The Royal Chhatris is one of India’s most fascinating architectural designs. They are the resting places of monarchs and influential personalities prominent during the specific period. ‘Chhatri’ is derived from the word ‘Chhatra’, a parasol or an umbrella. These chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions serving as cenotaphs to honour royalty. They are considered to be of amazement to visitors even today. These are marvels because of their impressive structural design. Primarily, they are found in the northern and central regions of India. In this article, we will provide deep insight into one of the most famous Chhatri in India, The Cenotaph of Nithar, situated in Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh.
The History Of Royal Chhatris
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The tradition of constructing chhatris dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries. The chhatris were erected over the cremation ground and thus served as a memorial for the king, queen, or a ruling family member. It was considered an honour to be cremated and memorialized in the chhatris, which later became a royal privilege. Chhatris are exclusive to the royal families in India, and the construct was explicitly erected for the ruling elite, and no one else could emulate it in their capacity. The custom of constructing chhatris is attributed to the Rajputs and Marathas, wherein this practice served as an esteemed way of paying homage to nobility and other influential personalities firmly imbibed in the sociological fabric of the nation.
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Tourist Spots Near Royal Chhatris
There are a plethora of famous tourist attractions near Royal Chhatris. Here is a well-curated list of captivating tourist attractions near Royal Chhatris to make your trip more memorable.
1. Triveni Sangam
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Triveni Sangam is located in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). It is the holy place where the Ganges and Yamuna meet with the mythical river Saraswati. This spot is of immense religious importance in Hindu mythology and is recognized as a major pilgrimage centre. A bath in Sangam is believed to purify one of one’s iniquities. One can tell where the three paths join due to differences in the colours of the water since the Ganges looks muddy adjacent to the more straightforward Yamuna.
Distance from Nithar’s Cenotaph: Approx. 8 kilometres
Entry Fees: No entry fee.
Timings: Open 24 hours, best visited during daylight hours.
2. Anand Bhavan
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Located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Anand Bhavan is the family home of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, and it has been adapted into a museum. Motilal Nehru purchased it in the early 20th century. The museum has various artefacts, photographs, and personal belongings that belonged to the Nehru family and provides visitors with a close-up look at the lives of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and other family members. It contains his study, living quarters, and the chamber in which the congress party used to hold important meetings.
Distance from Nithar’s Cenotaph: Approx. 9 kilometres.
Entry Fees:
- Indian citizens: ₹5
- Foreign Tourists: ₹100
- Camera Fee: ₹10
Timings: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Closed on Mondays
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3. Khusro Bagh
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Khusro Bagh is a historic walled garden in Allahabad (Prayagraj) containing the tombs of Prince Khusro Mirza, the eldest son of Mughal emperor Jahangir, and other Mughal nobles. The 40-acre garden features delicate Mughal architectural designs and dense foliage and is a peaceful place for repose and an important site of history that tells about the greatness of Mughal times.
Distance from Nithar’s Cenotaph: Approximately 10 kilometres.
Entry Fees: No entry fee.
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
4. Hanuman Mandir
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The Hanuman Mandir, also known as the Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir, is an exceptional temple near Triveni Sangam in Allahabad (Prayagraj). It has a huge statue of Lord Hanuman asleep that is approximately 20 feet long, making it stand out. The idol of this temple lies below the ground, and it is known to have extraordinary powers that draw huge crowds of worshipers on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It is both an essential place for worship and a cultural icon.
Distance from Nithar’s Cenotaph: Approx. 8 kilometres.
Entry Fees: No entry fee.
Timings: Daily, from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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5.Chandra Shekhar Azad Park
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Once addressed as Alfred Park, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park stands as an epitome of salvation for city residents in the old city. The park, covering an area of 133 acres, is dedicated to our famous freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad, who took his last breath after fighting against the British rulers in this park. It houses lush green gardens with beautiful flower beds and historical sites like the memorial statue of Azad. There is also the Allahabad Museum, which has various kinds of things that show how people lived in different times.
Distance from Nithar’s Cenotaph: Approximately 9 kilometers.
Entry Fees: No entry fee.
Timings: Daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
How To Reach Royal Chhatris
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To get to Nithar’s Cenotaph when already in Allahabad, either rely on GPS or inquire from those residing around. You can visit this stunning piece of architecture via air, train and road in the following ways:
By Air: Bamrauli Airport (IXD) is the nearest airport to Allahabad. It’s around 12 kilometres from the city centre, where you can board a taxi or share ride services to Nithar’s cenotaph.
By Train: You can reach Allahabad Junction (ALD), which is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, etc., through a well-established rail network covering different parts of India. On reaching there, you can take a cab, auto-rickshaw, or bus to Nithar’s cenotaph.
By Road: Traveling from Allahabad to neighbouring cities such as Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur is possible by road. One can do this by driving or using a bus/private taxi from any city mentioned.
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Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to see the Royal Chhatris make sure you plan your trip to Allahabad for these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Royal Chhatris
Where are the royal chhatris majorly located?
The major royal chhatris are situated in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Many chhatris are also found in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Are there any entry fees for the royal chhatris?
Yes, some of the royal chhatris might have a nominal entry fee. However, it does not apply to all the chhatris.
Is there any dress code in royal chhatris?
One should dress modestly by covering their chest, knees, and shoulders. Avoid any casual or revealing attire to respect the culture of royal chhatris.
Are there any specific rules while visiting the royal chhatris?
Visitors are required to follow the designated paths avoid making loud noises and refrain from touching the delicate artefacts.
What is the largest royal chhatris in India?
The Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is spread over an area of approximately 10,000 square meters.
Are Chhatris open to the public?
Many Chhatris are open to the public, however, some Chhatris may be located within private properties or restricted areas.
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