The capital city of the largest state in India (Uttar Pradesh), the city of Lucknow, in today’s day and age, is a perfect example of cosmopolitan culture co-existing with the traditional ethos. While the ‘awadhi’ lifestyle, food and architecture can be seen in plenty, there is no dearth of cafes, pubs, malls and modern day perks of living. Read on to know all that there is to know about the place.
Priyanka Saxena Ray
One of the most culturally rich states of India that finds its mention in the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata and stores an integral part of the Buddhist history, Uttar Pradesh is fascinating in all its aspects. It plays host to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which is a must stop in any tourists’ itinerary coming to India. Rich in abundant agricultural produce, festivities, tourism sights and architectural wonders etc, Uttar Pradesh is a vibrant hub.
While every city of Uttar Pradesh has something unique to offer, be it Agra, Varanasi or Kanpur, the capital city of Lucknow is undoubtedly the icing on the cake when it comes to cosmopolitan and Awadh offerings.
Lucknow is a multicultural city, which lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. This capital city is a major metropolitan city of India. It is the second largest city in north, east and central India after Delhi. Lucknow has always been known for its food and culture. It has been the artistic hub and was the seat of nawab power in the 18th and 19th centuries. It continues to be an important centre of government, education, aerospace, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design and tourism. This is the ‘city of nawabs’ that holds significance for courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and fine cuisine patronized by the Persian-loving Shia Nawabs of the city, which are well known amongst Indians and students of South Asian culture and history.
Located in what was historically known as the Awadh region, Lucknow has always been a city of diverse cultures. According to one legend, the city is named after Lakshmana, a hero of the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana. Historically, the capital of Awadh was controlled by the Delhi Sultanate under the Mughal rule and was later transferred to the Nawabs of Awadh. Lucknow, along with Agra and Varanasi, is one of the three cities in the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc which is a chain of survey triangulations created by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to boost tourism in the state.
One can on and on explaining and detailing the glory and attractions that Lucknow has to offer but it would be best to list down some ‘must see’ and ‘must do’ things in the city of nawabs –
Tour the Bara and Chota Imambara
The superior structure of Bara Imambara offers a feeling of bygone era as you wander in the midst of the Mughal ruins. This monument that has been standing still since 1784 will amaze you by its beauty and might. It is an important place for the Muslims and it receives millions of devotees during the religious festival of Muharram. An interesting fact about Bara Imambara that will blow your mind is that, the central hall is said to be about 50 meters long, thus making it the largest arched hall in the world and an unsupported structure, now this is something mind boggling. Inside the complex, you can also explore the Asifi Mosque and Shahi Bauli.
Located about 1.5 kilometres west of Bara Imambara, another architectural masterpiece in white texture with a mosaic of green patterns is Chhota Imambara. This 19th century structure holds its allure among visitors with its colourful lamps and chandeliers that glare as the sun sets, giving an impressive appeal and look to the mausoleum. Inside the complex, you can also find the tomb of Muhammad Ali Shah and that of his family members. Without a doubt, these two memorials having its old charm and modern marvel will impress all genres of travellers during their Lucknow tour.
Meet the animals @ Lucknow Zoo
The Lucknow Zoo is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. Frequented by locals and outsiders alike, this zoo has been instrumental in educating Lucknow’s masses about the importance of the environment and preserving wildlife. The Lucknow Zoo is home 447 mammals, 348 birds, and 57 reptiles, and between those many creatures you’ll find 97 different species of wild animals. Their most popular inhabitants include the Royal Bengal tigers and white tigers, as well as lions, wolves, Hoolock gibbons, Himalayan black bears, and Indian rhinoceros. Those drawn to the zoo’s birdlife may find golden pheasants and silver pheasants roaming together, or catch a glimpse of the Great Pied Hornbill. This Zoo features ‘Touch Table Programmes’ on Fridays organized by The Nature Interpretation Centre. This tactile educational experience is a hands-on chance to learn about the skins of various animals, the eggs of birds and pheasants, the tusks of elephants, and much more. Since 1969, the zoo has also operated a Toy Train for family entertainment.
