so treat entry as something to confirm rather than assume.
India’s official tourism site gives the Ashoka Pillar’s hours as 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM. The Prayagraj district website does not publish fort visiting hours. Check the official site before you go, and confirm locally which areas are open and what the current schedule is.
FAQs
Where is Allahabad Fort?
Allahabad Fort stands on the bank of the Yamuna in Prayagraj, close to the Sangam.
What is the Allahabad Pillar known for?
The Ashokan Pillar bears several edicts and a Persian inscription by Emperor Jahangir commemorating his accession to the throne.
Can visitors enter Allahabad Fort?
Only a limited area is open to visitors because the fort is used by the army. Confirm current access arrangements before travelling.
What are the Ashoka Pillar’s visiting hours?
India’s official tourism site gives hours of 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Confirm the schedule and access locally before your visit.