The capital and the largest city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, situated on the banks of river Gomti, welcomes you with a heartwarming note of “Muskuraiyein, kyunki aap Lucknow mein hai“. A city of kebabs and nawabs, of architecture and history, of literature and culture – that is Lucknow in a nutshell for you. From a slice of rich colonial history to modernized museums, this artistic hub of Awadh region beautifully brings together the opulence of a glittering past and the simplicity of a modern city.Rumi Darwaza, the Mughal Gateway built in the centre of the capital divides Lucknow into ‘Old Lucknow’ which is ancient, and more crowded, and the ‘New Lucknow’ which is urban and one of the most planned cities of Asia. Most of Old Lucknow is well-known for its bustling vibrant streets, authentic, mouth-watering kebab and biriyani outlets, lakhnavi chikan market, and the wholesale jewellery stores.New Lucknow, on the other hand, hosts people of varied cultures and is structurally planned with wide roads, shopping malls and parks built to serve diverse entertainment purposes. The most famous among these parks are the Ambedkar Park and the Gomti Riverfront Park, both ideal places for visiting and strolling around with friends and family in the evening. Hazratganj, a major shopping area located in the heart of Lucknow, is famous for its ‘chaat’ and ‘kulfi’ eateries, posh Mughlai restaurants, and various shopping complexes. All the buildings in Hazratganj have a distinct Victorian architecture, and you can shop for literally anything – starting from inexpensive accessories and trinkets to high-end clothes, shoes and jewellery. The people of Lucknow are known for their courtly manners and endearing ‘pehle aap‘ (you first) culture, which always leaves behind a smile on the faces of its visitors.

Places to Visit

Bara Imambara

The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments in the city. The Imambara is primarily known for its incredible maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya locally, which is located on the upper floor of the monument. It is said that there are 1024 ways to get inside the maze but only 2 to come out. Also known as Asfi Imambara, after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed, it is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram. Said to be the world’s largest structure that is unsupported by beams, Bara Imambara is considered a marvel of engineering and a fine specimen of Mughal architecture. The Imambara has a unique style of construction. Moreover, no wood or metal has been used in the construction of this mosque. One can also have a view of the grave of Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah and his crown, which is kept in the central hall, which is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world.

Chota Imambara

The Chhota Imambara, or the Imambara of Hussainabad, is one of the most beautiful and attractive buildings in the old city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. This imposing monument lies to the west of Bara Imambara and is a true sight to behold. The Chhota Imambara was initially a congregation hall for Shia Muslims that was built by Muhammad Ali Shah, who was the third Nawab of Awadh, in 1838. The Imambara was to serve as his own mausoleum as well as that of his mother, who is buried beside him in this prestigious monument. The Imambara is beautifully adorned with decorations and chandeliers at the time of special festivals, especially Muharram. In fact, this 19th-century building is also referred to as the ‘Palace of Lights’ by European visitors and writers because of the profuse decorations of the monument at specific events.It is a beautiful amalgam of Charbagh, Indo-Islamic and Persian structural and architectural designs. The exterior is complete with Quranic verses which are written in Islamic calligraphy on the walls of the monument. However, it is not just the exterior of the Imambara which catches the fancy of the eager visitors. Even the interiors of the monument are designed and maintained with intricate details and utmost care.

Lucknow Residency

The British Residency of Lucknow, which is also a Residential Complex served as the headquarters for the generals of the British East India Company. However, with the 1857 uprising, this once composed complex turned into a British refugee camp during that revolt.The fort is now in ruins and a British cemetery nearby sites the graves of all the colonisers who died during the Lucknow siege. The ruins are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Residency also hosts a light and sound reminiscing the 1857 revolt show every evening. 

Rumi Darwaza

The famous Rumi Darwaza is a striking gateway standing tall at sixty feet tall in the old city of Lucknow. It lies between the Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara exhibiting ancient Awadhi architecture. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, it is also known as the Turkish Gate because it is modelled after Bab-i-Humayun gateway in Turkey.The creation of Rumi Darwaza has a very charitable reason behind it. When famine struck North India during 1748, the then Nawab of Lucknow came up with a plan that would feed his countrymen as well as give him something to cherish and be proud of. As per the plan, the Awadhi workers built the great Rumi Darwaza for him, in exchange for everyday meal. Rumi Darwaza in the heart of Lucknow looms over the busy everyday traffic of Lajpatnagar like an old guardian angel that has seen the city rise and fall. Through the arch of the Rumi Darwaza runs roadways to both sides and they remain busy, crowded and cacophonous all day long. The rush of vehicles and the brunt of time have weakened it, but it still stands ever strong and majestic, looking even more resplendent when lit up at night.

Hazratganj Market

Hazratganj, the central shopping district of Lucknow, has a long history behind it and has undergone a great makeover that bridges the past and the present and continues to serve as Lucknow’s central shopping arcade.