Re-visit history @ 1857 Memorial Museum
Located inside the British Residency, the 1857 Memorial Museum contains exhibits that showcase the story of 1857 in a chronological order, offering a detailed and accessible history of the first Indian Rebellion for Independence. Part of the display is formed by diorama, while canvas paintings, photographs and lithographs portray some of the battles at The Residency and other important scenes tying into the narrative. Recently, a new gallery was added to the museum’s basement showcasing artefacts recovered in an excavation of the southern portion of the Residency complex. It’s an important place to visit while learning about Lucknow and India on a greater scale, as this will help you understand the first battle which led to a century-long struggle for India’s independence from the British.
Marvel the beauty of Ambedkar Park
An iconic memorial worthy for its architecture and ambience, Ambedkar Park honours the lives of those who devoted their life for equality, social justice and humanity. This renowned Park in Lucknow is seated in a posh locality of Gomti Nagar and was built using red sandstone brought from Rajasthan. Here, you will see effigies of great Indian leaders like that of Birsa Munda, Shahuji Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule, Narayana Guru, Bhimrao Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram. Other feature that the park includes are Ambedkar Stupa, it consists of many statues portraying the story of B.R Ambedkar. Similar to that of the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C, Ambedkar Stupa too is erected in likeness. Pratibimb Sthal is will simply hold you spell-bound. It is the entrance to the attraction and is aligned with statues of 62 elephants on each side. One must visit it to believe it!
Go on a Heritage Walk around Lucknow
Thanks to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism, you can pick this exhilarating activity of walking around the city of Nawabs. Through this guided tour, you can experience sightseeing the local way; feel the influence of the Mughal presence through their ruins and smell the aroma and taste their flavoursome Mughlai cuisine. Ideally, two heritage walks are arranged that gives a tour of the old city of Lucknow – Chowk Area and Kaiserbagh Area. You will be guided to tourist places such as historical monuments, heritage homes inside Chowk and of course an opportunity to taste some mouth-watering delicacies. Since these heritage walks are organised by UP Tourism, they are usually exhaustive in nature and well-planned.
Browse at Hazratganj
There is always that one favourite place to chill and relax and ‘Ganj’ as it is locally called offers just that. Hazratganj is a renowned attraction, placed in the city’s central area, similar to the casual crowd puller of Delhi’s Connaught Place and the MG Road of Bengaluru, this vibe seekers’ corner is the best place to shop, slurp, eat and simply ‘walk the talk.’ Ganj is intact with a number of coffee shops and fine dining restaurants like Royal Café, Jone Hing, and Chedilal. Here you can also find the popular Paanch Pani Ke Bataashe (Golgappas with five assorted flavoured water) that shouldn’t be missed. And the best time to visit is during the onset of darkness when the entire place illuminates with glittering lights; it is also when Lucknow’s night crawlers meet for jaunty activities. While here, watch out for Ram Advani Booksellers, they are the best for bookworms. Ganj’s vicinity also comprises a number of iconic historical monuments, for instance, the Dilkusha Kothi and Lucknow Residency.
Relish the famous Tunday Kebabs and Kulfi
Aminabad holds a reputation for being the oldest market in Lucknow, ever since the reign of nawabs of Awadh. The market is often blurred with a hefty crowd but one thing you got to know, Aminabad solves all your purpose. The USP of Aminabad bazaar is the popular Tunday Kebab and Prakash Kulfi, it is impossible to miss out on these two outlets. In Tunday Kebab, you can devour plates full of kebabs, mutton biryani and tandoori chicken and get yourself a frozen treat by savouring kesari falooda kulfi. The market however, has a large complex and it has many sub markets with different names and each market possesses specific items making shopping convenient.
