"No city-except Bombay, the queen of all-was more beautiful in her garish style than Lucknow," wrote Rudyard Kipling in Kim. Located on the banks of the Gomti River, Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. From ancient times, the city is known for its silks, perfumes, jewellery, mouth-watering cuisines, and nawabi etiquettes. In fact, Lucknow could be termed the cultural centre of northern India where people are so polite that anyone would feel at home. The classic example of 'pehle aap' (after you) shows how etiquette or tehjib runs in the blood of the people of Lucknow. But the city is very much able in accommodating the modernity, keeping the tradition and culture alive altogether. There are several places of tourist attractions in Lucknow.

The Bada Imambada was built by Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1784 as a part of the famine relief project where a number of labourers were appointed to build this Imambada. It is a big vaulted hall with a length of 50 m and a height of 15 m. There is also the bhul bhulaiya-an amazing maze that might need a tourist guide to get through. There are several places to see and visit near Lucknow too. Faizabad, situated 124 km from Lucknow, was once the capital of Avadh. Easily accessible by both trains and buses, this place houses the Fort Calcutta built by the third Nawab of Avadh, Suja-ud-Daula. Besides this, one can also visit the mausoleum of Bahu Begum and Gulab Bari.

Lucknow has been famous for its Muharram celebration since the time of the Nawabs. Due to the majority population of the city belonging to the Shia Muslim community, almost every Muslim festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm.The Indian city of Lucknow is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. The various hotels packages in Lucknow offer the best of facilities. The well-furnished rooms make excellent place to stay in Lucknow, with most of the comforts at your feet.Planning a pilgrimage trip to Lucknow city or enjoying your holidays?

Population: Approx. 22,66,933

Language(s): Hindi, English

Climate:Lucknow has a typical Indian summer having a Max: 36.6 C Min: 25 C But winters are definitely very cold having a Max: 21.1 C Min: 11.1 C.

Best times to visit: October to March

Places of Interest

Bara Imambara
This magnificent monument recalls the glorious past of the nawabs and stands out for its austerity in style, proportion and symmetry along with daring techniques in architecture. To provide employment and relief to his subjects during the calamitous famine of 1784, Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula built this Imambara, which also houses his tomb. The remarkable feature of the Imambara is the absence of pillars for support, to the 50 ft high main hall and a labyrinth of intricate balconies and passages in the upper floor, the 'Bhul Bhulaiyya'. To the left of the Imambara is the imposing Asfi Mosque (open from 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs.).

Chhota Imambara
Though popularly called as the Chhota Imambara the Hussainabad Imambara stands to the west of Bara Imambara. Built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah (1837-42), it is more ornate in design with exquisite chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, silver mimbar and colorful stucco s which adorn the interiors. A golden dome and fine calligraphy on the exterior of the building makes it a truly exceptional monument of Mughal architecture (open 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs.).

Hussainabad Picture Gallery
Nawab Mohammad Ali shah built it as a 'Baradari' - literally meaning having 12 doorways. It is now used as a gallery for display of life size portraits of the Nawabs of Avadh (open 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs.).

Clock Tower
Constructed in 1887, the Hussainabad Clock Tower is one of the finest examples of British architecture in India. The 221 feet tall structure was built to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, Ist Lieutenant Governor of the United Province of Avadh with a cost of Rs.175 lakhs.

Jama Masjid
The construction of Jama Masjid, to the north west of Hussainabad Imambara was started in 1839 AD during the reign of Mohammad Ali shah but was completed after his death by his begum, Nawab Malika Jahan. It is entirely free from the pseudo - Italian art then in vogue in Lucknow and reflects the Mughal style of architecture.

Shahnaja Imambara
Situated on the bank of river Gomti near Sikandar Bagh, the Shahnajaf Imamabara was built by Ghazi-ud-din Haider, the Ist king of Avadh. It is a replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali at Najaf in Iraq. Inside is the replica of silver rauza of Najaf. Ghazi-ud.din Haider lies buried here with his three gegums Sarfaraz Mahal, Mubarak Mahal amd Mumtaz Mahal.

Maqbara Saadat Ali Khan and Khurshidzadi
The twin maqbaras of Saadat Ali Khan and Khurshid Zadi near the Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, are one of the best examples of Avadh architecture. The proportionate domes with elegant kiosks and above all, well balanced architectural desing makes them extremely interesting.

Rumi Darwaza
The 60 feet high Rumi Darwaza was constructed under Nawab Asafuddaula in 1786. It is said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople. Its uppermost part consists of an eight facted chhatri, approachable by a staircase.

Chhatara Manzil
The "Umbrella Place" stands near the present Hanuman Setu. It derives its name from the guilt dome with a covering umbrella, which gives a special magnificence to the complex. Constructed by Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider and completed by his son Nasir-ud-din Haider. Today it houses the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI).

