Top things to do in Lucknow

The capital city of Uttar Pradesh, it is also known as City of Nawabs. Lucknow is an amalgamation of history, culture, rich heritage, culinary delights, shopping avenues and perfect spot for leisure holiday. Lucknow is also famous for its tehzeeb, and the Pehle Aap culture. Of all things, one cannot just deny that Lucknow is home to one of the finest foods in India. While here you must try the Biryanis, and Kebabs. It does not ends here, the Chikankari work is another thing that Lucknow is known for. Located on the banks of River Gomti, it was once known as Lakshmanpur. The heritage of Lucknow is deeply rooted in history dating back to Mughal and British times. So here we are with some of the top things to do when you visit Lucknow.

Bara Imambara – Also known as Asfi Imambara in the honor of the Nawab of Awadh, Asaf Ud Daula who built it as a famine relief program, so people could get employment. It was built in the year of 1784 and was built with inspiration from Mughal style of architecture. The major highlight of this place is Bhul Bhulaiya, the labyrinth which is built on upper floor and has 489 identical doorways.

Chhota Imambara – Also known as Imambara of Hussainabad, it was built in the 19^th century by third Nawab of Awadh, Muhammad Ali Shah. It was built for the devotees of Shia Community, but later on became mausoleum of the Nawab and his mother. It is adorned with chandeliers from Belgium, which also makes it popular as the palace of lights. The Muslim calligraphy on walls is also worth seeing.

British Residency – It is one the most popular spot in Lucknow, which now is left of ruins and gardens. This site was once residence to 3000 British soldiers and offices, during the time of Great Indian Mutiny 1857. The walls of this place are still marked with bullet and cannon ball holes. The site also houses graves of various British officers, and a museum which reflects the Colonial times in Lucknow.

Rumi Darwaza – Located between Bara and Chhota Imambara, in the old district of Lucknow, it was built around 1785, by Nawab Asaf Ud Daula. It is a grandeur example of Awadhi style of architecture. This 60 feet tall building has no supporting pillars. It was built during the great famine to provide livelihood to the locals. It is carved with beautiful flowers and designs that are inspired by Turkish designs.

Hazratganj – This century old market place was built back in 1800’s by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. It is named after Hazrat Ali, and is place studded with shopping stores, fashion outlets, restaurants, malls, and theaters. It represents the soul of Lucknow. The Ganj Carnival celebrated here is another major attraction. Back in time it was favorite place for British Officers, and landlords of Awadh.

Jama Masjid – This Islamic place of worship was built by Mohammed Ali Shah Bahadur, back n 15^th Century. It is a great example of Mughal Architecture and was built with inspiration from the Jama Masjid of Delhi. It also has some Hindu and Jain carvings inside, making it a blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. It is built with Lakhauri Bricks, plastered with lime, then mode of construction.

Ambedkar Park – It is built over 100 acres of land in the locality of Gomti Nagar. It is built in the honor of great leaders of India that stood for equality and social justice, like Dr. B R Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram, and Jyoti Rao Phule. It is made of red sand stone procured from Rajasthan. The major highlights of this place are statues of elephants, Ambedkar Stupa, and Museum dedicated to Dr. Ambedkar.

Dilkusha Kothi – It was built in the 19^th century by Major Gore Ouseley who was a friend to the Nawab of Lucknow. The mansion was built in the baroque style of architecture, and was then a hunting lodge and summer palace for the Nawabs. Though now only the ruins of this place are left, in form of walls, towers and a lush green garden surrounding it, but it still captivates travelers visiting this place.

Husainabad Clock Tower – Located adjacent to Rumi Darwaza, this tower is an iconic landmark in Lucknow. It was built in the late 19^th Century, and is of 67 meters height, making it the tallest clock tower of India. This tower was built with inspiration from Big Ben, and is a classic example of Gothic and Victorian style of architecture. It has 14 feet long pendulum and clock dial as a 12 petalled flower.

Constantia, La Martiniere School – It is one of the iconic monuments of Lucknow. Constantia House is a part of La Martiniere School, which is a prestigious educational institute of Lucknow. It was built in the late 18^th Century, and houses tomb of French General Major Claude Martin who resided here. It reflects the colonial past of Lucknow and is a great piece of architecture to admire.

The place that resides in the kingdom of hearts!