Lucknow Zoo

Located in the River Bank Colony, the Lucknow Zoo is also known as the Nawab Wazid Ali Shah Prani Udyan. Established in 1921 by Nawab Nasiruddin Haider, this 71.6-acre-spread was used to celebrate the visit the Prince of Wales to Lucknow. Colloquially known as the Banarasi Bagh, this zoo came to be known as the Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens in 2001, only to be soon changed to Lucknow Zoological Garden in 2015.Housing over a thousand animals of hundred different species, the Lucknow Zoo also has a couple of activities such as a toy train ride through the zoo. The State Museum also displays Awadh artefacts at the Lucknow Zoo. Besides, several events such as Wildlife Week and Children’s Day are celebrated here as well.

Ambedkar Memorial Park

Initially known as the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal, the Ambedkar Memorial Park is located on Vipul Khand of Gomti Nagar. It was constructed by the state government under the leadership of CM Mayawati.

Built in the name of Dr BR Ambedkar, this public park is also dedicated to many other freedom fighters including Jyotiba Phule, Birsa Munda, Kanshi Ram and Sree Narayana Guru. Although it is not as green, the park houses various statues and structures of great historic importance. 

Lucknow Chowk

The Chowk area in Lucknow is one of the oldest markets in the state as well as the whole of North India. It is one of those places in the city that are a window into its rich cultural heritage. Beginning from Chikan work to succulent kebabs and makhan malai, Lucknow Chow is one of the prime shopping and food hub.

The Chowk market has more than 5000 shops spread around the narrow, labyrinthine cobweb of streets on both sides and sometimes taking much of the road itself. In these quaint shops, both bricked shops as well as temporary ones, you will find authentic chikankari and zardozi dresses, traditional handmade jewellery, handcrafted home décor items from wood, bamboo and ivory, nagara shoes, ittar or perfume made from essence of real flowers, and innumerable other small and big items, in varieties beyond your imagination. 

Other than these, to soothe your tingling culinary senses, there are a handful of shops selling authentic Awadhi food – kebabs, biriyanis, paratha with chicken or mutton and milk products as well. Though a modern business hub selling products suitable for the urban, metropolitan tourists, somewhere, Lucknow Chowk market still holds on to the Awadhi ambience of the past and remains true to its roots.

Constantia

One of the antique colonial landmarks of Lucknow, the 1845-building of the La Martinère School houses the tomb of Claude Martin, the French Major-General of the time. Besides, this European styled structure also sites a library, a chapel and a well-preserved and beautiful lobby room. 

Although it still maintains the curriculum here with two separate boys and girls schools, the 1857 batch of this institute is said to have played an important part in the revolt. Hosting some architectural highlights such as carved arches and profoundly decorated balconies, this heritage building continues to be one of the top educational institutes in town. 

Aminabad

One of the most bustling and oldest shopping hubs of Lucknow, Aminabad is a famous market selling a wide range of products from clothes and jewellery to cosmetics, footwear and even books. There are an array of food stalls and restaurants serving locally-loved street food and other authentic savouries. Much like any other street market, Aminabad too requires handy bargaining skills. However, most stalls here are not very over-pricey. 

Must Try Food in Lucknow

1. Baati Chokha Restaurant
2. Pirates of Grill
3. L-14 All Day Dining
4. Shri Balaji Dhaba
5. Barkat Barbeque & Mughlai Food
6. Royal Sky North Indian Food
7. The Mughal Dastarkhwan
8. Moti Mahal Restaurant
9. Tunday Kababi
10. Royal Cafe 

How To Get Here

Being the capital city of UP, Lucknow has great connectivity through all mediums. Direct flights connect Lucknow to and from all major cities in India. The Lucknow railway station is also connected to most parts of India. It is connected by good road network as well and buses are also available from New Delhi and other major parts of UP. You can also take a cab from nearby areas to reach Lucknow.

By Air

Air travel is the most convenient way to reach the City of Nawabs. The Lucknow airport is well connected to the major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Patna etc through a number of airlines operating on a regular basis. Popular carriers like Jet Airways, SpiceJet, Air India, IndiGo, Oman Air and Etihad have daily flights to Lucknow. Most international flights reach Lucknow via Delhi. Buses, taxis and cabs are easily available from the airport to reach the main city.

By Road

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation runs regular luxury and deluxe buses between Lucknow and other cities within the state. There is a regular service of a number of luxury and budget buses from cities like New Delhi, Varanasi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Agra, Jhansi etc at reasonable fares.

By Train

The Indian Railways offers many mail and superfast trains to reach Lucknow from other parts of India. Though Charbagh is the main railway junction serving the city, tourists can reach Lucknow via Alamnagar, Gomti Nagar and Aishbagh Junction too. An additional attraction is the Maharajas Express which offers a royal ride to Lucknow.