Qaiserabagh Palace Complex
The Qaiserabagh Place were commenced in 1848 and completed in 1850 by the last nawab of Avadh, Wajid Ali Shah. They yellow buildings flanked by two Kakkhi Gates provided quarters for the ladies of the royal harem. In the centre of the quadrangle stands the Baradari, a white stone edifice of picturesque design.

Moti Mahal
The 'Pearl Place' was erected by nawab Saadat Ali Khan, later Ghazi-ud.din Haider added two other buildings to the complex - the Shah Manzil and the Mubarak Manzil. They were mainly constructed for the Nawab and his courtiers to watch animal combats from the balconies of these buildings, which were held at the other side of the river. QADAM RASUL The "Prophet's Footprint" was brought to India from Mecca by some distinguished pilgrim. Though badly damaged in 1857 war, the stone bearing the foot print still stands on a high pedestal near Sikandar Bagh (NBRI), constructed by Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider.

Sikandara Bagh
Derives its name from one of the begums of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, Sikander Mahal. It was 120 square yardsin area surrounded by a high wall, with a summer house in its centre. The National Botanical Garden has been set up here after independence.

Dilkusha Palace
"Hearts Delight" was constructed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan as a hunting retreat. The palace is laid down amidst extensive parks near the bank of river Gomti.

Bibyapur Kothi
Erected under directions of General Claude Martin as a country house during days of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. It was chiefly used as a guest-house of incoming British residents. It was here that Saadat Ali Khan was proclaimed Nawab of Awadh by Sir John Shore.

La Martiniere
The finest and the largest example of European funerary monument in the subcontinent, La Martiniere is associated with its rather strange and romantic past. Built and designed by French soldier turned architect- Claude Mrtin, it incorporates the features of Italian architecture, fusing them with native architectural attributes of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Today it houses one of the leading educational institutions of the city.

Lucknow Residency
At one time, the offcial residence of the British Resident, Residency was built in 1780-1800. A witness to one of the bitterest battles during the war of Independence in 1857,scars made by the cannons can still be seen on every standing wall.

Modern Buildings
The triumph of harmony and balance in assimilating the new into t he old can be witnessed in all the modern buildings of Lucknow like the Vidhan Sabha Bhawan, the General Post Office, Charbagh Railway Station and the new Amausi International Airport.

Vidhan Sabha Bhawan
The Vidhan Sabha Bhawan is one of the most imposing building of the city of nawabs. Its foundation was laid in 1922 by Sir Hercourt Butler and the construction was completed in 6 years at the cost of Rs. 18 lakhs.

Charbagh Railway Station
Overpowering in dimensions yet aesthetically designed, Charbagh Railway Station built in 1914 incorporates the best of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It gives an ideal, traditional warm welcome to every visitor.

State Museum
The State Museum houses a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia and is located at Banarasi Bagh, within the city. The Mumismatic, Handicrafts, Natural history and ethnographic sections of the museum are particularly interesting.

Excursion

Faizabad
Faizabad, situated 124 km from Lucknow, was once the capital of Avadh. Easily accessible by both trains and buses, this place houses the Fort Calcutta built by the third Nawab of Avadh, Suja-ud-Daula. Besides this, one can also visit the mausoleum of Bahu Begum and Gulab Bari.

Ayodhya
Just 6 km away from Faizabad is the holy town Ayodhya where one of the most popular incarnations of Lord Vishnu and the hero of the epic Ramayana, Lord Ram, was born. It has a large number of temples all over the town. The atmosphere of the town is filled with religious fervour and piety. Ayodhya is easily accessible by buses and taxis that run from the Lucknow city. Tourists can approach state government buses or private tour operators who rent out taxis as well as buses on request.

Sravasti
Situated 150 km northwest of Lucknow is Sravasti. The Buddhist monastery Jetavana is an important site to visit here, as it is believed that Lord Gautama Buddha preached here after he got his enlightenment. After the death of Buddha, this monastery got royal patronage. This place is also accessible by the available modes of road transport.

Kanpur
Kanpur, at a distance of 77 km from Lucknow, is a modern industrial city of Uttar Pradesh. One of the first cotton mills of the country was set up here. Besides, this city also has some historical monuments to visit. Kanpur is accessible by almost all the modes of transport from Lucknow of which trains and buses are the preferred ones.

How to get there
The Indian city of Lucknow is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. Indian visit can arrange for you all types of transport for your comfortable journey to and in Lucknow and throughout the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

By Road

Lucknow is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas. Delhi is 497 km from Lucknow, Agra is 363 km away, Allahabad is 238 km, Dehradun is 582 km, Kanpur is 77 km, and Varanasi is 300 km.

By Air

Lucknow is well connected with the other important towns and cities of the country by air. Most of the domestic flight operators have regular scheduled flights to the Lucknow airport Amausi, which is about 15 km away from the main city area.

By Rail

Almost all the major train routes touch this city. With the two major railway junctions namely Charbagh and Lucknow that lie side by side, one has a variety of choices for travelling to and from the city.