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Lucknow, the city of the Nawabs of Awadh, an epitome for the art of living graciously with adab and tehzeeb (manners and hospitality) in each and every thing is considered the cultural cradle of North India. History buffs and old world dreamers will feel at home in this city which boasts of the elaborate and exquisite in even the mundane - so be it in the splendid mausoleums, the colonial buildings sprinkled across the city, the chikankaari embroidery or the gastronomic delights, there is a sense of finesse in everything. Home of the Kathak dance and confluence of languages like Urdu, Hindi with a healthy dosage of royal patronage for poetry, Lucknow still strives to remind you of all these elements as you stroll its bazaars or visit its monuments. Take a look at this guide to the tourist places in Lucknow.
Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara, also known as the Asafi Imambara, is a shrine built by Asaf-Ud-Daula, Nawab of Lucknow in 1784. It is one of the grandest buildings in Lucknow and also famous for its bhool bhulaiaya (labyrinth) and the bowli (step-well).
Pic Credit: Bombman
Chota Imambara
Chota Imambara was built as an imambara or congregation hall for Shia Muslims by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh in 1838. It serves as his mausoleum and his mother, who is buried beside him. The building is known as the palace of Lights because of the decorations on it during special festivals like Muharram. The crown of Muhammad Ali Shah is also housed within the building. The grounds of the imambara also include two replicas of the Taj Mahal.
Pic Credit: Areeb Anwer
Satkhanda
Outside the Imambara is the incomplete watch tower of seven stories called Satkhanda. It consists of only four towers as the construction of the tower was abandoned after Muhammad Ali Shah's death. According to popular floklore, he wanted it to be similar to the Qutb Minar and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Here is more on how to reach Lucknow and where to stay in Lucknow
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
Rumi Darwaza
Sometimes known as the Turkish Gate, it is an imposing gateway built under the patronage of Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah in 1784. It is an example of Awadhi architecture. The Rumi Darwaza stands sixty feet tall and is modeled after the Sublime Porte (Bab-iHumayun) in Istanbul. It is next to the Bara Imambara.
Residency
The Residency also called the British Residency is a group of colonial era buildings located in the heart of the city. The buildings saw action during the Seige of Lucknow in 1857 and are in ruins now. They were constructed during the reign of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II, who was the fifth Nawab of Awadh. Later, the buildings served as the residence of the British Resident General.
Pic credit: Bombman
La Martiniere College
La Martiniere College is one of the most prestigious educational institutions located in Lucknow. The college consists of two schools on different campuses for boys and girls. La Martinière Boys' College was founded in 1845 and La Martinière Girls' College was established in 1869. The schools are part of the La Martiniere family of schools founded by adventurer Major General Claude Martin.
Pic Credit: Bombman
Ambedkar Memorial
Dr BhimraoAmbedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal known as Ambedkar Memorial or Ambedkar Park is a memorial dedicated to the memory of leaders like Jyoiba Phule, Narayan Guru, Shahuji Maharaj and Bhimrao Ambedkar who devoted their life for humanity, equality and social justice. This entire memorial is built out of red sandstone brought from Rajasthan.
Pic Credit: Kavish Aziz
Husainabad Clock Tower
The ticket for Bara Imambara will grant you admission here. This is a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
Pic Credit: Syed Belal Jafri
Food and More Food
If you are in Lucknow and you didn't try the food there, your journey can't said to be complete. Sweetmeats and non-vegetarian fare have been handed down to Lucknow in legacy by the Nawabi rule . Lucknow is famous for its non-veg food chief among them being tundey kababs, boti kabab ,seenkh kabab, biryani and pulao.
Pic Credit: Matt Stabile
Sweets and Puris
Say your morning prayers at the Kali temple and gorge upon these delicious Puris pictured above prepared in the shop in the basement of the Kali temple in the Chowk area of the city. They are made out of pure ghee and the accompanying subji is a specialty made out of pumpkin. Do not forget to try Feerni- a sweet dessert and Shahi Tukda, kind of sweet bread.
Pic Credit: Syed Belal Jafri
Shopping
After having had your fill with food, go on a shopping spree of Chikan embroidered clothes, which is another specialty of Lucknow. A cotton dress with hand-made embroidery, these garments are for both men and women. Depending on the level of embroidery and quality the prices could range from anywhere between 500 to 5000. 'Murri' is the traditional handwork and it is the costliest. Old Chowk and Aminabad are the best places to buy Chikan as there are a lot of shops next to each other. Beware of touts who will take you to shops near civil lines and Hussain Ganj where prices will be much higher.