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Lucknow, variously known as the city of Nawabs. Situated 123 m above sea level, lies in the heart of North Indian culture. The city was rich in historical events. Lucknow is known for its manners & etiquette, the “Adab” & “Tehzeeb” in Urdu. Lucknow gives us many legendary poets, one such is “Galib” which has separate recognition at the world level. The city lies on the bank of the Gomti river.
Brief History
As mentioned, Lucknow was both culturally & historically rich. Let’s have a quick recap of it’s history.
- It was believed that the origin of Lucknow is rooted back in Suryavanshi Dynasty. It is said that Lakshmana, brother of Lord Rama, was the founder of this ancient city. And the city known as Lakshmanpur.
- However, in the 18th Century, the city rose & came into notice. The golden era of the City started with the Mughals dynasty. The city flourished in multiple aspects, which includes poetry, dance, music and the lifestyle of Lucknow.
- In the year 1720, the Mughal wanted to appoint Nawabs to ensure smooth administration of the City.
- Later, Mohammad Amir Saadat Khan was appointed in the year 1732 as the viceroy of Awadh.
- The Nawabs changed the history of the city. Lucknow flourished under the rule of Nawabs like never before.
- In 1755, the city faced many ups & downs under the rule of the 4th Nawab, Asaf-ud-Daula. It was a time when the British came to India. Slowly the British East India company made Lucknow into an administrative capital.
- The city experienced degradation under British rule & ghastly incidents left Lucknow with unpleasant memories.
- After the independence, the city declared the capital of the Indian state, Uttar Pradesh.
- Thus, the city has progressed beautifully under the Indian government. And emerging as a cultural significance.
State/district/capital
Lucknow is the capital of Indian northern state, Uttar Pradesh. The city spread over the land of 631 sq. km. Also the administrative headquarters of the state situated in the city.
How to reach Lucknow?
By Air
- Lucknow Airport or Amausi airport is situated 15 km away from the city centre.
- It connects the city with all the major Indian destinations.
- The two terminals, T1 for international flights and T2 for domestic carriers.
- The airport has daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Patna, as well as direct flights to Bangalore, Sharjah, Jeddah, Muscat, Dehradun, Indore, Pune etc.
- The flights include Air India, Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo and Jet Airways operate from Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
- From the airport, one can hire prepaid taxis or cabs & also opt for bus service to reach a major destination in Lucknow.
By Road
- The roads network of Lucknow is well connected & well maintained by the UP government. Thus it’s a good option to plan the trip by road.
- There are luxury buses such as deluxe, Volvo services available. Also, the state buses are available for Lucknow on a regular basis. The distance of Lucknow from Kanpur is 90 km. From Delhi 550 km, Agra 366 km.
- It takes around 9 to 10 hours via Taj Express Highway.
By Train
- There are two main stations in Lucknow, the Lucknow Junction, and Charbagh.
- The Charbagh Railway Station connects Lucknow with the rest of the country’s cities via an extensive rail network.
- The regular trains for Lucknow from New Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, Kolkata, and Chennai are available. The Jan Shatabdi from Delhi takes around 6 to 7 hours.
- Also, special AC trains are operating from New Delhi to Lucknow. And it takes around 9 to 10 hours.
When to visit Lucknow?
The best time for the tourist to explore the Nawabi city is from October to February. The weather during this time period is pleasant & cool. The summer in Lucknow is very hot & humid. During monsoon the city experiences heavy rain & high humidity in the air. The winter brings pleasant days & chilly nights.
Official Language
The official language spoken in Lucknow is Hindi. Urdu is also spoken by a majority of people. Some local people also converse in Awadhi.
Weather
- Summer Season: March to June
- Average Temperature: 400C- 430C
- Monsoon Season: July to September
- Average Temperature: 250C – 320C
- Winter Season: December to February
- Average Temperature: 70C – 80C
Accommodation/Stay to prefer
- To explore the old Lucknow, its monuments and the ancient living, the Chowk is the best place for your stay. You will get to enjoy local street food such as Chole Bhature, Biryani, Kebabs etc.
- Tourists also choose Gomti Nagar for stay. The area covered with famous parks, cafes and restaurants nearby. The magnificent view of the Gomti river attracts a large number of tourists every year.
- You can choose to stay near Bansmandi chauraha. It is a great choice of stay as you get plenty of hotels there. The charbagh Railway station is near this place.
- Hazratganj, another most famous market area of Lucknow. The place is near to every historical place and food area. Thus, considered a well-suited place for your stay.
Transportation to Prefer
The transportation services of Lucknow is easily available & accessible. One can consider the following options for the sightseeing in the city.
Bus
The buses are available to all the major destinations in the city. It is also the cheapest mode of travel.
Taxi
Taxis are freely available outside the airports, railway station & from Lucknow bus stops. They are the best options to explore the lanes of Lucknow.
Private cab
One can book a private cab on a full-day basis or on an hourly basis for sightseeing in the city.
Auto – Rickshaw
These rickshaws are also freely available to all parts of the city. One can enjoy the chaotic lanes & crowded Market from the rickshaw.
Places to visit in Lucknow
Historical Attractions
Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza was built in 1784. It is one of the most popular heritage monuments of the city. It built in the guidance of Asaf- Ud- Doula, and example of Awadhi structure.
Kaiserbagh Palace Complex
It built-in 1850. It was the most visited place in the city. Built by Wajid Ali Shah, Nawab of Awadh.
Chota Imambara
Chota Imambara is also known as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak. Built by Muhammad Ali Shah, Nawab of Awadh. The monument has great significance in history.
