Colonial Tour of Allahabad
More about Allahabad / Prayagraj
Allahabad, this erstwhile capital of the north-western provinces is a great example of classic British heritage and has a privileged colonial past….
The age-old churches, cemeteries, halls and memorials are the living example of the British Raj. A visit to some of these places is a showcase to the grandeur of its chronicle past.
On this tour with Tornos, discover Allahabad with an expert guide and see what remains of the colonial era buildings, age-old churches, halls and memorials so that it invigorates an overall feel of what it was, a bustling center of the British Raj.
This Tour will include : A drive past The Allahabad high court followed by a visit to All Saints Cathedral, Minto Park, Alfred Park, Mayo Hall, Muir College, Holy Trinity Church while we end the day visiting the famous British cemetery which is also known as Gora Kabristan (translating to White Cemetery).
Short Description of Few Important British Era Sites in Allahabad…
All Saints Cathedral (visit subject to permission)
This church is popular with a name of Patthar Girja, which means the stone church. It is a popular Anglican Cathedral in Allahabad, which is a classic example of Gothic-style design. It was constructed by the British in 1871, designed by architect Sir William Emerson, the man who designed the Victoria Memorial in Calcutta and several other important buildings. The land for this cathedral was allotted by the then Lieutenant Governor, Sir William Muir in 1871, Around 400 people can comfortably be accommodated in this cathedral, which showcases an incredible British colonial architecture.
Holy Trinity Church (visit subject to permission)
This Church is among the oldest ones in Allahabad. It was constructed in 1839. The Holy Trinity Church was designed by a British architect, Major Smith. The architecture of this church is the Gothic style that makes the church building stand on eight different pillars and each one of them measures 120 by 70 feet. The Holy Trinity Church also has memorials plaques, including the ones called Gwalior Campaign of 1843 and in memory of the Indian Mutiny of 1857. The Church was sanctified by Bishop Daniel Wilson on February 19, 1841.
Minto Park
This site is one of the most important landmark sites in the Indian-British history that changed the course of history for the British in India. It was in 1858 that Earl Canning read out the HM Queen Victoria’s Proclamation regarding the complete transfer of control over India from The East India Company to the Throne and it was from then on that the Raj was established in India and East India Company lost all its powers.
Alfred Park
The Alfred Park is the largest park in Allahabad spreading over 133 acres. It was built to mark Prince Alfred’s visit to Allahabad during the British rule. The park has an imposing white marble canopy dedicated to HM Queen Victoria. The canopy represents typical British style of architecture.
Mayo Hall ( visit subject to permission)
Mayo Memorial is a large meeting hall in Allahabad, situated near the Thornhill Mayne Memorial, having a 180 feet high tower. The interior of this memorial hall was ornamented with designs by Professor Gamble of the South Kensington Museum, London. Mayo Memorial Hall was designed by Richard Roskell Bayne and was completed in 1879. The hall was meant for public meetings, dances and receptions and is named to commemorate assassinated Viceroy Mayo.
Muir College (visit subject to permission)
Muir Central College in Allahabad was a college of higher education founded by Sir William Muir in 1872. It had a separate existence to 1921, when as a result of the Allahabad University Act it was merged into Allahabad University. The building was designed by a British architect William Emerson. Initially the college was affiliated with the University of Calcutta and later became autonomous university.
