Lucknow Travel Essentials

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"The City of Nawabs and Kebabs"

Lucknow Tourism

The capital and the largest city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, situated on the banks of river Gomti, welcomes you with a heartwarming note of "Muskuraiyein, kyunki aap Lucknow mein hai". A city of kebabs and nawabs, of architecture and history, of literature and culture – that is Lucknow in a nutshell for you. From a slice of rich colonial history to modernized museums, this artistic hub of Awadh region beautifully brings together the opulence of a glittering past and the simplicity of a modern city.

Rumi Darwaza, the Mughal Gateway built in the centre of the capital divides Lucknow into 'Old Lucknow' which is ancient, and more crowded, and the 'New Lucknow' which is urban and one of the most planned cities of Asia. Most of Old Lucknow is well-known for its bustling vibrant streets, authentic, mouth-watering kebab and biriyani outlets, lakhnavi chikan market, and the wholesale jewellery stores.

New Lucknow, on the other hand, hosts people of varied cultures and is structurally planned with wide roads, shopping malls and parks built to serve diverse entertainment purposes. The most famous among these parks are the Ambedkar Park and the Gomti Riverfront Park, both ideal places for visiting and strolling around with friends and family in the evening. 

Hazratganj, a major shopping area located in the heart of Lucknow, is famous for its 'chaat' and 'kulfi' eateries, posh Mughlai restaurants, and various shopping complexes. All the buildings in Hazratganj have a distinct Victorian architecture, and you can shop for literally anything – starting from inexpensive accessories and trinkets to high-end clothes, shoes and jewellery. 

The people of Lucknow are known for their courtly manners and endearing 'pehle aap' (you first) culture, which always leaves behind a smile on the faces of its visitors. 

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City of Tehzeeb

Also known as the City of Tehzeeb and quite synonymous to the City of Nawabs, Lucknow is the land of close-knit culture and long-held traditions. This city hosts some of the most indulging pieces of history through its architecture, culture and cuisine.

Architecture
Some of the ancient monuments that play a vital role in upholding the title of the "City of Tehzeeb" are the Bara Imambara, the Kaiserbagh Palace, the British Residency, Jama Masjid and the Tombs of Sa'adat Ali Khan and the Begum.

Rumi Darwaza, Chhota Imambara, Shah Najaf Imambara, Dilkusha Koti Palaces, Chattar Manzil, Sikandar Bagh and Hazratganj are some of the other significant mentions as well.

Food
Its not only architectural marvels that gained the city the title of "Tehzeeb", but the cuisine of the land is also quite remarkable as well. The Awadhi or Nawabi style of gastronomy here is counted amongst the finest dining experiences in the country. 

Culture
Lucknow's vast blanket of art, music, dance, Urdu literature and poetry goes a long way back in establishing the name of "Tehzeeb" here. The Nawabs or the rulers of the time in Awadh, formerly known as Oudh were quite engaged in moulding this part of the society as well.

City of Nawabs

Situated on the banks of river Gomti and occupying the central region of the Heritage Arc, Lucknow has been winning hearts of tourists for its Nawabi finesse for ages. Believed to be founded by Lakshmana, the ancient city is known worldwide for its 'Tehzeeb' and unique fusion of ancient and colonial cultures. The former capital of the Nawabs, the city was once an artistic hub, evident from the several grand monuments present in the city today. Also, the epicentre of the 1857 War of Independence, the history of the city is intriguing to a common man even today.

History Of Lucknow

Lucknow - popularly known as the “City of Nawabs” and “City of Tehzeeb” dates back to the Suryavanshi Dynasty. It is believed that Lord Laxman, brother of Lord Rama laid the foundation of the city on the banks of river Gomti; the city was then called Laxmanpur. However, it only came to notice in the 18th century during the Mughal rule.

Lucknow was a province of the traditional Awadh Pradesh and ruled by the Delhi Sultanate. Under the rule of the Nawabs, the city flourished in all aspects including food, music, art, dance, handicrafts etc. Later, the city came in the hands of the East India Company under the British rule. It played a key part in a lot of freedom movements. Upon independence in 1947, Lucknow became the capital of Uttar Pradesh state.

The Grand Bazaars

Lucknow is home to some century old markets like the Hazratganj market which retains its grandeur and charm even today, in spite of several modernisations. These markets, popular for 'zardousi' and 'chikan' embroidery are major attractions for shopaholics. The street food and lip smacking delicacies of Lucknow comprising of kebabs and biryani is another feature which attracts tourists to the city again and again.

