The Allahabad Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583 at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers — strategically placed to control access to the sacred site. It is one of the largest forts built by Akbar, and its sheer scale, with massive walls and three galleries, remains impressive even today. The fort is partially under Indian Army control, which limits visitor access, but the accessible areas include the remarkable Ashoka Pillar and an underground temple dedicated to an immortal fig tree — the Akshayavat, said to have survived floods and Mughal attempts to cut it down.
The fort's walls rise directly from the riverbank, making it visually commanding from the water. The museum within the accessible portion of the fort contains artefacts from the Mughal and colonial periods. Entry requires leaving identification at the gate, and some sections require a military escort. Worth it for the Ashoka Pillar alone.