Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, lies in the middle of the state’s Heritage Arc. Lucknow is famous for its courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, nawabs, music, and amazing food. It is a place full of remarkable monuments representing a charming mixture of ancient, colonial and oriental architecture. The city is popularly known as The City Of Nawabs but has always been a multicultural city. It prospered as a North Indian social and artistic hub and the city of Nawabs in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also known as the Golden City of the East, Shiraz-i-Hind and The Constantinople of India. I visited last month to the city of nawabs and believe me I had the most memorable trip ever. The place is not much expensive so you can stay here for a week in your effective budget. Read below to find out the history, special places and things to do in lucknow-
History Of Lucknow
Lucknow and parts of the Awadh region were ruled by the Delhi Sultanate, Sharqi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Nawabs of Awadh, the British East India Company and the British Raj in the past. The city was the epicenter of the 1857 War of Independence, and much before that, it was governed by nawabs who gave the place its unique status in terms of culture and music. Upon Indian independence in 1947, the United Provinces were reorganized into the state of Uttar Pradesh, and Lucknow remained its capital.
It saw some of the crucial moments which shaped the politics of the nation forever. The first meeting of the stalwarts Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru & Mohd Ali Jinnah during the Indian National Congress session of 1916 took place here only. The Famous Kakori Incident which caught the vision of the nation took place near the city.
What Is Special About Lucknow?
The city is known for its tehzeeb and aap-janaab.
Tunday Kebabi, Nahari Kulche, Makkhan, Biryani are some of the delicious dishes of this city.
Chikan embroidery, Kamdani, and Zardozi work have made Lucknow a brand in global fashion.
Different varieties of mangoes, especially Dasheri, are grown in the Malihabad region which is next to this city.
The old Lucknow city consists different styles of architecture with many iconic buildings built during the British and Mughal era.
Lucknow has been noted for its particular handicraft works.
Fine silverware like bowls, tea-sets, salt cellars with decorations of hunting scenes, snakes, and roses.
Lifelike ivory and bone carvings from Lucknow with motifs of flowers, leaves, creepers, trees, birds, and animals are popular.
Lucknow is very famous for Attar or Itr.
Places To See
Chowk
Nakkhas
Akbari Gate
Aminabad
Lucknow Zoo
Dr. Ambedkar Park
Hazratganj
Bara Imambara
The Bara Imambara, also known as Asfi Imambara is one of the most famous monuments of the city. It is a beautiful grand structure built by 4th Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-Ud-Daula in the year 1784. The place has a unique style of construction and is also famous for its incredible maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya. If you visit Lucknow, then this is the first place where you must come.
Chhota Imambara
Chhota Imambara is also known as Hussainabad Imambara and a Palace of Lights. The monument was built by Mohammed Ali Shah in the year 1837, the third Nawab of Awadh to serve as his own mausoleum. The monument is decorated with chandeliers, mirrors with gold frames and the majestic throne of the King.
Clock Tower
On the same road of Rumi Gate, there stands a 221 feet tall Clock Tower. This tower is the tallest Clock Tower in India and was constructed by Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haider in the year 1880. It is called Hussainabad Clock Tower.
Jama Masjid
The construction of Jama Masjid was started by King Muhammad Ali Shah in the year 1837. But due to the sudden death of the king, it was completed by his wife, Nawab Malika Janah in 1845 AD.
Rumi Darwaza
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The Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow was made by workers from Rome in the year 1784, hence it came to be known as Rumi Gate. It is said to be identical to an ancient portal at Constantinople in Turkey and is also referred as Turkish Gate. On your way to Bara Imambara, you will get to see this gate.
Dewa Sharif
Dewa Sharif is a pilgrimage town, which lies in the outer district area ofLucknow. The place is famous for the shrine of Haji Waris Ali Shah. Dewa was placed as one among the notable sites in Heritage Arc of U.P. During the months of October and November the Dewa Mela is held which attracts thousands of devotees from all around the country.
Kakori
Kakori is situated 14 km north of Lucknow. The town is known for its kebabs, Zardozi work, magnificent houses and Dasheri mangoes. It is the place where the famous incident called as Kakori train robbery or the Kakori conspiracy case of the British period happened.
You can travel and roam around the city easily in e-rickshaws and auto, so travelling is very cheap here. You can find good cost-effective hotels in New Lucknow and immense places to eat tasty food in budget.