It is a place of historical, royal and cultural values. I always wanted to visit this place. Luckily, it happened because of my brother wedding and so a short trip of wedding cum tour executed.
I would like to share some of the historical places to visit in Lucknow.
1)Bara Imambara – Bara Imambara is in the center of the city and a Lucknow visit is incomplete without this place. As history says, it is built by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh, in 1784 and a shrine built by Shia Muslims, quite big as name says ‘ Bara ‘.
Built in the Nawab era, it has sprawling structure. The Bhool Bhulaiya is a unique attraction inside this place and one will get lost until a guide is accompanied. Each entry has some right and wrong path to confuse. It was constructed in such a way to deceive the enemy and British and the main gate is easily visible from the window. It also has some underground cell to come out of the complex in case of any war which is now unfortunately closed.
At night, the outside structure and the area looks beautiful with lights. Being in this area, will reflect the Nawab time as Roomi gate and Chota Imambara is also on its way.
Despite being huge and most visited place, it lacks basic cleanliness and not well maintained. It’s also a tourist responsibility to maintain and keep the heritage clean.
Baoli- It was constructed to be used as a water reservoir. It was not well maintained and mostly destroyed and might not see the true structure.
Timings- 7am – 7pm.
Accessibility- Easily through an auto rickshaw or cab
Ticket: INR 50 (which covers Chhota Imambara, Bada Imambara, including Bhool Bhulaiya and Baoli, and Picture Gallery)
2)Satkhanda– Means seven storeyed building. It was supposed to have 7 storeys but due to the death of the Nawab the project closed and is now 4 storey structures.
At first glance, it looks like leaning tower of Pisa, right?
Its near to Bara Imambara and Clock tower. The garden area around is beautiful and clean. We didn’t go inside due to construction, but we enjoyed the time outside in garden as the guard allowed us only considering that we were tourists.
The guard informed us that this structure was made for the Royal women of Nawab family to see the moon of Ramadan and Eid.
Near to this is Picture Gallery: A small room with photo frames of the Nawabs ruled during those period.
Timings- Best time to visit this is at sunset.
3)Chota Imambara– Also known as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak located near to Bara Imambara in Lucknow. Although as name says small “chota “compared to Bara yet has its own beauty and history.
As you can see in picture, it is a small replica of Taj Mahal built for the daughter of the Nawab.
Inside the Imambara shrine has beautiful brass tazias and many attractive costly chandeliers from many countries.
This place was clean and well maintained.
Timings- 7am-7pm
4) Clock tower Lucknow also known as Husainabad Clock tower is located near Roomi gate and Imambara and is one of the tourist attraction.
Its tall, beautiful and well maintained. The tower was built by Nawabs for the British Governor. The illuminating light in it make it more attractive.
Best time to visit this in evening where you can see its beauty especially after sunset and can chill with friends and family by enjoying street foods.
Locally also called Ghantaghar of Lucknow.
Tickets- Its free
5) Ambedkar Memorial Park– Locally also called as Mayawati park. This seems like a majestic park, huge beautiful architecture with red sandstone make the park cool place to spend your time. It’s so big that it will take 1-2 hours to see. A museum situated inside where we can find the glimpse of Ambedkar and Mayawati statues with illuminating lights around.
In other corner, one can see numerous Elephant statues as well, each statue cost approx. 1cr.
There is lot much to see so take some time and energy in hand before visiting this place.
Best time to visit is during sunset.
Tickets- INR 15.
Who can miss shopping in Lucknow
Shopping places-
Nepali Chowk to get the Chikankaari or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.
We visited many shops there, but got the best service, deal and varieties at A.K.Chikan factory.
Also, cannot miss the foods
Food hubs-
Dastarkhan- Tasty and reasonable. A non-vegetarian must have Kali mirch Murgh at this place.
Idris Biryani- Although famous but small and look like street shop. So take away is the best option. Biryani was delicious, and we craved for more.
Parampara- A delicious variety of sweets in Old Lucknow.
You can have Tundey kebab and Galoti kebab.
As I have mentioned it was wedding cum tour so we tried to explore these places apart from the wedding functions.
There is lot more above Nawabs and Kebabs, but am satisfied at least we got to visit this beautiful city.
Hope you find this blog useful and do suggest your experience so that other readers and even me can cover that next time.
Happy Travel !!!
Filed under: Travel
