Lucknow

Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, was once the artistic capital of northern part of India. The city of Lucknow is popular among tourists for its cultural and traditional heritage. Lucknow belongs to Avadh (Oudh) region. It is also the renowned seat of Shi'ism and is referred to as ‘the epitome of Shia culture’ in India.

Lucknow, also known as the city of Nawabs was the seat of the Nawabs of Avadh, who were great connoisseurs of art, during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was Nawab Wazir Sadat Khan who was appointed as the first ruler of Avadh, in 1732. Lucknow was the centre for political, cultural, artistic and literary renaissance in North India during this period. Art forms like Kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Qawalis, Ghazals and Shero Shairi reached their summit during the rule of Nawabs. 

The field of architecture was also revived by various experimentations on the existing styles of oriental and occidental architecture. Culinary skills were also refined during this period to create Nawabi cuisine, which is unique to Lucknow.

Sightseeing in Lucknow -

Bada Imambara: Built in 1784, Bada Imambara is known for its hall that has an area of 900 square metres. This 15-metres high ceiling was built without any support of iron beams. Believed to be the world's largest arched room without any pillars, the hall was used by the Nawabs to hold their public hearings. Inside the edifice lies the Bhool Bhulaiyaa, a complex structure of numerous passages.

Chota Imambara: Built in the 19th century, the Chota Imambara presents an example of Mughal architecture. Apart from the golden tomb and minarets, the edifice also has the Nawab's throne and tomb. Built like one of the gates of Constantinople, the Rumi Darwaza is 60 feet high. Juma Masjid was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in the 19th century.

The Residency: A collection of paintings and portraits of the Nawabs and their wives is housed in the Taluqdar Hall. Built for the British in 1800 AD by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, The Residency served as the residence of the British Resident General who was a representative in the court of the Nawab. 

Museum: Situated in a modern three-storey building at Banarasi Bagh area of Lucknow, the Government Museum displays sculptures, paintings, natural history and anthropological specimens, coins, textiles and decorative arts.

Sikandar Bagh, Lucknow Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Kaiserbagh Palace complex are the other popular attractions of Lucknow.

Shopping in Lucknow: Lucknow is famous for its distinctive Chikan and Lakhnawi Zardozi styles of embroidery.  Aminabad, Alambagh, Kapoorthala, Indiranagar and Nishatganj are popular for buying chikan work or embroidery with gold and silver threads, gem-studded jewellery, danglers and jhumkas.

How to reach Lucknow- Lucknow is well connected by air, rail and road.

The Lucknow airport is a domestic one and is well connected to major cities in India. It is at a distance of around 14 km from the city centre. The nearest international airport, though, is the Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi, which is almost 500 km away. 

Lucknow is a major railhead in northern India and is reachable from almost all parts of the country.

The city is also well connected by bus services to nearby cities like Agra, Delhi, Allahabad, Kanpur, among others. These are run by state as well as private bus operators.