Posted 06 December 2022 in Shopping Delight

The best places in Lucknow to shop for jhumkas, kebabs and more

The capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is a fusion of rich culture and tradition. It is popularly known as the city of nawabs and kebabs. Lucknow is one of the oldest cities in India, and has many historical wonders. It is an interesting city to explore, shop and offer you the most delectable foods like biryani, gosht etc. that make you want to keep coming back for more.

Tourists can never go away from Lucknow without indulging in some shopping. They can buy the local handicrafts, popular Chikan embroidery kurtas, exotic jhumkas and bangles. The people of Lucknow are known for their hospitality, which adds to the charm of the city.

Lucknow has the best of everything, from music, art and architecture to extraordinary cuisine and more. Every year several tourists gather here to witness the magnificence of the city. When it comes to shopping, Lucknow has something for everyone.

Shopping in Lucknow

Shopping in Lucknow is a memorable experience. If you are planning for your next vacation in Lucknow, make sure you note down these famous shopping spots. You may be fond of bargaining for items in a bustling market, you may prefer quiet, artsy boutiques, or you may want to shop at high-end shopping malls.

Let’s find out the most sought-after shopping destinations in Lucknow:

1. Hazratganj Market

Located in central Lucknow, this marketplace is full of retail stalls. You can buy Chikankari fabric, textiles, artificial jewellery, and footwear here at pocket-friendly prices. You can visit the market on the second Sunday of each month when Ganj Carnival is held. The nagra shoes are exclusive and you can pair them with ethnic clothing. The home decor pieces are available in various price ranges and you must pay a visit here. The market is usually open from 10 am to 9 pm every day and remains closed on Sundays.

2. Aminabad Market

Since the era of Nawabs, Aminabad Market has existed. It is a busy shopping hub and if your bargaining skills are good you can buy several items at an impressive deal here. You can buy household items, bangles, jewellery and clothing at affordable rates, there is a book market for students and you cannot miss the street food here. While shopping in Aminabad, you can have kachori, kulfi, biryani and kebabs. You can also buy a variety of pickles at Arora Pickles. The market is closed on Thursday and open at 11 am on all other days.

3. Chowk

Chowk is located near Bara Imambara and sees a huge number of shoppers daily. People gather here to buy jewellery, ittar (the local perfume), dry fruits, fresh fruits, bags, apparel, handicrafts, traditional Nagra footwear, Chikankari suits, and more. Chowk is a buzzing street and not only for shopping, you can visit here to try biryanis, kebabs, curries, and other munchies from the local food stalls.

4. Narkhas Market

This 200-year-old market sells clothes, electronics, wall paintings, pets and birds, groceries, etc. With more than 12,000 shops, you will get the best deals here and you will also be spoilt for choices. The market is open every day from 11 in the morning to 11 at night, you can buy local Zardosi garments here. On Sundays, the famous flea market is set up at Nakhas and you can buy second-hand goods at unbelievably low prices. If you feel hungry after shopping, you can have some kebabs that melt in your mouth, Lucknowi paan, and other tasty snacks at the food stalls in the market.

5. Janpath Market

When you are shopping in Lucknow, Janpath Market is the name you must know. To buy leather merchandise, you must visit here. The market remains closed on Sundays. From footwear to belts to bags, you will find it all here. You can also get fair prices for Chikankari sarees, ethnic and readymade garments at the shops here. With some extra time at hand, you can grab some snacks too.

6. Bhootnath Market

This is one the most popular markets in Lucknow where you can get fruits, utility items, clothes, spices, electronics, flowers, everything under one roof. You must give your best shot at bargaining, the chaats and sweets are a must-have for shoppers.

Places to visit in Lucknow

Not only shopping, in Lucknow, you must visit a few renowned places too. These include:

Bara Imambara: This is a prominent landmark in Lucknow, made by the fourth Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-ud-Daula. The central hall of Bara Imambara is the world's largest arched hall. It consists of a maze and visitors come to see that. You have to pay a nominal entry fee, it is open on all the days of the week, from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can visit this historical monument on your way to shopping at Chowk.

Chhota Imambara: Chota Imambara, also known as the Hussainabad Imambara, is one of the most stunning landmarks in Lucknow. There are five arching doorways, paying tribute to the 5 holy leaders of Islam. This massive monument has Quranic verses inscribed on the outside in beautiful calligraphy. The entry cost to the Chhota Imambara is minimal. It is open every day from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Indira Gandhi Planetarium: It is a must-see attraction for science buffs 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 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.

Rumi Darwaja: This huge gateway stands tall in Lucknow as a magnificent portrayal of Awadhi architecture. While walking from Bada Imambara to the Chota Imambara, tourists have to walk through the Rumi Darwaza. This is the most popular site in Old Lucknow City. At night, it is well lit and looks beautiful. There are exquisite carvings and motifs on the doors or ‘darwaja’.

Travel tips for visiting Lucknow

Asia’ largest park, the Janeshwar Mishra Park is in Lucknow. If you are visiting Lucknow with kids, you can pay a visit to this park.
Lucknow has several tourist sites, you must have an itinerary in order to sort out the places you would like to see during your stay in the city.
Not just shopping, make time to try out the cuisine.
If you do not enjoy street shopping, you can visit the famous shopping malls in Lucknow, such as Sahara Ganj Mall, Fun Republic, One Awadh Centre, Phoenix United and more.

How to reach Lucknow?

By Road: Lucknow has a well-developed road network which connects the city to other major cities of India. NH25, NH28, and NH56 are the major highways that pass through Lucknow. You can reach here from adjacent places like Varanasi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Delhi, by an interstate bus. You can also avail cabs or private automobiles to get to Lucknow.

By Rail:The main railway station of the city is the Lucknow Railway Station at Charbagh. A number of mail and superfast trains connect Lucknow to the rest of India. The city has a few other railway stations including Alamnagar, Gomti Nagar, etc.

By Air: Lucknow airport is about 14 km away from the main city. Several flights to Lucknow. You can easily book an IndiGo flight from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh. Both direct and indirect flights are available at great prices throughout the year.

Climate of Lucknow

Lucknow is a plain region and experiences extreme weather conditions. The summer months are extremely hot, with temperatures rising up to 43℃. Strong loo and heat can make it impossible for you to go around in the city and enjoy outdoor shopping. The city gets heavy rainfall during the monsoon season between August and October. The average temperature during this time remains around 25℃ to 35℃. In the winter season, the weather cools down, temperature even drops to 7℃, and the average is between 8℃-18℃.

Best time to visit Lucknow

The most favourable time to visit Lucknow is during the months from October to March. The weather is pleasant and suitable for tourists to enjoy the many experiences that the city has to offer.

Stay in Lucknow

When in Lucknow, you will find several stay options, from luxury, high-end hotels to reasonably priced hotels. Here are a few hotels to choose from:

Hyatt Regency Lucknow
Fairfield by Marriott Lucknow
Novotel Lucknow Gomti Nagar
Radisson Lucknow City Centre
Taj Mahal Lucknow

Conclusion

Lucknow is a beautiful city. The delicious food, the grand architecture speaks volumes about the history of the city, and you have so many shopping options here. Buy souvenirs for your loved ones back home and you will definitely find enough reason to come back to this timeless city.