Khusro Bagh, Prayagraj is a true example of what Mughal architecture is all about. The gardens that are present here are said to be commissioned in the memory of Khusro by the emperor Jahangir himself. Khusro was his son and Shah Jahan his brother murdered him. There are other two tombs surrounded by gardens and sandstone. The tombs belong to Nithar and Shah Begum.
There is a beautiful and big Chhatri on the tomb of Shah Begum, Khusro mother. The best calligraphy artist of Jahangir made beautiful inscriptions in Islam. His name was Mir Abdullah Mushkin Qalam. Die to the strife that existed between son and husband, Shah Begum committed suicide.
Nithar was the sister of Khusro and it lies near his one on an elevated platform which is decorated with arch motifs and gorgeous panels. The roofs of the tombs have some beautiful paintings and some stars and concentric patterns. This is the best of all the three mausoleums. It was built in the year 1624 to 1625 and Khusro Bagh, Prayagraj was done in the year 1622.
The other reason for the popularity of Khusro Bagh is its guava and mango. The gardens look amazing in the morning and it is very less crowded. You can sit in the lush garden, have a stroll and look to the picturesque structure filled with charm.
Architecture
The Khusro Bagh, Prayagraj is a vast historical garden in present-day Allahabad. If you want to see what true Mughal architecture looks like, visit this place. The mausoleums of sandstone in the garden looks amazing. The main entrance has a beautiful design, surrounded by three-tier tombs and gardens. The Shah Begum tomb is made by the best artist in the court of Jahangir named Aqa Reza.
The large Chhatri over the tomb looks like a crown on the plinth and what is fascinating in her tomb is the Islamic inscriptions. Nithar, the sister of Khusro has her tomb beside Shah Begum, but her mausoleum is void and empty. It does not have the tomb inside it. This tomb is most elaborately done among the other tombs in the Khusro Bagh, Prayagraj.
It has beautiful carvings on the ceiling of stars and concentric circles, has an elevated platform and beautiful arch motifs. The central room here has some ravishing floral wall decorations which show the expresses of Persia, plants and flowers and wine vessels.
The third tomb that one will see here is of Khusro. He rebelled against Jahangir, his father and was locked here in the garden. When he attempted to flee from the imprisonment on the order of third son of Jahangir, Khurram and his brother he was killed and he became the emperor Shah Jahan.
Festival
Prayagraj in Allahabad is said to be one of the holiest places in the country of India. The reason is that this place is where five different types of Kumbh Mela is organised and takes place. Allahabad has treated as a place of pilgrimage for several years now. Several devotees come here to seek blessings during the time of Mahakumbh Mela of fairs. It takes 144 years for Mahakumbh Mela and you are lucky if you see it in your life.
The Purna Kumbh fair is organised in every twelve years. After Mahakumbh Mela, this is the greatest Mela or fair of Allahabad. There are only four places in India where this Purna Kumbh Mela takes place. This Mela keeps rotating from one place to another.
Next is Ardh Mela. It is organised after every six years for the enthusiast and devotees from all over the country. Allahabad and Haridwar are the two places where this Mela takes place. Shahi Snan is one of the main rituals that is performed during this time.
Magh Mela also is known as Mini Kumbh is also organised in this city. Every year in Magh month of the Hindu calendar this Mela is set up for the devotees and millions of people come and participate and take bath in Ganga, the holy river. There are other cities as well where you will get to see this Mela on the day of Makar Sankranti.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Allahabad is from October till March. If you want to see Mela here then visit this place in early March or mid-January. During this time people from different parts of the world come and take bath in holy Sangam.
One should not miss the chance of witnessing Purna Kumbh Mela which happens after twelve years of interval in the same months. You can also visit Allahabad at other times of the year as it is accessible always and the sites for tourism are always open for tourists, but the temperature here during summers is harsh and unbearable.
How To Reach?
Allahabad is blessed with its airport known as Bamrauli airport. This is an Army Cantonment and serves the VIP visit purpose. If you are a tourist and want to visit Allahabad, you can use the Varanasi airport. You can avail flights from different cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore. There are regular flights available. You can get hold of public or private vehicles, trains or buses from Varanasi and reach in two hours to Allahabad.
You can also get hold of a train from the major cities of India like Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Nearest to Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj railway station and the main railway station here is Allahabad junction.
Allahabad is located on the NH-27 and NH-2. The roads of the major parts of the country are well-connected to these highways. Several local buses ply from one place to another and are available from Varanasi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Patna, and Gorakhpur.
Therefore after reaching Allahabad, you can hire a car or any other vehicle to reach Khusro Bagh, Prayagraj.
Enjoy your holidays in Allahabad and experience holiness in the city of Pilgrimage. You will never forget the experience that you will have here during the Kumbh Mela season.