Thriving along the banks of the Gomti River, Uttar Pradesh’s vibrant capital, Lucknow is a must to explore to connect with the Nabawi and colonial past of the county. Once to fall under British rule along with the rest of Awadh, Lucknow stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the country.
One of the most historically important
cities that were at the epicenter of poetry, diction and more, Lucknow is a
city known for its “Mushairas” that can be found even today. Truly a city at
the heart of North Indian culture that influenced art, music, cuisine and more.
So if you are planning to visit Lucknow, here is everything you need to know
about the City of Nawabs.
Overview:
The largest city in the Indian state of
Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, is the administrative headquarters of the state.4.03 million people call Lucknow home. The city is located in the Gangetic Plain
near the centre of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow, being one of the major cities in
Northern India, is highly accessible by air, rail and road.
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Rail: The city has two major
railway stations, Lucknow Junction and Lucknow Charbagh, both of which fall on
the Delhi-Gorakhpur line. Visitors can catch a direct train to Lucknow from
most of the major cities of India, like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and more.
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Road: Lucknow is connected by
national highways and expressways from most major cities in India. Here are
some major road distances to Lucknow in ascending order
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Kanpur: 80 km
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Ayodhya: 135 km
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Varanasi: 280 km
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Delhi: 497 km
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Kolkata: 985 km
Travellers can
also avail of bus services to Lucknow, with three major bus stations in the
city. These include Polytechnic, Alambagh and Kaisar Bagh.
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Air: Lucknow is home to
Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, which is regularly serviced by
flights from all major cities of India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata,
Bangalore and more. International flights also service the airport with direct flights
to Muscat, Sharjah, Jeddah and more.
Places to visit in Lucknow:
Bhool Bhulaiya and Imambara
The first on your list of must visit places in Lucknow are the Bhool Bhulaiya and Imambara. Built back in the 1700s, this monument is a testament to the elegance and grandeur of Mughal architecture. An impressive labyrinth that has caused many to lose their bearings inside, this is a place where you easily spend an entire day exploring. Entry to the monument also grants access to other attractions like the Picture Gallery, Chotta Immabara and more. We suggest hiring a registered local guide to make the most of your time.
Rumi Darwaza
Standing tall since 1784, the Rumi Darwaza is a stunner of an architectural marvel. The 60 foot gateway was modelled after an ancient gate in Constantinople that led directly to the Nawab’s palace. And although the British colonialists razed the palace to the ground in 1857, the Rumi Darwaza stands tall, serving as a majestic reminder of the royal past of Lucknow.
Ambedkar Memorial
What to eat in Lucknow?
Now that you are super tired after a day of
fun and exploring, Lucknow has some scrumptious and mouth watering options for
you. Famed for its Kebabs, Tikkas and Biriyani, Lucknow is a foodie’s paradise.
From the cheap street food of Old Chowk and Aminabad to the Food Court at
Sahara Ganj, whatever you need, they have it for you.
The region is renowned for its Nawabi cuisine, shaped by centuries of royal patronage. Over the years, the city has developed a unique dum style of cooking which involves very slow cooking. Lucknow has now become synonymous with kebabs, biriyani, roomali rotis, kormas and more. These have been the signature taste of the city and have been attracting people from all over the world. Apart from the diverse range of spicy affairs, the city is also loved for its street style paans, chaats and kulfi, all of which are sure to leave a very distinct taste on the palette. From age old eateries to modern establishments with posh dining options, Lucknow has plenty to offer to satiate every tastebud.
For an ideal time to visit, we suggest the
winter months since the summer can be extremely unforgiving.
Over the years of its existence, Lucknow has had high significance in the Indian subcontinent. And offering invaluable heritage to India, Lucknow still thrives as one of the biggest urban centres of the country. Make sure to explore the city and maybe you get a chance to learn something new about India’s long lost past.
For virtual experiences check it out on You Tube
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