Lucknow, located on the banks of the Gomti, has an Indo-Persian culture that is unique to the Awadh kings that ruled here. Lucknow is synonymous with cultural sophistication. The Urdu language was perfected here, and the magic of the tabla and sitar, as well as Kathak, northern India's most exquisite dance style, were born. All these made it one among 18th-century India's most cosmopolitan capitals. If you are in Lucknow for the India vs England cricket match, here's a complete guide to the city.
Don't miss Asafuddaulah's Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow. It constituted the western side of a large courtyard in front of the Bara Imambara. The western doorway is a stunning archway through which stately processions of elephants, horses, and camels bearing nawabs, and pilgrims once passed.
Qaisarbagh was erected between 1848 and 1852 and has been extensively demolished and rebuilt, but it clearly had a beautiful network of gardens with a number of follies where theatrical acts would be presented.
Imambaras can be found all across Lucknow. The Bara Imambara has a vast central hall which is 163 feet long, making it the world's longest vaulted hall without timber supports. Here you will find a selection of antique gilt mirrors, chandeliers, exquisite taziyas, a baoli, and the remarkable maze, Bhul-bhulaiya. The Hussainabad Imambara is adorned with calligraphic motifs in black and white. The Shah Najaf Imambara is easily identified by its massive, shallow dome and is located on the banks of the Gomti. The interiors are illuminated by numerous chandeliers and candlestands.
During the Nawabi era, four large palace complexes developed in Lucknow. Only a few buildings from the last two palace complexes remain. The Daulat Khana Palace complex was made up of exquisite havelis, tiny palaces, and sarais draped along the Gomti. The Hussainabad Clock Tower here boasted India's largest clockface, which could be lit at night. The Chattar Manzil Palace is an attractive structure that uses river water to keep cool in the heat. To the south are the Gulistan-i-Iram ('Rose Garden of Paradise') and the Darshan Bilas, both of which have facades that resemble other Lucknow structures. The Lal Barah-dwari, first a durbar hall and then Nasiruddin Haider's royal room, is worth seeing.
The British Residency ruins in Lucknow serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the Mutiny which broke out in May 1857. The indoor museum is a must-see. Check out the model of the complex during the siege, which includes ballrooms, the Bailey Guard Gate, and the church (now in ruins). 00
Also check out La Martiniere college which has stunning red-brick buildings with elaborate archways and intricate details that exude grandeur. The lush, well-manicured lawns and gardens offer a picturesque backdrop. .
Lucknow's culinary scene reflects the city's rich heritage. The food options cater to diverse tastes – from aromatic biryani to the famous tunday kebabs. The city boasts some of the oldest restaurants in the country. Have melt-in-the-mouth kebabs at Tunday Kababi, kulcha nijari at Raheem's, and a plate of the famous biryani at Idrees. For an authentic sheermal experience, visit Salmaan Sheermal Wale in Chowk and Raheem's Sheermal, located in the heart of the city. Check out our recommendations of the best places to eat here and here.
There are many beautiful things to buy in Lucknow. Chowk in the city's old town is the place to go to if you want to pick up bottles of ittars (perfumes) with heady scents, exquisite zardozi fabrics and garments with Lucknow's famous chikankari embroidery. Pick up aromatic spices and antique jewellery at Bhootnath Market. Also hit up Aminabad market and Nakhas Market for handicrafts, jewellery, and clothes. Find more details here.
Lucknow has a mix of five-star hotels, boutique resorts like the Lebua Lucknow, and budget accommodation. For upper end of the scale, try hotels like the Hyatt Regency, Fairfield by Marriott, Ramada by Wyndham, the Holiday Inn near Lucknow airport, and Hilton Garden Inn. For budget travellers, there are several good bed and breakfast places, guest houses as well as homestays in Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation also offers several comfortable stay options which you can check out here.
The nearest airport is Lucknow Airport (or Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport) at Amausi, 15 km away from the city centre. The Charbagh Railway Station is the railhead located in the centre of the city.
