A Locals Guide to Lucknow

City of the Nawabs

Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and is famous for its culture, hospitality, impeccable manners and style quotient of its people. This historic city is the place to relieve the height of Mughal lifestyle. Urdu language, poetry, the magical culinary skill of the chefs and the mesmerising skills of its exponents of classical music and dance forms attract travellers to Lucknow every year. Savaari’s Delhi to Lucknow cabs takes around 7 hours after covering a distance of 534 km via the Taj Express Highway and Lucknow Agra Highway to reach Lucknow.

Best time to visit Lucknow is the winter months of October to February as summers can be quite hot. Book a cab in Lucknow to go sightseeing to the major attractions of this historic city that is sure to enrich your taste and experience as a traveller.

Heritage Walk

Bara Imambara:

The Imambara is a beautiful expression of the Mughal Architecture and is world famous for its engineering and architecture. It houses the grand Asifa Mosque, a stepped well, and the immortal Bhul Bhulaiya. Hire a guide to fully experience the thrill of exploring the confusing and daunting maze.

Chhota Imambara:

The Chhota Imambara is an impressive monument that was the worship hall and the burial site of Ali Shah and the queen mother. Highly referred as a valuable historical structure, this monument has calligraphy, baroque carvings, bright chandeliers.

Rumi Darwaza:

Referred to as the Turkish Gateway this structure resembles the gateway of ancient Constantinople. A huge lantern decorates the top that gets lit up at night.

The British Residency:

This historical site may have seen better days as it served as the sanctuary for all political activities during the 1857 uprising. There is a museum here that a collection of arms, ammunition and belongings from the British period.

Hussainabad Clock Tower:

This Clocktower is one of the tallest Clock towers of India. It reflects Victorian and Gothic architecture that was built by the British. It is located very close to Rumi Darwaza.

Rest and Fun

The Ambedkar Park:

Relax and breathe in fresh air in the sprawling Ambedkar Park that lies along the Gomti river. This park is a must see place for children as statues of 62 elephants greet the visitors at the entrance of this park.

Wajad Ali Shah Zoological Garden:

This zoo is a treat for animal lovers as it houses a wide variety of species of animals, birds and reptiles. Click the photo of the Vintage train and walk around the State Museum located inside the premises to see the rare collections of Awadhi items.

Among the other parks, the Gautam Buddha Park, Janeshwar Mishra Park, Sikandar Bagh, Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Gomti Riverfront Park are some of the places for recreational activities. The Anandi Water Park and Dream World provide new age entertainment options for the entire family.

Temple and Mosques

The Chandrika Devi Temple:

Dedicated to the Hindu god Chandi, this sacred site dates back to the times of Ramayana and Purana. On the eve of Navratri and Amavasya, this temple sees a host of devotees performing religious activities and chanting Kirtans while making the surrounding come alive.

Swetambar Jain Temple, Chakra Tirth Temple, Hanuman Setu temple, Bhootnath Temple are some of these places where you can seek divine blessings of the Almighty.

Mosques:

Asifi Masjid:

This grand mosque is a part of the heritage building that has a magic of its own. Made of exquisite marble, it has two prayer halls where you can offer prayers in a serene atmosphere.

The Jama Masjid:

Built in yellow sandstone, this monument has mural designs, inscriptions and carvings that will enthrall its visitors. Visitors can go in group, solo or with family to see this beautiful Islamic place of worship.

Lucknow- A haven for Food and Shopping

A visit to Lucknow is incomplete without tasting the unique Mughal dishes and Awadhi food available at the roadside hotels of Aminabad and Old Chowk. Try the smoky and crispy kebabs, tikkas, delicious chaat items and tasty Kulfis, Thandai and fallodahs that is sure to linger on your memory long after you’ve tasted them. Tunday Kebab, Haji Sahibs Shop, Sakhawat, Royal Cafe in Hazratganj and the Food Court at Saharaganj are highly recommended for travellers. Sweet lovers must taste some Malai Ghewar, confectioneries and rasamalai from Chappan Bhog.

Shopping in Lucknow is incomplete without buying the traditional Chikan embroidered dresses. Find your favourite textiles, colourful accessories and ‘Jadau’ jewellery at the shops of Old Chowk area, Janpath Market, Hazratganj and Hussainganj.