Lucknow – The City of Nawabs is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. This historical city is situated on the banks of river Gomti. Lucknow is a city rich in Art, culture and Urdu literature. It’s a perfect blend of rich heritage and a food-lovers delight. Read on to know more about Lucknow – City of Nawab, Adab and Kabab.
Lucknow was the Capital of Awadh during the Delhi Sultanate and then later by the Mughal era. It later witnessed the British regime too. This rich history is reflected in its architecture, still visible in many of the buildings in the old part of the city. To help you capture most of this beautiful city we have made a list of the top tourist attractions below.
Top Tourists Attractions in Lucknow
Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara or Asafi Imambara is a large tomb complex in Lucknow. Bara means big and Imambara is a sacred hall for conducting Muslim rituals especially for Shia Muslims around Muharram. It was built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula, the then Nawab of Awadh. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lucknow.
For more details on this architectural marvel read: Bara Imambara – Lucknow’s Famous Bhool Bhulaiya
Chota Imambara
Chota Imambara, or Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak is also known as the Palace of Lights because of its decorations and chandeliers during Muharram. It is the small-scale copy of the Taj Mahal. This structure with intricately carved minarets and a gilded dome, houses the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah and other members of his family.
Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza, standing tall at 60 feet, is an imposing gateway that serves as the entrance to old Lucknow. Built in 1784, it epitomizes Awadhi architecture. This massive gate is situated between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara and is crowded all day with tourists and commuters.
Lucknowi Chikan
Chikan originated from the Persian word “Chikin” which means embroidered cloth. Chikankari is an intricate handmade embroidery made using cotton or silk threads. This elaborate process is time taking and takes tonnes of patience and precision which makes it unique. Lucknow is the hub of Chikankari and a visit to the small-scale industries in the Chowk area, is a must to see how this embroidery is done. Suits made with Lucknowi Chikan has graced the wardrobes of almost all Indian women for generations and no visit to Lucknow is complete without buying Lucknowi Chikan. Right from suits to saris to cute frocks for little girls to even menswear, the options are huge to choose from and it will definitely create a dent in your wallet but will also keep your wives and girlfriends happy for a long time. 🙂
Pro Tip: The factory made versions are cheaper but also common. If you are looking for something unique, go to a standalone local artisan. Make sure you bargain since the rates are little inflated for tourists.
Lucknow Food Trail
The rich heritage of Lucknow has gifted us Awadhi cuisine which every foodie cannot be more grateful for. From Kababs to Biryani to the lip smacking chaat and delicious sweets, Lucknow has it all. If you are interested in a food trail, then Lucknow is the place for you. It’s a heaven for gluttons and to know more about the goodies available here read: Lucknow Food Trail.
How to Reach Lucknow
By Air
Lucknow Airport is connected to all the major cities by air. Maximum flights are via Delhi with a small stopover.
By Train
The train network is even better to reach Lucknow. All major trains especially the north and east stop at Lucknow.
By Road
Lucknow can be reached easily if you are driving down from Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway or else the roads are not that great, so its advisable to consider the other two alternatives.
Lucknow Weather
Lucknow experiences a humid sub tropical climate with rains in the months of July to September. In the winter months of late November to early February the temperature ranges from 3 degree C to 25 degree C, with fog decreasing visibility. Occasionally the temperatures dip closer to the freezing point too. The summers are very hot with temperatures rising up to 40 – 45 degree C.
Where to Stay in Lucknow
Like any other major city in India, Lucknow is filled with options. Depending on your budget you can choose your place of stay here. Some of the places we liked our stay are:
Novotel, Gomti Nagar
This is a new property in the new part of Lucknow, Gomti Nagar. It lives up to the Novotel standards. The best part is that it is 30 minutes from the airport and very close to other attractions.
Book your Stay or Check out the prices here
Renaissance, Lucknow
It offers all the amenities of the Marriott Luxury and Lifestyle Hotel Group. If you want to recharge your energy levels then the rooftop infinity pool is just the right place for it.
Book your Stay or Check out the prices here
Hotel Clarks, Awadh
This place has the best Location. Situated on the banks of Gomti, it’s a mere 4 kms from Lucknow railway station and 15 km from Lucknow airport. The main shopping area of Hazratganj is just a km away. A rooftop restaurant Falaknuma is known for its Awadhi cuisine.
Book your Stay or Check out the prices here
Book your stay
Have you been to Lucknow? Do let us know about your experience at Lucknow or if we are missing something, please contact us or comment below and I will update this blog soon. Your comments and/or feedback are welcome.
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