"No city-except Bombay, the queen of all-was more beautiful in her garish style than Lucknow," wrote Rudyard Kipling in Kim. Located on the banks of the Gomti River, Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. From ancient times, the city is known for its silks, perfumes, jewellery, mouth-watering cuisines, and nawabi etiquettes. In fact, Lucknow could be termed the cultural centre of northern India where people are so polite that anyone would feel at home. The classic example of 'pehle aap' (after you) shows how etiquette or tehjib runs in the blood of the people of Lucknow. But the city is very much able in accommodating the modernity, keeping the tradition and culture alive altogether.
There are several places of tourist attractions in Lucknow. The Bada Imambada was built by Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1784 as a part of the famine relief project where a number of labourers were appointed to build this Imambada. It is a big vaulted hall with a length of 50 m and a height of 15 m. There is also the bhul bhulaiya-an amazing maze that might need a tourist guide to get through.
There are several places to see and visit near Lucknow too. Faizabad, situated 124 km from Lucknow, was once the capital of Avadh. Easily accessible by both trains and buses, this place houses the Fort Calcutta built by the third Nawab of Avadh, Suja-ud-Daula. Besides this, one can also visit the mausoleum of Bahu Begum and Gulab Bari.
Lucknow has been famous for its Muharram celebration since the time of the Nawabs. Due to the majority population of the city belonging to the Shia Muslim community, almost every Muslim festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm.
The Indian city of Lucknow is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. We can arrange for you all types of transport for your comfortable journey to and in Lucknow and throughout the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
In order to make the travel tour to Lucknow even more joyful you need to choose just the right kind of accommodation for you and your family or friends in Lucknow. The various hotels packages in Lucknow offer the best of facilities. The well-furnished rooms make excellent place to stay in Lucknow, with most of the comforts at your feet.
Planning a pilgrimage trip to Lucknow city or enjoying your holidays? Check out the following all-inclusive tour packages, pilgrimage tours and holiday offers that will make your travel trip to Lucknow city comfortable and enjoyable. We provide a range of tour packages and holiday offers for the city of Lucknow that will suit your requirements and budget.
Bada Imambada
The Bada Imambada was built by Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1784 as a part of the famine relief project where a number of labourers were appointed to build this Imambada. It is a big vaulted hall with a length of 50 m and a height of 15 m. There is also the bhul bhulaiya-an amazing maze that might need a tourist guide to get through.
There's also a mosque, but non-Muslims are not allowed to enter. The mosque has two tall minarets in the courtyard complex, which lies on the left side of the well.
Rumi Darwaza
Asaf-ud-Daula built a number of historical monuments during his time. The Rumi Darwaza was also built as a relief work during the famine of 1783. Said to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople, this soaring edifice, which is 60 feet high, can match any similar structure in point of beauty and splendour.
Husainabad Imambada
The Husainabad Imambada is also known as Chhota Imambada. This imambada was the brainchild of Mohammed Ali Shah, who built it in 1837. It is believed to be the mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Shah himself. The imambada also encloses a tank with small imitations of the Taj Mahal on each side. One of those imitations is the tomb of Mohammed's daughter and the other one is of her husband. The main imambada is topped by a golden dome, which is supposed to be the tomb of Ali Shah and his mother. There also lies the incomplete watchtower called the satkhanda just opposite the tomb. The construction of this tower was withdrawn when Ali Shah died in 1840 and only the four storeys were made. There is also the tallest clock tower estimated to be 67 m high overlooking the Husainabad tank. The Imambada is illuminated during the Muharram giving it a wonderful look.
Residency
The ruins of Lucknow Residency give a clear picture of the British rule in India. It was the Mansion of East India Company's agent in Avadh during the Sepoy Mutiny. This historical monument lies just near to the Hazratganj area which is the centre of the city.
Jami Masjid
To the western side of the Husainabad Imambada lies the Jami Masjid. The
construction of the Masjid was started by Mohammed Shah and was completed
by his wife after his death in the 1840s. Jami Masjid is the largest mosque
of Lucknow. Though non-Muslims are not allowed to worship here, one can
see the wonderful paintings on the ceilings with the leaf and fruit bowl
patterns. To the right side of the Bada Imambada lies another mosque named
after Asaf-ud-Daula.
By Air
Lucknow is well connected with the other important towns and cities of the country by air. Most of the domestic flight operators have regular scheduled flights to the Lucknow airport Amausi, which is about 15 km away from the main city area.
By Rail
Almost all the major train routes touch this city. With the two major railway junctions namely Charbagh and Lucknow that lie side by side, one has a variety of choices for travelling to and from the city.
By Road
Lucknow is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas. Delhi is 497 km from Lucknow, Agra is 363 km away, Allahabad is 238 km, Dehradun is 582 km, Kanpur is 77 km, and Varanasi is 300 km.
