Lucknow

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is popularly known as 'city of Nawabs'.It is situated on the banks of river Gomti and was founded by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. This city has served as the capital of Nawabs of Awadh in olden times. Even after witnessing tremendous modernization,Lucknow has managed to retain its age old charm and glory.The warmth, the hospitality and the formality of the city has still not been lost.The city became known as a center for Urdu poetry and courtly diction, and reached its acme during the reign of Wajid Ali Shah who was a connoisseur of music and poetry.


How to reach here:

By Air: Amausi Airport is the major airport which is directly connected to the major cities of India.

By Rail: Lucknow Junction is conveniently connected to many cities.

Best time to visit: November to March

Languages spoken: Hindi, Urdu and English.

Must eat: Biryani, Galawat Kebab, Sultani Daal , Kofta, Raita and Paan.

Famous Restaurants: Spicy Bite, Mehrab, Gomti Hotel, Vyanjan, Falknuma and Baker's Hut.

Places you must visit: 

Bada Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of the relief project for a major famine that took place in 1784.The central hall of this building is said to be the largest arched hall in the world.The unique fact about construction is that the blocks have been put together with interlocking system of bricks with no use of Girders and beams.The roof stands still steady till date without any support of pillars.The upper floor of the monument has incredible maze called Bhulbhulaiya. It is said that the great treasures are hidden in the secret tunnels of this maze.

British Residency Lucknow is a famous historical landmark, which is now in ruins , is a protected monument by Archaeological Survey of India.This place served as a refuge for around 3000 British inhabitants during the uprising of 1857.This Residency still has graves of 2000 British soldiers.The residency has a well maintained museum, Tomb of Sadat Ali Kha who was the first Nawab of Awadh , Kaiserbagh Palace and an observatory built by Colonel Wilcox, who was a British astronomer.

 Chattar Manzil  is a very famous tourist attraction built by the Nawab Gazi-ud-Din Haider and then completed by his son Nasir-ud-din Haider. The most unique thing about this Chattar Manzil is its strikingly different architecture. The most prominent feature of this grand building is its umbrella shaped dome.Today this building has been remodeled to serve as an office for the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI).

Jama Masjid Lucknow was constructed by Sultan Ahmed Shaha in 1423.It is built entirely with yellow sandstone and is known for its intricate style of design and architecture.The structure stands upright on 260 pillars that supports 15 arched domes.The domes are intricately designed and ornamented.the pillars have carvings that have been inspired by Hindu and Jain culture.This mosque is located in the heart of the city of Lucknow.

Rumi Darwaza is one of the impressive architectural structure in India built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784.It is also known by the name of Turkish Gateway since it is supposed to be identical in design to a similar gateway in ancient Constantinople.The structure is 60 feet high and the uppermost part comprises of an octagonal chatri carved beautifully and accessed by stairs. The word Rumi is derived from the modern day word Rome, the capital city of Eastern Roman Empire.On top of Rumi Darwaza was kept a huge lantern, that would light up the structure at night making it look absolutely stunning.

Clock Tower is a huge tower constructed by Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haider in 1880. It reaches up to a height of 220 feet and is the tallest clock tower in India.The tower also has the biggest fitted clock which costs 1.75 lakhs at that time.

Moti Mahal or the Palace of Pearls  is one of the most beautiful monuments in India.It is located on the borders of the river Gomti and provides a spectacular view of the city. The Nawabs used this palace for bird watching and spend some time in leisure.

Hussainabad Imambara also known as Chhota Imambara is a monument built by Mohammed Ali Shah in 1837.The tombs of Mohammed Ali Shah and his mother are located here.The walls of this monuments are decorated with Arabic verses that have been carved beautifully.the structure has an imposing white colored dome and many minarets.the interiors of the monuments are decorated beautifully with elaborate Chandeliers, mirrors and gold frames.There are small miniatures of Taj Mahal on each side of the monument.

La Martiniere College also known as Constantia is one of the oldest schools in the country.It was built in 1840. This is the only school in the world to be awarded royal Battle Honors for its role in the defence of Lucknow during the mutiny of 1857.

Ambedkar Memorial is a massive 107 acres development to honor Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar who was the Chair person of Indian Constitution committee.It has dozens of statues and fountains and sculpture gardens.

Deva Sharif is famous and beloved to people from all religions.It is a tomb of Syed Waris Ali Shah ( a sufi saint)of Barabanki.

Colvin Taluqdars' College is a great architecture built in 1896 and named after Sir Auckland Colvin who was Lieutenant General of Awadh and Agra in 1889. He conceived the idea of a school with the object of imparting education to the children of the British administrators and the landed aristocracy who were known as Taluqdars.