Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh’s capital, is one of the largest cities in North India. Its legacy dates back centuries when Nawabs ruled the Awadh Empire.
They were major fans of literature, art, dancing, music, and gastronomy, therefore this city was endowed with a plethora of cultural riches. Lucknow is currently known for its absorbing legacy, which includes excellent food, bright needlework, classical structures, British bungalows, lovely gardens, and carefully crafted majestic monuments. The regal legacy of this city may still be seen in the people’s actions and way of life. It’s no surprise that Lucknow is known as the “City of Nawabs.”
It is said that the previous name of Lucknow was Lakshmanpuri, named for one of the protagonists in the epic Ramayana. It is also stated that the village along the Gomati River was known as Lakhanvati and was devoted to Goddess Lakshmi. Locals still refer to Lakhnau city, which is a Hindi form of the current name.
Lucknow, India developed predominantly in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the Nawabs seized control of the Awadh Empire. Previously, the city was a province of the Delhi Sultanate, and it was governed by a variety of dynasties, including the Sharqi Sultanate and the Mughals. Lucknow flourished during the Nawabs’ reign but ultimately ended up in the hands of the East India Company. The cultural effect bestowed to Lucknow state a broad spectrum of cultures, which may still be seen in many sections of the city.
Famous persons from Lucknow include authors, poets, shayars, singers, and fashionistas. Lucknow is the birthplace of chikankari stitching and zardosi, both of which have made a global impact. The traditional dish has many fans who come from all over the country and around the world to eat the famous galauti kebabs, biryani, and nihari.
Now, let’s see the places which you as tourists or locals should visit to feel that rich cultural and historical heritage the City of Nawabs holds dear:
BARA IMAMBARA
Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab of Awadh, erected the Bara Imambara in 1784. It was built as part of a famine relief effort which is one of the first endeavors in Lucknow to replicate the architecture of a Mughal compound. This is one of the rare structures in Lucknow that is entirely free of European influences. The structure is part of the Asaf-ud-Daula Imambara Complex, which also includes a mosque, courtyards, and gates, as well as a ‘bawali,’ or step-well that was originally used as a summer palace. The main hall of Bara Imambara is claimed to be the world’s biggest domed hall.
The arch, which stands over 15 meters tall and spans 800 square meters, has no overhead roof trusses or pillars and remains stable to this day. The amazing maze of Bhulbhulaiya is another architectural marvel at the Bara Imambara. Its tortuous tunnels are linked by 489 similar portals, and if you make it to the top, you’ll be blessed with a stunning panoramic skyline view. Legend has it that huge valuables are tucked away in the maze’s secret passageways, so keep your eyes peeled on the climb up.
Timing: 6 A.M – 5 P.M
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Adults, INR 25 for Children, INR 500 for Foreigners, INR 10 for Digital Camera, INR 25 for Video Camera
Location: Husainabad Trust Rd, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
BRITISH RESIDENCY
Lucknow’s British Residency is a well-known historical site. This extensive collection of greenery and ruins provides an intriguing historical glance into the initial stages of the British Raj’s demise; the British Residency once functioned as a shelter for approximately 3000 British occupants during the 1857 uprising.
The enclosure has been left exactly as it was at the moment of the last rescue, and the gunshots and artillery cannons have left their marks on the walls. The premises of the Residency also include roughly 2000 graves of British troops who perished during the conflict. The main Residency building has an exhibit that is a must-see during your visit to this significant historical war location.
Timing: 10 A.M – 5 P.M (Monday Closed)
Entry Fee: INR 15 for Indians, INR 200 for Foreigners
Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001
CHATTAR MANZIL
Chhatar Manzil is a spectacular architectural masterpiece in Lucknow that goes back to the reign of the Nawabs of Lucknow. It is one of the most renowned historical attractions in Lucknow. The actual translation of ‘Chhatar’ is ‘Umbrella,’ which derives from its pyramidal dome with a sheltering umbrella. Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider set the groundwork for this wonderful tourist attraction in Lucknow, which is located on the banks of the Gomati River.
The building of Chhatar Mazil, on the other hand, was completed under the tenure of his son, Nasir-ud-din Haidar. This ancient structure’s architecture is a wonderful mix of Indian and European architectural designs. This must-see tourist destination in Lucknow also has a well-kept garden that is the buzz of the town.
Timing: 8 A.M – 6 P.M (Sunday Closed)
Entry Fee: NA
Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001
CHOTA IMAMBARA
Chota Imambara is an important heritage landmark in Lucknow. It was established by Mohammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh, and is also known as the Imambara of Hussainabad. The overall location is wonderfully ornamented, similar to a magnificent bride, and it is among the most important places to visit in Lucknow. This majestic building also contains Mohammad Ali Shah’s and his mother’s tombs.
Rich patterns of Persian and Indo-Islamic themes cover the walls. The axially corrugated, glittering gold-plated broad and smaller imambara dome could be seen from afar and draw people from all around. Chota Imambara features two tripolia gates, one on the east and one on the west. The magnificent hall is lavishly furnished with chandeliers and lovely crystal glass lamp-stands that deserve to be admired. The location is also gifted by a gorgeous mosque.
