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Lucknow will always be remembered for its nawabs-where the nawabi
culture of adabs and courtesies were turned into a fine art. Even
after witnessing rapid modernization, you would hardly find any big
city culture here. Even the rickshaw pullers would always address
you as the family here. The warmth, the hospitality and the
formality of the city shines through. As everyone goes out of the
way to show concern –the heart begins to melt.
Bow your head in disbelief at the Bara-imambara. Lose yourself in
the bhulbhulaiya’s maze. Stare in wonder at the Jama Masjid. And
after you’re through, shop for some exquisite chikankari and meena
Kari work. Remember the kebabs and other delicacies are around the
corner.
How to get there
Amausi Airport in Lucknow is connected with Delhi, Patna, Calcutta,
Bombay and Varanasi by direct flights. A major railway junction,
Lucknow is conveniently connected to many cities. It is connected
also by road with all the major cities of the country.
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Places to visit |
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Bara Imambara
Built by the
fourth Nawab of Awadh - Asaf-ud-Daula, it is one of the most
famous monuments of this place. The Imambara remains an
important place of worship for the Muslims and is used for
celebrating Muharram. Its style of construction is unique.
Containing largest arched hall in the world as the central
hall, the blocks have been put together with interlocking
system of bricks without using of girders and beams and
without for affording a clear view. It also comprises an
incredible maze called Bhulbhulaiya where great treasures
are reportedly hidden in its secret tunnels. Glimpse the
entire city from the top. |
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Rumi Darwaza
or the Turkish Gate
Constructed in
1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula, it is supposed to be identical
in design to a similar gateway in ancient Constantinople.
Reaching a staggering 60 feet, the uppermost part contains
an octagonal Chhatri (Umbrella) carved beautifully. The
beautifully carved flowers and designs still manage to
captivate. |
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British
Residency
Now in ruins and
a protected monument, it served as a refuge for the British
during the 1857 revolt. The graves of around 2000 British
soldiers still remain. Apart from serving as a government
office, it also has a well-maintained museum. |
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Shah Najaf
Imambara
Gazi-ud-Din’s most outstanding building is a structure with
a large dome and is in excellent condition even today. |
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Juma Masjid
Built entirely
with yellow sandstone in 1423, it is known for the intricate
style of design and architecture. The Jama Masjid of Lucknow
is still considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques
of India. Combining the finest in Hindu and Muslim
architecture, it has 260 pillars that support 15 arched
domes at different levels. While the domes are intricately
designed and ornamented, the pillars have carvings from
Hindu and Jain temples. |
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Qaiser Baugh
Palace
Wajid Ali Shah’s
single contribution to Lucknow that he wanted to be
pronounced as the eighth wonder of the world! |
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Unique Shopping
While Lucknow is
synonymous with chikankari (shadow work) and zardosi (silver and
gold embroidery), it has much to offer. Don't forget to carry home
saris, Kurtas or dupatta .Shop for gold and silver ornaments with
exquisite filigree (metal ornamentation) and jadau (gem studded) at
Gadbadjhala where you can check out jewellery, especially the huge
jhumkas. The main shopping areas are Hazratganj, Janpath, Aminabad,
Yayaganj, Kapoorthala and the Chowk. For souvenirs, the best bet is
Gangotri, the official handicrafts shop of the UP State Tourism
Department.
Eating out
The city is famous for
its local cuisines like kebabs and biryanis but also offers a
delightful palette to suit your tastes. From the posh looking star
grade restaurants to fast food giants, the city seems to have all.
Apart from that, the street-food culture of Lucknow has fewer
parallels in Asia. Kakori Kabobs at the Oudhyana, Taj Residency, and
the Ghazal soaked yummy evening at Falaknuma in Clarks Awadh or the
delights at Pavilion at Park Inn are at the upper end. But savor the
real taste of Lucknow right on the streets with exotic Idris Biryani
Wala at Patanala Chowk, Rahim Kulcha-Nihari eatery at Chowk; Tunda
Kabobs at Akbari .Other pocket friendly eateries like Naushejaan,
Sakhawat, Daal mein Kaala, Dasterkhwan are among the best in India
but also in whole of South Asia.
Do’s and Don’t’s
- It is quite a closed
society therefore you are advised not to dress in clothes that are
too revealing and too scanty.
Eat food that you buy yourself.
- Don't stay with or be coaxed into staying with people you meet at
Railway platforms, Bus stands or shopping areas.
- Don't think you are getting a bargain if a free ride is given by
any transporters to a hotel, check with tourist information office
first.
- Don't allow any one into your room for a drink and snacks or just
a chat unless the person is really well known to you. |
