Lucknow Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

Qaiser Bagh Palace was built by the last nawab of Lucknow, Wajid Ali Shah. The most magnificent palace of Lucknow, Qaiser Bagh, lost many of its beautiful structures in the hands of the British. The present buildings in the complex are just a reminiscence of the glorious past. Lal Baradari inside the complex now houses a fine arts academy and the archaeological section of the State Museum. The present office building was the former Safaid Baradari where the nawab held court. Pathar Wali Baradari is now a school for Hindustani music. The complex also has the two tombs of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan and Khurshid Zadi, the nawab's wife. Only two of the extravagant living quarters are left in the palace.

Chattar Manzil (Umbrella Palace) is so called for the umbrella-shaped gilt dome crowning the palace. A basement below the river level was constructed so that the building could remain cool all the time. The palace is now the office of Central Drug Research Institute.

Sikander Bagh named after the wife of Wajid Ali Shah used to be a royal pleasure garden for the nawabs. Today, the grounds are occupied by National Botanical Gardens and Research Centre. To the west, lies Shah Najaf Imambara. The white-domed structure is situated next to the river and has the tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haidar, the sixth nawab of Avadh.

Situated on the banks of Gomti River, is the majestic Moti Mahal or the Palace of Pearls was built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. It was one of the favourite places for relaxing amidst nature. Two other buildings, Shah Manzil and Mubarak Manzil were added to the complex later on by Ghazi-ud-din Haider. Dilkusha Garden is yet another palace built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan which stands on the banks of Gomti River amidst sprawling parks. This was used as a hunting retreat.

The Residency holds prime importance in Lucknow's history. It was an exclusive fortified British enclave where a five-month long siege destroyed most of the complex and killed over 2,000 people. Sir Henry Lawrence, the commander of the troops expected relief within 15 days, which did not come. The 'Sepoy Mutiny' resulted in the bombardment of the building and Sir Henry's death. The brick red ruins of the Residency echo with the sad tales of all the people who lost their lives in this battle. The small museum, along with the ballroom inside, bear marks of the cannon balls fired during the siege. An Indian Martyr's Memorial is situated opposite on the banks of the river.

The State Museum located at Banarasi Bagh houses a large collection of rare gold coins, 16th century paintings and stone sculpture dating back to 2nd century BC. It is within the zoo premises, which is home to many animals and birds.

Other City Attractions:

Bara Imambara is a beautiful ceremonial hall built by Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 as a famine relief project providing employment to the locals. This colossal structure has a main hall which is 50 m long and 15 m high with the largest vaulted ceiling in Asia without any supporting pillars. A labyrinth of balconies, the bhulbhulaiya is just above the main hall. The 60-feet high Rumi Darwaza just outside the hall is known for its ornate gateway. To the east of Rumi Darwaza lies the largest clock of India, Hussainabad Clock Tower, towering to a height of 67 m. Designed by Roskell Payne, this beautiful Victorian-Gothic tower was erected in 1887.

The Picture Gallery displays the life-sized portraits of the ten nawabs of Lucknow. To the west is the Chhota Imambara or Hussainabad Imambara. The main hall is surmounted by a golden dome. The walls are engraved with fine calligraphy from outside while the interiors are adorned with ornate chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colourful stuccos and silver pulpits. Jami Masjid built in the early 19th century by Muhammed Ali Shah is a striking building with heavily ornamented walls.

Chowk is the bustling old quarter of the city where you can find everything from textile shops to local restaurants whereas Hazratganj area is quite posh with shopping complexes and an urban appeal. The elaborate French chateau, La Martiniere was the erstwhile palatial residence of French Major, General Claude Martin. The building became a school after the demise of the General. The exterior is lavishly decorated with animal and mythological figures.

More Activities - Cuisine & Shopping:

Eating out is a pleasure in Lucknow - the centre of Avadhi and Dum Pukht cuisine (where food is prepared in big pots or handis sealed with flour rings). From elaborate baked breads and rotis, to Galouti Kababs and Dum Biriyani, Lucknow has it all. Just near Akbari Darwaza, is the famous stall of Tunde Kabab where you can try out a variety of kababs. The establishment now run by the famous cook's grandsons, has branches in UAE and USA as well. Raheem Kulcha's stall nearby has been preparing Nahari-Kulcha from the times of Nawabs. This is a gravy of stewed beef bones and meat and savoured with kulcha bread.

Other well-known food joints include Naushijaan at China Bazaar Road in Hazratganj, Falaknuma, Zaika, Oudhyana and the lane beside Tulsi Theatre. Must haves here are majlisi, galouti kababs, aflatooni korma, afgani parantha and shahi tukra (a sweet dish prepared in milk). Classic Restaurant in Mahanagar area is the best place to sample vegetarian delights. The most satisfying way to end your elaborate dining is by trying a traditional paan from shops near K.D Singh Babu Stadium and State Bank of India.

Hazratganj is the more up market shopping area of the city and has posh malls and shopping complexes, while Aminabad and Chowk are the favourite bargain-hunters markets. Lucknow is famous for its hand embroidered chikan dress materials, saris and kurtas and every alternate shop sells these items. You can also browse for antique jewellery. Chowk is also the area where you can buy the typical ittar and Lucknowi pickles, while enjoying the delights of streetside chaat and kababs along with shopping. The weekly Sunday market or Nakhas in the Chowk area is where you can pick up interesting curios and antiques. Haggling is permitted here so do polish your bargaining skills. Pottery lovers can head to Chinhat where bowls, tea sets and planters are sold at reasonable prices.

This city, which prides itself in being the most cultured in North India, is now a mix of modernity and old monuments, sprawling parks, busy marketplaces, and congested alleys serving the most delicious food.

'The City of Nawabs' is an intriguing blend of old world charm, warm hospitality, courteous people, beautiful architecture and rich heritage. A glance through its historic monuments, lanes and alleyways depict the lifestyle of its erstwhile rulers and the typical Nawabi lifestyle. Situated along the banks of Gomti River, Lucknow rose to prominence when Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab of Avadh (an independent kingdom established after the disintegration of Mughal Empire) moved his court from Faizabad in 1775.

The era of Nawabs bestowed Lucknow with refinement, courteous culture, courtly diction and a classy appeal. The city gradually earned the tag of the 'Cultural Capital of North India'. By early 19th century, Lucknow became the centre stage for music, art, literature, poetry and dance, well patronised by the Nawabs. It was under Wajid Ali Shah's reign, the last Nawab of Avadh, when art and music rose to its zenith.

Sadly, Lucknow also saw one of the bloodiest wars in colonial history when the First War of Independence took place after Wajid Ali Shah was deposed by the British in 1856. Today, the city retains much of its lost charm in its old monuments, inner city lanes and a host of gardens. The exquisite craftsmanship of chikankari, the elaborate mouth-watering cuisine and the unmatched dance form of Kathak which developed over those years are still very much in vogue throughout India.

Tourism Info:

Directorate of U.P. Tourism, Paryatan Bhawan,

C-13, Vipin Khand, Gomtinagar, Lucknow

Telephone: (0522)2308017

Regional Tourist Office

10, Station Road, Lucknow