The capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is known for its food, gardens, music and poetry. Once famous for the splendour and magnificence of the Nawabi era, today it is a perfect blend of the ancient and the modern. The Gomti river flowing through Lucknow, a city known as the Golden City of the East and the Constantinople of India.
Rumi Darwaza
Constructed under Nawab Asafl-us-Daula in 1786, the Rumi Gate stands 60 feet high. Modelled after an ancient gate in Constantinople (Istanbul), the uppermost part of the Rumi Darwaza consists of an eight faceted chhatri. It is an example of the fine architectural style of Avadh.
Shahnajaf Imambara
Located at Sikandarbagh, on the bank of the river Gomti, the Shahnajaf Imambar was constructed by Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider. Built as a copy of Hazrat Ali’s burial site in Najaf in Iraq, it is now the resting place of Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider and his three wives. His tomb lies in the centre of the building.
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park
Located in Gimtinagar and dedicated to the great socialist and philosopher Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, the park was built by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA). It is spread over 80 acres and has an artificial lake. With a whole range of trees and flowers, the park is an ideal place for an early morning walk or picnics.
Residency
Overlooking the river Gomti, the Residency was once the residence of the British Resident General and was built between 1780-1800. Originally, a large complex of many buildings, today all that is left is ruins, which is the only evidence of the 1857 uprising in Lucknow. The cemetery nearby has the graves of those who died during the First War of Independence. You can visit the museum and attend the light and sound show.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium
The Saturn-shaped building situated at Suraj Kund Park is one of its kind. With a state-of-the-art projection system and an excellent digital sound system it is frequented by students and adults alike. The foundation stone of the building was laid by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Late Veer Bahadur Singh in February 1988 and it was opened to the public in May 2003.
Asafi Imambara (Bara Imambara)
Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, it is also known as Bara Imambara. Believed to be one of the architectural wonders of its era, it has a central hall that is said to have the highest vaulted chamber in the world. It is known for its amazing maze called Bhool-Bhulaiyan on the upper floor, which can be reached by the staircase outside the structure. As you can easily get lost, it is recommended that an authorized guide accompany you.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Samajik Parivarthan Sthal
One of the major modern attractions of Lucknow, it is dedicated to Dr. Ambedkar. Spread over 107 acres in Gomti Nagar, it has lush green gardens and a 20-feet-wide canal surrounding the memorial. The main attraction of the complex is the Ambedkar Stupa, located in the heart of the entire memorial. You can also visit the Samajik Parivartan Sangrahalaya, Samajik Parivartan Gallery, Pratibimb Sthal and Drishya Sthal
within the complex.
Shopping
You can’t visit Lucknow and not buy a suitcase full of Lucknowi Chikan caps, kurtas, sarees, scarves etc., as well as jewellery. Some of the major shopping areas are Hazratganj, Aminabad, Nakkhas, Narhi, Kaiserbag, Alambagh, Indira Nagar and Gomti Nagar. Lucknow has many malls as well, including Wave Complex, Fun Republic, Inbox-Big Bazaar (Gomti Nagar) and Phoenix Mall.
Food
Head to Tunde ke Kebab for the most delicious galawati kebabs and biryani. There are several street stalls selling different kinds of kebabs—kakori, galawti, shami, boti, seekh… The Awadh region is known for its ‘Nawabi’ cuisine. Idris Biryani serves some of the most delicious Lucknowi pulao. Another must-try is the umbrella kulfi at Prakash kulfi centre.
Other places worth visiting include Chhota Imambara, Jama Masjid, Hussainabad Picture Gallery, Kaiserbagh Palace Complex, Tombs of Saadat Ali Khan and Khurshid Zadi, Charbagh Railway Station.