Posted 21 October 2022 in Travel wanderlust

Ten reasons why you should visit Lucknow, the city of Nawabs

The city of Nawabs upholds the highest standards of politeness and decency. Lucknow, which is located on the banks of the Gomti River, is noted for its ‘tehzeeb’, as well as its culture, music, art, and poetry. As one of India's oldest cities, it respectably connects to the country's history, dating back to the 13th century. The city soared to the glories of one of the most intelligent cities with outstanding class and culture after the annexation of the Nawab of Awadhs.

This appealing city's variety extends to every conceivable level. Lucknow has the best of everything, from music, dancing, and culture to beauty, refinement, and architecture. It is also one of the most popular tourist spots in the country due to its magnificence. Thousands of people visit the city each year to experience its magical appeal and delectable warmth. Lucknow is an important city and the capital of Uttar Pradesh, and it is well connected to all Indian cities by road, rail, and air.

To find out the top reasons to visit this magical city, keep reading!

1. Visit Bara Imambara

This is a major landmark site in Lucknow, made in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-ud-Daula. It was created to provide hunger aid to the people at the time. This structure, unlike others, lacks European architectural characteristics. The Asaf-ud-Daula Imambara complex includes the Bara Imambara, whose central hall is the world's largest arched hall. It's also famed for the incredible maze known as Bhulbhulaiya, which has labyrinthine tunnels.

The Bara Imambara has an entry fee of ₹50 per person for adult Indian citizens, ₹25 per individual for Indian children’s citizens, ₹500 per person for foreigners, ₹10 for a digital camera and Rs. ₹25 for a video camera. It is open through all the days of the week, from 06:00 to 17:00 hr.

2. Pay a visit to Chhota Imambara

The Chota Imambara, also known as the Hussainabad Imambara, is one of the most magnificent and intriguing constructions in Lucknow's ancient city. It is located in Uttar Pradesh, India. This massive landmark deviates west of Bara Imambara and is an undeniably stunning sight. In the year 1838, Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh, built the Chhota Imambara, which was once an array passage for Shia Muslims. On the outside of the monument, Quranic verses are written in beautiful calligraphy. Because Muharram is an important Islamic celebration, the monument is decked out with chandeliers on that day. It houses the Nawab's red crown and silver throne and is also known as the Hussainabad Imambara.

The entry cost to the Chhota Imambara is ₹50 for adult Indian citizens, ₹25 for Indian children’s citizens, ₹500 for foreigners, ₹10 for a digital camera and ₹25 for a video camera. It is open through all the days of the week, from 06:00 to 17:00 hr.

3. Taste the sumptuous food

Lucknow's USP is also its food. When it comes to enjoying the native cuisine in the city, both vegetarians and meat-eaters are spoiled with choice. Bajpai ki poori, kachoris at Netram, Ratilal and chappan bhog, chole bhature at Shri Lassi Centre, basket chaat at Royal Cafe in Hazratganj, and the all-time favourite kulfi at Chanakya in Parivartan chowk and Prakash Kulfi in Aminabad are all worth trying for vegetarians. The tunday kebab is a Lucknow speciality that is said to have been created to appease Nawab Asaf-ud Daula. Haji Murad Ali then founded the Tunday Kababi in 1905, with a kebab recipe containing up to 125 secret components. Now the restaurant is bustling with huge crowds and has made Lucknow famous for its Galouti Kebabs (another kebab from the Awadhi cuisine), parathas and biryani.

The must-visit for non-vegetarians would be Idrees Biryani at Chowk, Tunde Kababi at Chowk/Aminabad for Galawati kebab and ulte tawe ke paranthe and Dastarkhwan at Lalbagh near Tulsi theatre, for Chicken Kali Mirch.

4. Check out the Rumi Darwaja

Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow's city centre stands guard over Lajpat Nagar's bustling normal traffic like an ancient guardian brilliant orderly who has seen the city rise and fall. This huge gateway which makes you feel like you are in paradise was inspired by the gateway gates of Constantinople, now Istanbul, and is a magnificent portrayal of Awadhi architecture. The exquisite carvings and motifs on the doors, as well as the delectable fragrances from the surrounding Chowk, make it one of Lucknow's most popular tourist destinations.