Timing: 6 A.M – 5 P.M
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Adults, INR 25 for Children, INR 500 for Foreigners, INR 10 for Digital Camera, INR 25 for Video Camera
Location: Husainabad Trust Rd, Tahseen Ganj, Husainabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
RUMI DARWAZA
The Lucknow Rumi Darwaza is one of India’s greatest stunning buildings. It was erected in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula as part of the ‘Food for Work’ program he started to help the city’s populace survive a harsh drought. The entryway, which was finished the same year, is 60 feet tall and was inspired by the richly ornamental gateway styles seen in Constantinople (which is now Istanbul), and is covered with finely carved flowers and motifs.
This building, like the Bara Imambara’s arch, has no extra supplemental fixtures of wood or iron to sustain the construction from the exterior, but it has remained stable to this day. On top of the structure, there is a tower chamber that previously housed a big lantern that was used to illuminate the tower at night. This is a really large specimen of Awadhi architecture that is worth seeing.
Timing: Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee: NA
Location: 17/11, Hussainabad Rd, Lajpat Nagar Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
AMBEDKAR MEMORIAL PARK
The contemporary architecture memorial is devoted to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and spans 107 acres of land. The Mayawati government built the Ambedkar Memorial Park in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. The complete structure is constructed of red sandstone supplied from Rajasthan. The park is located in Gomti Nagar, one of Lucknow’s most affluent neighborhoods.
The well-kept lawns, numerous columns, and a creek that encircle the area make it a popular tourist destination. The park was established to honor people like Bhimrao Ambedkar and others who dedicated their lives to equality and human justice. The park, which has a budget of seven billion rupees, is one of the most beautiful sights to view in Lucknow.
Timing: 11 A.M – 9 P.M
Entry Fee: INR 10
Location: Vipul Khand 2, Vipul Khand 3, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010
JAMA MASJID
Jama Masjid is a major mosque and one of Lucknow’s more popular tourist attractions. Jama Masjid, located in Tehseenganj, is an Islamic house of worship founded by King Mohammad Ali Shah Bahadur. This historic mosque, erected in 1423 on a raised square foundation, was designed to outshine the enormous Jama Masjid in Delhi. The tower was constructed completely of yellow sandstone and is still admired today for its elaborate decorations and remarkable blend of Hindu and Muslim construction.
Many intricate carvings in the pillars are aesthetically influenced by Jain and Hindu tradition. The Jama Masjid covers an impressive 4,950 square meters, with 260 pillars sustaining the western hall alone. The mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed Shah himself may be seen on the eastern doorway.
Timing: 5 A.M – 9 P.M
Entry Fee: NA
Location: Hussainabad Peer Pukhara Near Nikhar Photo Studio, Near Unity College, Hussainabad, Karim Ganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
LUCKNOW ZOO
The Lucknow Zoo is a popular tourist destination in the city. This zoo, which is popular with both locals and visitors, has played an important role in educating the people of Lucknow about the importance of the environment and wildlife conservation. The Lucknow Zoo is home to 447 mammals, 348 birds, and 57 reptiles, with a total of 97 distinct types of wild animals. The Royal Bengal and white tigers, as well as lions, wolves, Hoolock gibbons, Himalayan black bears, and Indian rhinoceros, are among its most renowned residents.
Those interested in the zoo’s birds may see golden and silver pheasants coexisting, or they may catch glimpses of the Great Pied Hornbill. On Fridays, The Nature Interpretation Centre organizes ‘Touch Table Programmes’ at this Zoo. This interactive educational program provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about animal skins, bird and pheasant eggs, elephant tusks, and much more. The zoo has also run a Toy Train for family amusement since 1969.
Timing: 8 A.M – 6 P.M (Monday Closed)
Entry Fee: INR 60 for adults; INR 30 for children
Location: Road, opp. to Civil Hospital, River Bank Colony, Narhi, Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001
HAZRATGANJ MARKET
Hazaratganj, located in the center of Lucknow, is a significant retail district. It was founded in 1810 by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, who had assumed power with the assistance of the British in January 1798. This market, named after Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph, contains various bohemian passageways that were formerly frequented by artists and consumers of music, fragrances, and poetry.
This market has long been a favorite of British officials, Nawabs, and zamindars for peaceful strolls in the city center. Today, Hazratganj is a bustling neighborhood with a significant concentration of Lucknow’s local market stalls. Buyers may leave with a classic white Chikan (a style of hand embroidery that incorporates cutwork and shadow work) or a brand spanking new kurta or sari.
Timing: 10 A.M – 11 P.M (Sunday Closed)
Entry Fee: NA
Location: Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India
CHANDRIKA DEVI TEMPLE
The Chandrika Devi Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Chandi, a version of Durga, is one of Lucknow’s must-see temples. This is Lucknow’s earliest temple, spanning back to the 15th century. The temple is said to have been built by Lord Lakshaman’s son Rajkumar Chandraketu and was demolished in the twelfth century. The shrine, which is situated on the riverbank of the Gomti River, is said to be around 300 years old.
Chandi, the temple’s principal deity, is worshiped here in the shape of a stone with three heads. The temple, which is known for its spiritual vibrations, is frequented by worshippers all year, but notably during the Navaratri festival. During the Durga Puja celebration, when a significant number of guests arrive to offer prayers, the temple comes alive.
Timing: 9 A.M – 10 P.M
Entry Fee: NA
Location: A-42, Jail Rd, Sector J, Ashiyana, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226012, India
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Edited by Anupama Roy
