Top Places to Visit in Lucknow

Lucknow is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and its capital city. It is also popularly referred to as ‘City of the Nawabs’ and is among the multicultural and most pristine tourist destinations of the country. It was between the 18^th & 19^th century that this city flourished as a cultural and artistic centre under Awadh Nawab’s reign. It is also stated to be North India’s second largest city and the country’s 11^th largest. It is well known for its numerous historical monuments, architectural wonders, and delicious cuisines and is considered to be a rich cultural hub, thus prompting tourists to make a visit to Lucknow at least once in their lifetime.

Places to visit in Lucknow

• Chota Imambara: It was constructed by Nawab Md. Shah Ali in 1838 and is considered to be a congregation complex associated with the Shia Muslim sect. this complex is said to serve as the Nawab’s tomb who had been buried here besides his mother. Outside the complex is an unfinished observatory or watch tower, the four storied Satkhanda, which is supposed to have around 7 stories. The original plan for it was to be as tall like the Qutab Minar and in design; it is similar to the Pisa’s Leaning Tower.
• Bara Imambara: It is a shrine that was constructed in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula and is among the city’s largest buildings. In Urdu language, ‘Bara’, means big, while ‘Imambara’ stands for shrine complex. It also includes the Labyrinth or the Bhulbhulaiya and the Asfi mosque. In this mosque is kept Asaf-ud-daula’s tomb, while the labyrinth is considered to be the only maze to be constructed in India. It actually supports the huge complex structure from underground.
• British Residency: It is stated s the National Monument and is among the major sites, where the 1857 Revolt or Sepoy Mutiny took place, after which there followed a historic battle called Siege of Lucknow. It once had served as British Resident General’s residence that got stormed by the mutineers during the battle. However, the structure, although presently in ruins after this battle had been preserved, where you can notice bullet grazed walls. There are gardens surrounding this building complex that attracts tourists.
• Hazratganj: If shopping is a passion that you cannot live without, especially when travelling to a new place, then you definitely need to visit Hazratganj. You can visit the traditional bazaars containing various types of shops that sell different types of items like handicrafts, jewellery, handloom, automobiles, and electronics. There are also plenty of restaurants, shopping malls, a library and movie theatres.
• Lucknow Zoo: It is also called Prince of Wales’ Zoological Park, spread over an area of about 71.6 acres. It was in 1921 that this zoo was established to welcome Prince of Wales. The zoo boasts of having different species reptiles, animals and birds. It is also popular for housing and breeding endangered animals like the Hog Deer, Indian Wolf, White Tiger, etc.
• Constantia House: Earlier, it was called Constantia House, presently occupied by La Martiniere College. It is on terraced location that the building is constructed. It has mixed styled architecture combining different Italian architectural techniques. This college is regarded to be among the sole educational institutions that received battle honour for its role played during Lucknow’s siege.
• Dr. Ambedkar Park: This park spreads over is area of about 107 acres and has a modern architectural monument that has been dedicated to B.R. Ambedkar. It was in red sandstone that the whole monument has been constructed that was brought specially from different parts of Rajasthan. It is in Gomti Nagar that this park is located, considered to be among the city’s most posh localities. It has various columns, well maintained lawns, including a canal which surrounds the vicinity, thereby visited by tourists in huge numbers.
• Rumi Darwaza: It is also commonly called the Turkish Gate and was constructed by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. This monument is actually a huge gateway, considered to be among the very best Awadhi styled architectural specimens. The monument is also known for its grandness in designs and is often compared with that of the Ottoman and Roman Empire, while marking old Lucknow city’s entrance.
• Lucknow Museum: This museum is considered to be the largest and oldest one in the state boasting of having more than 100,000 antiquities. The oldest of them is said to date back to Gupta age. There are also huge numbers of various other artefacts, manuscripts, weapons, tools, etc.
• Chattar Manzil: The meaning of Chhatar Manzil is ‘Umbrella Palace’. It once had served as the residence of the Awadh Nawabs including their successors. It was in the 1780s that this palace had been constructed, thus becoming a major stronghold for the 1857 uprising revolutionaries. The original building’s architectural style is considered to be a cross between European- Indian styles. Later, the British had restored it according to their own preferences.
• Begum Hazrat Mahal Park: It was in 1962 that this park was built in Awadh Begum, Hazrat Mahal’s memory who had revolted in 1857 uprising against the British. This park has been renamed as Begum Hazrat Mahal Park. There has been constructed a marble memorial bearing Awadh royal family’s Coat of Arms. The park is also noticed to be a major attraction during important Hindu festivals such as Dussehra and Holi.

In short, Lucknow is well known for its rich history, amazing and stunning architectural wonders and cultural heritage. Besides the above mentioned heritages, sites and parks, this city is also equally popular for preparing and offering delicious and tasty Awadhi cuisine, which definitely is a must try for all food lovers.

There are numerous best hotels in Lucknow to suit all types of preferences and budgets. You just need to clear with your specific requirements and accordingly will get an accommodation that your family will be happy about. It will be wise to book the preferred hotel much earlier, so as to avoid last moment disappointment.