www.raahi.com
Hi Guest! Welcome to
India's leading travel community
Sign in | Sign up

search

Keyword
e.g. Taj Palace, Hotel Himani
Search in section
  
 
 
 
 

To see and do in Lucknow

nothing lonely about the planet
Travel Guide » Asia » India » Lucknow
Explore: The World | India
 
Lucknow
book a hotel
(Uttar Pradesh)


Nawabi Charm

Lucknow is courtesy, culture and chivalry epitomised. Capital of Uttar Pradesh situated on the bank of River Gomti, Lucknow is a perfect blend of the traditional, modern and the ultra-modern. The city's glorious yesterday is evident in its art, architecture, craft, literature, dance and music. The brave sentinels of yesterday, though crumbling and dilapidated, give a glimpse of the aura of the mighty Nawabs. However, modern Lucknow is very much akin to any other city with typical traits of unplanned development, pollution and crowded streets. But that not deter you, come take a plunge!
book a hotel
|
Getting There
|
to see and do
|
Entertainment & Night Life
|
To See & Do
Must See, Must Do
  • Visit the Imambara and figure our way out of the Bhul-Bhulaiya.
  • Savour Tunde Ke Kebab in the Chowk. The guy who actually started this place had only one arm tunde thus the name.
  • Buy chikan embroidery and itr as take-backs.
  • Catch an evening of qawwali at one of the popular venues.
  • Learn an Urdu couplet; most Lucknowis are aspirant poets.

raahi.com 		 
Historical
  Bada Imambara This was built in 1784 during the regime of Asaf-ud-Daula as part of a famine relief project. The main hall of the Imambara is 50 m long and 15 m high, without any pillars to support its ceiling. A balcony runs along the inside of the hall that is built in such a way that even the faintest whisper anywhere in it can be heard right across the hall. It was used by the Nawabs for public hearing and today the Muslims start the Muharram processions from here. Nearby is the Bhul- Bhulaiya, an architectural maze where you cannot do without a tourist guide. Towards the left of the main building is a baoli (step-well) connected by tunnels to the River Gomti. Rumi Darwaza or Turkish Gate Also built as part of famine relief work, it is said to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople. It's a towering 60-ft high structure! Chota Imambara or Palace of Lights Also known as the Husainabad Imambara, it was constructed by Mohammed Ali Shah in 1837. It is believed to be the mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Shah himself. It is called the Palace of Lights because of its chandeliers that come alive during the Muslim festival of Muharram. The Imambara has a golden dome, a silver throne and gold-edged mirrors. Other interesting monuments around the Chota Imambara are the dargah (shrine) of the Sufi saint Hazrat Abbas and the tomb of the Sufi saint Ibrahim Chisti's son. Shah Najaf Imambara This huge white-domed Imambara houses the tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider and his wives. During the Mutiny, it was used as a stronghold by the revolting sepoys. Chhattar Manzil This imposing building erected by the Nawabs can be spotted from all corners of Lucknow. Husainabad Clock Tower Near the Chhota Imambara lies an incomplete watch tower called the Satkhanda. Towering to a height of 67 m, this Victorian-Gothic clock tower was designed in the 1880s. Jami Masjid The largest mosque of Lucknow, it was begun by Mohammed Shah and completed by his wife after her husband's death in the 1840s. There are wonderful paintings on the ceilings. Moti Mahal Also called Palace of Pearls, this is among the three beautiful buildings on the fringes of the River Gomti. It was used by the Nawabs to view birds in flight. Qaiser Bagh Palace Wajid Ali Shah's contribution to Lucknow was the Qaiser Bagh Palace built in 1850, which he wanted to be promoted as the eighth wonder of the world! Residency This red brick building came to the centrestage during the Revolt of 1857 as 3,000 British men, women and children took shelter here. They fought Indian sepoys until Sir Colin Campbell defeated the Indian forces. The Residency now houses government offices and a museum. Within the complex are the graves of the British soldiers who died fighting the Indian troops. Other monuments within the complex are tombs of first Nawab of Awadh Sadat Ali Khan and the observatory built for the British astronomer Col. Wilcox. Shaheed Smarak This was erected as a mark of respect for the thousands of unknown warriors who laid down their lives for the freedom and glory of their nation during the 1857 First War of Independence. La Martinere School Standing on the banks of the River Gomti, this magnificent structure was constructed by a French soldier, Claude Martin in 1784 in memory of his beloved, Constance. The architecture of this building is a mixture of Indo-European schools. Italian, French, English and Gothic with a touch of Mughlai is how you can best describe this building. As per his last wish, Claude Martin was buried here after his death. La Martiniere is today a school of great repute.

raahi.com 		 
Gardens and Parks
  The Sikandrabagh Gardens, which were Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's pleasure parks, saw pitched battles in 1857. Now it houses the National Botanical Research Institute and the Botanical Gardens, open to the public (6 am to 5 pm).

raahi.com 		 
Museums
  State Museum A museum with sculptures, bronzes, paintings, anthropological specimens, coins, textiles and decorative arts, it is a three-storeyed building in Banarasibagh. The museum has earliest the image of Balarama and a Panchmukhi (five-faced) Shivalinga. It is open on all days from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm except Mondays. Kaisarbagh Folk Art Museum The museum has an exquisite collection of contemporary art from Uttar Pradesh. Mohammad Ali Shah Art Gallery Near the Kaiserbagh Folk Art Museum, it exhibits old photographs and portraits of the Nawabs. Visitors are welcome 8 am to 5 pm.

raahi.com 		 
Religious Places
  A part of the Bada Imambara, the Asafi (Bara) Imambara is a complex consisting of the hall, a Mosque, gardens and a well (Baoli). It is here that the Tazias are kept all year and from where they are taken out on the tenth day of Muharram. Hundreds of thousands of people collect during the annual observance of Muharram. Id Gah is another famous mosque in the city. Worshipers throng the mosque for prayers during Fridays and religious holidays. There are a lot of temples dotting the city. But the Man Kameshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest and popular worship places. The Lord Ayyappa Temple, though not all that old, is also a crowd puller.

raahi.com 		 
Festivals
  National Kite Flying Competition (October/November) The city hosts this just a day after the Festival of Lights, Diwali. Awadh Utsav (November-December) A 10-day cultural festival held between 25th November and 5th December is a delightful fiesta including classical music, dance, plays, boating and ekka (one-horse carriage) races. It is all about reliving the traditions of Awadh.
 
 
Home |  About us |  Feedback  |  Contact us  |  Sitemap |  Disclaimer |  Terms of service  |  Report abuse |  We are hiring |  Book flights |  Advertise with us
About Raahi.com
Raahi provides unbiased reviews, recommendations, opinions on hotels, resorts, guest house, bed and breakfast (B&B) etc. along with online hotel bookings/reservations.
Read reviews & rating of hotels by real travelers before you book.
Make a smarter choice!



 
Best viewed in 1024 x 768 pixels screen resolution and IE 6.0 and above