Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is located on the banks of the Gomti River. Lucknow could be termed the cultural center of northern India where people are too polite and have their own charming culture and tradition, difficult to find elsewhere. The beautiful city with parks, palaces, gardens and imposing architectural monuments, Lucknow became one of the most celebrated centers of Oriental opulence, music, dance, drama, poetry and scholarship during its glorious days of Nawabs (1775 AD - 1856 AD). The land of endearing 'Pehle Aap' Tehzeeb (culture), Lucknow is also renowned for its silks, perfumes, jewelry, mouth-watering cuisines, and nawabi etiquettes.
The peace and prosperity under the governance of the nawabs brought about a cultural renaissance in Avadh. Musicians and dancers flocked to Lucknow giving birth to new musical forms and instruments under the patronage of the royalty. Art form like Kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Qawalis, Ghazals and Shero Shairi saw their finest hour. In this era major stress was laid on even minor detail like the art of dressing, apparels (libaas) and jewelry all symbolic of a genteel lifestyle.
Places of Tourist Attraction:
Bara Imambara
Built in 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Oudh, Asaf-ud-Daula, the Bara Imambara is Lucknows most famous monument. An Imambara is where Muslims commence celebrations for the festival of Muharram. The main hall of the Imambara is 50m long and 15m high, without any pillars to support its ceiling. A balcony runs along the inside of the hall which is built in such a way that even the faintest whisper anywhere in it can be heard across the hall. A labyrinth called Bhool Bhullaiyya adjoins the main hall on the first floor. Towards the left of the main building is a baoli (step-well) connected by tunnels to the river, Gomti. Legend has it that a great treasure lies undiscovered in these tunnels. Within the Bara Imambara compound are mausoleums of Asaf-ud-Daula and his family.
Clock Tower
Opposite the Husainabad Imambara is the 67 metre high clock tower and the Husainabad Tank. The clock tower was built between 1880 and 1887.
Picture Gallery
Also facing the Husainabad Tank is a baradari or summer house, also built by Ali Shah. Now restored it houses portraits of the various Nawabs of Oudh.
Jami Masjid
West of the Husainabad Imambara is the great Jami Masjid mosque. One of Lucknow's few buildings of real architectural merit it has two minarets and three domes. Construction was commenced by Muhammad Ali Shah but completed after his death. This is one of the few mosques in India which is not open to non-Moslems.
British Residency
The Residency became the stronghold of the British for 87 days during the Revolt of 1857, and is now in ruins. Within its walls are numerous stories related to the siege, when 3,000 British men, women and children escaped from their homes to seek refuge in these red brick buildings. They fought Indian sepoys, the blistering heat and disease, until Sir Colin Campbell defeated the Indian forces on November 17. Only 1,000 of those who had taken shelter in the Residency survived. What remains of the Residency has now been converted into government offices and a museum. Within the complex are graves of British soldiers who died fighting the Indian troops.
Husainabad Imambara
Also known as the Chota or 'small' Imambara, it was built by Muhammad Ali Shah in 1837 to serve as his own mausoleum. This white-domed mausoleum boasts chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colorful stucco, and replicas of the tombs at Karbala. The large courtyard encloses a raised rectangular tank with small imitations of the Taj Mahal on each side. One of them is the tomb of Muhammad Ali Shah's daughter, the other that of her husband. The main building of the Imambara is topped with numerous domes, the main one is golden, and minarets, while inside are the tombs of Ali Shah and his mother.
Lucknow Shopping
Lucknow shopping is a paradise for bargain lovers, literally. It doesnt have many malls or fancy showrooms, but has many bazaars where you can get pretty good deals if youre willing to bargain. The Chowk and Aminabad are the famous bazaars in the city. You get antiques at fairly lower prices, but bargaining is a must. One of the posh streets and markets of Lucknow is the Heritage Hazratganj, full of high-end hotels and shops. You can get the latest fashions and handicrafts on this glittering street.
How to Get There:
Air
Indian Airlines connects Lucknow with Delhi, Patna, Calcutta and Mumbai.
Rail
Lucknow is an important junction of the Northern and North Eastern Railways of India.
Road
Lucknow is well connected with some major cities like Agra (363 km), Allahabad (225 km), Calcutta (985 km), Delhi (497 km), Kanpur (79 km) and Varanasi (305 km) |
