Lucknow – The City of Adab and Kebabs

Lucknow – The City of Adab and Kebabs

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is known as the ‘City of Nawabs.’ It epitomizes grace, elegance, refined etiquette (Tehzeeb), and warm hospitality. The city’s rich Mughal and Awadhi heritage is reflected in its magnificent architecture, world-famous cuisine (Tunday Kababi, Biryanis), exquisite Chikankari embroidery, and cultural sophistication. From the grandeur of Bara Imambara to the British Residency, Lucknow offers unforgettable experiences.

Bara Imambara (Asafi Imambara): Built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula as a famine relief project. Features the world’s largest arched hall without beams (50m x 16m x 15m), famous Bhool Bhulaiya labyrinth with 1,024 entrances and 2 exits, Asafi Mosque, and Shahi Baoli stepwell.

Timing 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday-Sunday) | Closed Mondays
Entry Fee Indians: ₹50 (Adults), ₹25 (Children) | Foreigners: ₹500
Combo ticket includes Chota Imambara, Picture Gallery & Shahi Hamam
Camera: ₹10 | Video: ₹25
Duration 2-3 hours (with Bhool Bhulaiya)
Location Near Machchhi Bhavan, 6 km from Lucknow Junction

Chota Imambara (Hussainabad Imambara): Built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah as congregation hall and mausoleum. Known as ‘Palace of Lights’ for its stunning chandelier decoration. Features Persian-inspired interiors, ornate silver throne, beautiful calligraphy, and houses tombs of Nawab and his mother.

Timing 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily
Entry Fee Included in Bara Imambara combo ticket | Separate: ₹25-50
Duration 1-1.5 hours
Location Hussainabad, near Rumi Darwaza | 1 km from Bara Imambara
Special Beautifully illuminated during Muharram and festivals

Rumi Darwaza (Turkish Gate): Built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. 60-feet tall imposing gateway modeled after Istanbul’s Bab-i-Humayun. Built with bricks and lime (not red stone), showcasing Awadhi architecture. Features three beautifully arched gates, octagonal chhatri on top, intricate floral carvings.

Timing 24 hours (open gateway)
Entry Fee FREE
Duration 20-45 minutes
Location Between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara | 300m from Bara Imambara
Best Visit Early morning or sunset for photography | Beautifully lit at night

The British Residency: Historic site of 1857 Siege of Lucknow during First War of Independence. Built in early 19th century, now preserved ruins with bullet marks. Complex includes residency building, museum with historical artifacts, cemetery, and memorial. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Timing Sunrise to Sunset Daily
Entry Fee Indians: ₹5 | Foreigners: ₹100
Duration 1.5-2 hours
Location Qaisar Bagh | 3 km from Hazratganj

Hussainabad Clock Tower (Ghantaghar): Built in 1881, tallest clock tower in India at 221 feet. Victorian-Gothic architecture with gunmetal clock mechanism. Built to mark arrival of Sir George Couper. Features 14-feet pendulum, four-faced clock inspired by Big Ben. Beautiful landmark structure.

Timing 24 hours (external viewing)
Entry Fee FREE
Duration 20-40 minutes
Location Opposite Hussainabad Imambara | Near Rumi Darwaza
Best Visit Evening for illumination | Festivals for special lighting

Hazratganj Market: Lucknow’s premier shopping and entertainment district. Colonial-era boulevard with shops, restaurants, cafes, theaters, hotels. Famous for Chikankari embroidery, jewelry, books, traditional Awadhi cuisine. Pedestrian-friendly zone with heritage buildings.

Timing Shops: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Restaurants: till 11:00 PM
Entry Fee FREE (shopping area)
Duration 2-4 hours (shopping and dining)
Location City center | Metro: Hazratganj Station
Shopping Chikankari, jewelry, perfumes (Ittar), books, handicrafts
Famous shops: Gangaram, Om Book Store, Frock House

Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Park: Massive 107-acre memorial park dedicated to Dr. BR Ambedkar and social reformers. Features red sandstone from Rajasthan. Main attractions: Ambedkar Stupa, 80-ft pyramid viewpoint, 62 elephant statues, musical fountain, museum, beautiful gardens.

Timing 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily
Entry Fee ₹10-20 per person
Duration 1.5-2 hours
Location Gomti Nagar | 8 km from Lucknow Junction
Note ₹500 fine for touching elephant statues | Musical fountain show in evening

Janeshwar Mishra Park: Asia’s largest urban park spread over 376 acres. Inspired by London’s Hyde Park. Features two water bodies, 207-ft flag post, 25-ft statue of Janeshwar Mishra, jogging/cycling tracks, boating, children’s play area, open-air gymnasium, food plaza, auditorium.