5. Explore the Hazratganj Market

There are numerous shopping malls, complexes, showrooms, restaurants, and other establishments inside this area, and the best time to visit this market is on the second Sunday of each month when Ganj Carnival is held. With products ranging from sarees to salwar suits and lehengas with exclusive local designs, the bazaar attracts a wide range of shoppers. There are several nagra shoes (closed shoes with a pointed toe) that go nicely with ethnic clothing. There are other pieces of home décor available in a variety of price levels. Hazratganj is such a popular tourist destination in Lucknow that it has its own term for buying there: 'ganjing.' The market is also known for its chikan kurtas, which are a traditional kind of embroidery done on various salwar suits and come in a variety of colours and fabrics.

6. Enjoy at Amrapali Water Park

It's a great area to visit during the summer when Lucknow is very hot. Visitors can either relax in the pool or take advantage of the water rides. There are also restaurants and video game cafes for visitors to enjoy nice cuisine and entertainment.

7. Visit Nawab Wahid Ali Shah Zoological Park

It is one of the top destinations to visit for nature and animal lovers, as well as families with children, and is known as Lucknow Zoo. Aside from the various varieties of animals, birds, and reptiles, the Zoo also provides visitors with the opportunity to take a train trip or paddle a boat.

8. Four Seasons city water park

The Fun City is also a fantastic spot to go for water rides, but what draws visitors here the most is the snow park, which provides tourists with a chilly experience. It is located on Lucknow's Raebareli Road. Aside from the numerous exhilarating rides, swimming pools, rain dance, tube slides, and other attractions, the park's highlight is its artificial snow park. A fantastic DJ and sound system are also available in the park.

9. Explore Indira Gandhi Planetarium

It is a must-see attraction for science buffs and families with children, as there is a lot to learn. Its design, which is based on the planet Saturn, distinguishes it from other Indian planetariums. The Planetarium is located in Lucknow's Surajkund Park neighbourhood, alongside the River Gomti's bank waters. The structure was built in the shape of Saturn, with five rings surrounding its centre body. It has an eye-catching architecture that represents the solar system. The Taramandal Show, also known as the Indira Gandhi Planetarium, houses various models of Indian satellites. Many notable Indian scientists, such as Aryabhatt, Varahamihira, and others, have accurate and diversified data available. This planetarium is a must-see for astronomy fans since it allows you to take a virtual voyage to space and experience what it's like to sway through stars and gaze at the hugely amazing galaxy. All of this is possible to see thanks to the fantastic 3D Space displays that the Indira Gandhi Planetarium puts on for its visitors.

10. Ambedkar Park

Ambedkar Park is a public park with a 107-acre footprint dedicated to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and other social reformers who fought for equality in society.

Travel tips for Lucknow

Have enough days to spare to complete your sightseeing in and around Lucknow.
Visit its vast gardens and pure Kathak dance styles, which are featured in a variety of events hosted across the city.

How to reach Lucknow?

By road: Lucknow has a well-developed road network that connects it to India's major cities. The NH25, NH28, and NH56 are major highways that pass-through Lucknow. From Varanasi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Agra, Jhansi, Delhi, and other adjacent places, buses to Lucknow are readily available. From adjacent locations, cabs or private automobiles can be hired to get to Lucknow.

By rail: The primary railway station in Lucknow is Charbagh Railway Station. It has a good number of mail and superfast trains that connect Lucknow to the rest of India. Passenger trains run to and from Lucknow from adjacent cities. The city is served by several other railway stations, including Alamnagar, Gomti Nagar, Aishbagh Junction, and others.
By air: Lucknow airport is located nearly 14 km from the city and you can easily book hassle-free IndiGo non-stop flights to Lucknow.

Best time to visit

Lucknow and in most parts of North India the most favourable months to visit are from October to March. Other times of the year remain too hot to visit. Strong loo and heat, especially in May and June, prevent people from coming out during the day. The rainy season is also pleasant for visiting Lucknow, however, it pales in comparison to the winter months. During the winter and rainy season, when the city is virtually dry, lush foliage adds to the city's splendour.

Conclusion

Lucknow sightseeing is renowned because of its historical aspects dating back to the colonial era, which is known around the world for their Awadhi-style architecture.