British Residency
British Residency is a group of many buildings, which were living quarters for the British General. Now it is a popular tourist complex.
Dilkusha Kothi
Built in the 18th century in the baroque style. It served as a hunting lodge for Britishers & Nawabs. Now a ruined palace.
Chattar Manzil
Chhatar Manzil also called the Umbrella palace. Built for Nawabs of Awadh & their wives.
Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan
The Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan is situated near the Hazrat Mahal Park. Built by Sadat Ali Khan’s son in the memory of his Father as a Nawab Wazir of Oudh.
Hussanabad Clock Tower
Hussanabad Clock Tower was built-in 1881 by Hussainabad trust. It entitled as the tallest clock tower in India.
Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara is also know as Asfi Mosque. Buit by Asaf- Ud- Daula in 1784. It is the most famous Monument in the city.
Spiritual Attractions
Chandrika Devi Temple
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It situated on the banks of river Gomati. A large number of pilgrimage visited the temple every year.
Khammam Peer Dargah
Khammam Peer Dargah is situated near the Charbagh railway station. It attracts a large number of Muslims as well as Hindus from all parts of the country.
Jama Masjid
It located in Tahseenganj. It built completely of white sandstone. It considered the heart of Lucknow.
Aliganj Hanuman Temple
Aliganj Hanuman temple is also a famous temple, where people come with hope and prayers. It is situated near ITI Chauraha.
Yahiyaganj Gurudwara
Yahiyaganj Gurudwara is a holy place where people come with the faith. It refers to sahib. Gurudwara is the place where peoples do assembly, prayers, and worship.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple
Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple is a sacred temple of Hindu. It is situated near Kankaha.
Teele Wali Masjid
Teele wali masjid was constructed by the Mughal governor. When the emperor Aurangzeb resigns. It is near the Harding bridge, built between (1658-1787).
Natural Attractions
Janeshwar Mishra Park
Janeshwar Mishra Park is an urban park operating in Gomti Nagar. It was made in memory of a late politician Janeshwar Mishra.
Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden
Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden was made in memory of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It was established in 1921. The collection of animals was a great pastime during ancient times.
Ambedkar Memorial Park
Ambedkar memorial park formerly known as Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar samajik parivartan preteek sthal. It is a public park. It is in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
Gomti Riverfront Park
It is tributed to the river Ganga. According to Hindu belief, the river is the daughter of Rishi Vashisht. The Gomti river is one of the hindus transcendental.
Gautam Buddha Park
Gautam buddha park in Lucknow, also has its own unique charm. Built in around 10arcs by LDA in the year 1980, the park hosts a gain idol of buddha in the greatest area.
Begum Hazrat Mahal Park
Begum Hazrat Mahal Park is also known as Begum of Awadh, she was the second wife of Nawab Wajid Ali khan. Wajib Ali Shah was met with her first time here. This is a famous monument.
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park was made in the memory of a great Socialist. The area of the park is about 76 acres.
Kukrail Forest Reserve
Kukrail forest reserve is located from Kukrail pul in Lucknow. The most founded animals are crocodiles.
Things to do in Lucknow
- Have the insight of CIMAP (Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants).
- Embrace nature at Haathi Park.
- Shop at Hazaratganj.
- Sharp your interest at NBRI (National Botanical Research Institute.
- Get some popcorn & chill at Phoenix United Mall & PVR Cinemas.
- Enjoy some time at Sahara Ganj Shopping Mall & PVR Cinemas.
- Witness the historical monuments in the City.
- Wanders in alleys of the city & discover the food paradise.
- Take a walk to the spiritual site in the city.
Cuisines to taste in Lucknow
Being a place of nawabs & royals, Lucknow is a paradise for the traditional Nawabi or Awadhi cuisine that consists of Lucknowi Biryani, Boti kabab, Rogan Josh, Paya ki Nihari, Sheermals, Tokri chaat, etc. in addition to some typical food items of Lucknow such as Tunday kebab, kulfi, Lucknowi paan, which are to be found anywhere in Lucknow. However, cuisine such as Chinese, Thai, and other continental dishes can be easily available in any restaurant. Thus, you shouldn’t miss out on these delicacies of Lucknow, after all you don’t know which alley takes you to the food paradise.
Souvenirs to buy in Lucknow
To make your trip to Lucknow memorable, don’t forget to catch up the special items in the city.
Here’s a list of some popular items & most visited Markets in Lucknow. Here you can find the popular items particular to each market.
- Hazratganj market, best for all kinds of goods.
- Chowk. It is particularly famous for perfumes & ether. The fragrance of these ethers is very delightful.
- Aminabad market. The most famous item in the market is the chikankari clothes. Other variety of garments also available in the markets.
- Nakhat market. It is famous for embroidery items such as suits, burkha, shawal etc. The imposing embroidery made you delight.
- Japath Bazar. It has great quality of carry bags & handbags. Available at affordable prices.
- Lal Bagh Market. It is popular for various colourful bangles which are made with fine art & are very pretty.
- Kapoorthala. It is the garments district of Lucknow. It has the most popular chikan dress, & all other varieties of a garment.
Thus Lucknow is rich in tourists attractions. Do have a visit, the wonders of the city waiting for you. Have a happy journey ahead!!!!
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[…] The cuisine is one of the factors that add up to the identity of a place, its culture and history. Lucknow has its own inseparable history with the royals hence giving the cuisine history of Lucknow a royal touch. The traditional food of Lucknow has been inspired by the Awadhi cuisine, cooked with a blend of spices on low flame, a practice still used by chefs. Let’s have a look at the 12 most popular cuisines to taste in Lucknow. […]