Timing Morning: 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee FREE
Duration 1.5-2 hours
Location Gomti Nagar Extension | 9 km from Lucknow Junction
Activities Paddle boats, gondola boats, jogging, cycling, picnics
Birdwatching – attracts migratory birds

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden (Lucknow Zoo): Founded in 1921 as Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens. Spread over 29 hectares. Houses Royal Bengal Tigers, White Tigers, Lions, Great Pied Hornbill, Golden Pheasant, various animals and birds. Features toy train, State Museum with Awadhi artifacts.

Timing Feb-Apr & Aug-Oct: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
May-Jul: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Nov-Jan: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Closed Mondays
Entry Fee Adults: ₹60 | Children: ₹30
Package ticket with toy train and museum available
Duration 2-3 hours
Location Hazratganj Road, opposite Civil Hospital | 1 km from Hazratganj

Dilkusha Kothi Palace: Built in 1800 by British Major Gore Ouseley on Gomti River banks. Originally hunting lodge and summer house for Nawabs. Design based on Seton Delaval House, England. Now picturesque ruins with historical significance from 1857 uprising. Three-story structure with mini-basement.

Timing 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily
Entry Fee Indians: ₹5 | Foreigners: ₹100
Duration 45 minutes – 1 hour
Location Bibiapur, Cantonment | 4.6 km from Charbagh Railway Station

La Martiniere College (Constantia): Spectacular French architecture built by Major-General Claude Martin. One of India’s most prestigious schools. Grand Indo-European structure with baroque style, lions guarding entrance, beautiful interiors. Major Martin’s tomb inside. Heritage building and functional school.
Timing External viewing anytime | Interior: Special permission required (working school)

Entry Fee External viewing: FREE | Interior visit requires prior permission
Duration 30 minutes (external)
Location Dilkusha, Cantonment
Note Respect school hours | Photography from outside only

Gomti Riverfront Park & Marine Drive: Beautiful riverfront development along Gomti River. Features landscaped gardens, walking/jogging tracks, benches, fountains, food stalls. Marine Drive offers scenic river views. Perfect for evening walks, photography. Peaceful retreat in city center.

Timing 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily
Entry Fee FREE
Duration 1-2 hours
Location Multiple access points along Gomti River | Near Secretariat
Best Visit Early morning or evening | Sunset views spectacular

Aminabad & Chowk Markets: Lucknow’s oldest and busiest markets. Aminabad famous for affordable Chikankari, jewelry, books, fabrics. Chowk is cultural heart with street food (Tunday Kababi, Prakash Kulfi, Rattilal ke Laddu), perfumes, traditional items. Thursday night bazaar special attraction.

Timing 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Thursday Night Bazaar: 8:00 PM onwards
Entry Fee FREE
Duration 2-3 hours (shopping and food)
Location Old Lucknow | 1.4 km from Bara Imambara
Must Try Tunday Kababi, Idris Biryani, Prakash Kulfi, Basket Chaat
Buy: Chikankari, jewelry, perfumes (Ittar), traditional sweets

Indira Gandhi Planetarium: Modern planetarium with state-of-the-art sky theater. Educational shows on astronomy, space science, cosmic phenomena. Interactive exhibits, 3D shows, astronomy library. Perfect for students, astronomy enthusiasts, families. Shows in Hindi and English.

Timing Tuesday-Sunday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Closed Mondays
Entry Fee Adults: ₹50-80 | Children: ₹30-50 (varies by show)
3D shows: Additional charges
Duration 1-1.5 hours (including show)
Location Suraj Kund Park Road | Near Zoo
Shows Multiple daily shows | Check schedule | Book in advance on weekends

Regional Science City (Science Park): Interactive science museum and park. Features 3D theater, fun science gallery, IT gallery, hall of science, dinosaur park, heritage gallery, innovation hub. Hands-on exhibits, science demonstrations. Educational entertainment for all ages, especially children.

Timing Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Closed Mondays
Entry Fee Adults: ₹50-100 | Children: ₹30-70
3D shows: Additional ₹50-100
Duration 2-3 hours
Location Aliganj | Near Shaheed Path
Best For Families with children | School groups | Science enthusiasts
Practical Information

How to Reach Lucknow
By Air Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (15 km from city)
Well-connected to major Indian cities
Prepaid taxis, app cabs available
By Train Lucknow Junction (Charbagh) – Main station
Gomti Nagar, Maduadih stations also operational
Connected to all major cities
By Road Excellent highway connectivity
Buses from Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi, Jaipur
NH-27, NH-30 pass through Lucknow

• Best Season: October to March (pleasant weather)
• Summer (April-June): Very hot, up to 45°C – avoid if possible
• Dress Code: Modest clothing at religious sites | Comfortable walking shoes
• Language: Learn basic Hindi/Urdu phrases | English widely understood in tourist areas
• Safety: Generally safe city | Keep valuables secure | Avoid isolated areas at night
• Guides: Hire authorized guides at major monuments | Fixed rates available
• Photography: Generally allowed at monuments with small fee | Ask before photographing people
• Duration: 3-4 days ideal to cover major attractions comfortably

Indulge in the culture, architecture, and world-famous cuisine of Awadh.