Lucknow

Lucknow tends not to appear in many traditional tours of India and yet it is a fascinating city, full of history, culture and fabulous food. We strongly suggest including a few nights at this much under rated city in a tour of North India.

Known as the Constantinople of the east, Lucknow was a hub of Nawabi art, music, dance and architecture. Now the busy capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow sits in the centre of the state on the north-western shore of the Gomti River. A major centre of the Indian rebellion of 1857, Lucknow’s population participated actively in India’s independence movement, cementing its role as a major city in north India. Dining out in Lucknow is highly recommended, and a local delicacy is the traditional North Indian kebab, with many variations to feast on. Spend your days here admiring British era buildings, mausoleums, and the bazaars of the bustling old town.

Highlights

Bara Imbara

The elegant Bara Imambara is a large historical complex and an excellent example of the Mughal style of architecture with sophisticated ancient engineering. Walls only support the ceiling of the large hall without pillars, and the walls have engraved channels that transmit even the smallest sound. The complex features a series of labyrinths, entangled corridors, a mosque and underground passages. There are stunning photo opportunities, particularly from the rooftop terrace.

Chikan Embroidery

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Chikan, in the literal sense means ’embroidery’. This traditional embroidery style is one of Lucknow’s most ancient and well-known art forms, believed to be introduced by the Mughals. One of the most prominent features of the Lucknow chikankari work is the stitches. Each and every stitch is done to perfection and the neatness in the work is hard to find elsewhere. Visit one of the many chikankari worshops for a better understanding of the process and of course to purchase the finished products.

Chota Imambara

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The imposing Chota Imambara’s grandeur architecture is a reflection of the Mughal era. The complex served as an Islamic congregation hall and has a notable collection of Chandeliers from foreign countries and exquisite glass works. The tomb of the Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah and some of his family members are housed here. Also featured are a dome, large halls, a crafted mural where the whole Koran is written with a grain of rice, a bath chamber and well-manicured gardens.

Cuisine

Lucknow is well known for its Awadhi Cuisine, kebabs and biryani being the highlights. We recommend taking an organised evening culinary walk where you will sample the various delicous street foods on offer. Make sure you also try the Nimish; a light, set cream from Lucknow flavoured with saffron and rosewater – a typical sweet from the era of the Nawabs.

Heritage Walk

Explore the lanes and hidden gems of Lucknow on an organsied heritage walking tour. See ancient historic buildings, bustling markets, traditional block printing and weaving workshops and small shops selling kites, natural fragrances and of course the inevitable paan!

Hussainabad Gallery

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Located in proximity to the Hussainabad Clock Tower and Chhota Imambara, the Hussainabad Picture Gallery is a stunning historical place. The gallery boasts a collection of beautiful paintings and portraits of the Nawabs with historical details. The building where the gallery is housed was once a summer house and is considered to be one of the ancient galleries in the region. A well-maintained garden and a stunning pond lie within the grounds of the Hussainabad Picture Gallery.

La Martiniere College

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Built and designed by French soldier turned architect Claude Martin in 1845, it incorporates the features of Italian architecture, fusing them with native architectural attributes of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Over the span of one and a half centuries, the college has produced soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have done the school and their country proud in the two world wars and the wars of Independent India. It has also produced engineers, doctors, educationists, administrators and outstanding athletes – now scattered over the globe.

Rumi Darwaza

Said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople in Turkey and also referred to as Turkish Gate. It is a huge ornate structure, marked by an eight faceted chhatri in its uppermost part. In earlier times it was used to mark the entrance to the Old Lucknow City. It is now adopted as a symbol of the city of Lucknow. It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula to generate employment during the famine of 1784.

The Residency

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The Residency is a complex of historical buildings located in the heart of Lucknow. The complex was the seat of power and the official residence of British diplomats and officers who represented the court of Nawab. The ruins still bear the marks of bullet holes as well as tombs of those who lost their lives during the siege of 1857. There is an on-site museum featuring collections of portraits, models and a short video that provides some insight into the history of the residence. The well-maintained lawns offer a good spot for relaxing.

Hotels

Discover the wonderful variety of places to stay in India; including some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, intimate boutique hotels bursting with local character, charming homestays where you’ll have a chance to interact with local families, converted forts & palaces, fabulous lodges and heritage havelis.

Clarks Avadh

Saraca - Lucknow

Novotel Lucknow

Vivanta by taj gomti nagar

Tours

Below are a selection of our favourite sample itineraries that we have created based on our experiences of travelling extensively throughout India. As with all our tours, every aspect can be tailor-made to your individual requirements.