What is Lucknow best known for?
Lucknow was a part of the Kaushal dynasty in ancient times. The ruler of Awadh enriched Lucknow by making it his capital. Lucknow resonates with ‘Kababs’, ‘Nawabs’, ‘tehzeeb’ and ‘tameez’ and the city is famous for its art, music, dance, literature, culture and architecture. Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh situated on the banks of the Gomti River. The city manifests the grandeur of the royal history well-blended with modernity from rich colonial history to museums. Lucknow city is mostly known for its jewellery, brimming markets, lively streets, kebabs, biryani outlets and markets of Lakhnavi Chicken Bazaar.
The best-known places in Lucknow
- Bara Imambara: Bara Imambara also known as Asafi Imambara is a historical monument dating back to the 18th century. This historic site is a large complex consisting of the Asifi Mosque, Bhul-Bhulaiya and a Baoli. This maze is the most popular part of the complex. The architecture of this landmark resembles the decorative Mughal architecture.
- Chota Imambara: The overwhelming historical construction of Chota Imambara was built by Muhammad Ali Shah in 1838 - the third Nawab of Awadh.
- British Residency: It is located on the banks of the Gomti River. It was once home to a British Resident General. Many British took refuge during the 1857 rebellion. This fort has now changed into ruins. Near the cemetery here are the graves of several hundreds of British who were killed during the siege. The ruins are now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- Rumi Darwaza: Witness the splendour of the Awadhi architecture at Rumi Darwaza which is located between Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara.
- Chattar Manzil or Umbrella Palace: The palace was built by Nawab Ghazi Uddin Hyder, this seventeenth-floor building is a magnificent specimen of Indo-European-Nawabi architecture located on the banks of the Gomti River. It was the home of residence of the Begum of Lucknow.
- Dilkusha Kothi: Located on the banks of the River Gomti, Dilkusha Kothi is the remains of a house that was built in the mid-nineteenth century. Built-in the English Baroque style of architecture, the structure once served as the hunting camp and summer resort of the Nawabs.
- Husainabad Clock Tower: Located nearby the Rumi Darwaza, Husainabad Clock Tower is another legacy landmark adorning the cityscape of Lucknow.
- Amrapali Water Park; It is one of the exciting water parks in Lucknow. The spot has a wide range of rides and slides, like Aqua Trail, Black Hole, Float Slide, and Crazy Cruise, among others.
- Aminabad Market: This market has been in operation since the time of the Nawabs. From weaved chikan garments, adornments, and footwear to carpets, bedsheets, and local handicrafts, you will find almost everything here.
- The Hazratganj Market: It is a major centre for shopping and is a paradise for shopping buffs. The market accommodates many local shops, factory outlets, restaurants, shopping complexes and theatres. It is the core of the city.
- Indira Gandhi Planetarium: If you are a science enthusiast or travelling with your kids this place is a must-visit thing. The planetarium resembles the planet Saturn making it different from other planetariums in the country.
- Nawab Wahid Ali Shah Zoological Garden: It was earlier known as Wales Zoological Garden. It is the largest zoological park in Lucknow. It is a major centre of attraction for students of photography and zoology along with regular tourists and locals.
Airport in Lucknow
Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport is an international airport in Lucknow. It is considered one of the busiest in the country.
- Airport Address: Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Amausi, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226009
- IATA code: LKO