Chikankaari

Chikan is the authentic embroidery style of Lucknow. A popularly sought after traditional look today, Chikankaari is the method of adorning the famous Chikan work onto textiles. This fashionable trend was first introduced to the country by Noor Jahan, wife of Jahangir and the Mughal Queen.

Formerly just whitework, with white embroidery onto white clothes, it soon diversified into a variety of colours, styles, patterns and even onto different fabrics. Chowk is the most famous local market in the Land of Chikan. This stitching style is more often known as the Lucknawi Chikankaari today.

Ganjing - Exploring the Famous Hazratganj

Founded in 1827, the Ganj of the time soon came to be known as Hazratganj in 1842. However, Hazraganj too had its dose of colonialism, when it was revamped into London Queen's Street during 1857. Thus, becoming a British-only zone and was prohibited from local entry.

However, post-independence, this region in the city was not only the hub for shoppers but also turned out to be the biggest and most favourite local hang-out spot. With its first coffee shop set up between 1914 and 1918, Hazratganj has grown exponentially ever since.

Ganjing is the famous local word for shopping or experiencing the "Ganj" region of the city on foot. Besides restaurants, cafes and movie theatres, Hazratganj also houses one of the country's largest malls alongside streetfood stalls, book houses and a bunch of colonial buildings as well. 

The Hazratganj Market here organises the Ganj Carnival every second Sunday with the entire locality becoming a massive shopping and local entertainment hub. This carnival is a great way to spend one's evening at Hazratganj

Restaurants and Local Food in Lucknow

Lukhnow's cuisine borrows much of its royalty, grandeur and elaborate delicacies from its glittering past, while is vibrant, colourful and sparkling with a rich street food culture. Mughal delicacies like the countless varieties of Kebabs as well as Tikkas, Roomali Roti are the dishes that one must try in Lucknow. They are available in various styles and versions and in almost every food outlet, while the older areas of the city can offer you authentic flavors of the Mughlai food.

Galouti kebabs are a very typical Lucknow specialty - extremely soft mutton kebabs made with chopped papaya. An equally lip-smacking item that you can't miss in Lucknow is the Biryani. Other than these do indulge in Sheermal, Nahari and Kulcha, Kheer, Jalebis, Chaat, Kofta, Samosa, Qulfi, Petha, Kachori and countless more relishes.

Read: A Guide to Street Food of Lucknow

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Lucknow Photos

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Chota Imambara
Constantia (La Martiniere School)

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FAQs on Lucknow

What are the places near Lucknow?

The top places near to Lucknow are Agra which is 293 km from Lucknow, Nainital which is located 317 km from Lucknow, Kanpur which is located 75 km from Lucknow, Varanasi which is located 264 km from Lucknow, Ayodhya which is located 124 km from Lucknow

What are the things to do in Lucknow?

The top things to do in Lucknow are Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, British Residency, Rumi Darwaza, Hazratganj Market, Lucknow Zoo. You can see all the places to visit in Lucknow here

What are the top hotels in Lucknow?

There are 317 in Lucknow which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Lucknow are Manbodh niwas, Capital O 26694 Hotel Anubhav, OYO 27618 Arcadia Inn 2, Leoz Apartments, SPOT ON 63777 Saubhagya Marriage Hall, Backpackers Den. You can see all the hotels in Lucknow here

What is the best way to reach Lucknow?

Being the capital city of UP, Lucknow has great connectivity through all mediums. Direct flights connect Lucknow to and from all major cities in India. The Lucknow railway station is also connected to most parts of India. It is connected by good road network as well and buses are also available from New Delhi and other major parts of UP. You can also take a cab from nearby areas to reach Lucknow.
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What is the local food in Lucknow?

Lukhnow's cuisine borrows much of its royalty, grandeur and elaborate delicacies from its glittering past, while is vibrant, colourful and sparkling with a rich street food culture. Mughal delicacies like the countless varieties of Kebabs as well as Tikkas, Roomali Roti are the dishes that one must try in Lucknow. They are available in various styles and versions and in almost every food outlet, while the older areas of the city can offer you authentic flavors of the Mughlai food.

Galouti kebabs are a very typical Lucknow specialty - extremely soft mutton kebabs made with chopped papaya. An equally lip-smacking item that you can't miss in Lucknow is the Biryani. Other than these do indulge in Sheermal, Nahari and Kulcha, Kheer, Jalebis, Chaat, Kofta, Samosa, Qulfi, Petha, Kachori and countless more relishes.

Read: A Guide to Street Food of Lucknow

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What is the best time to visit Lucknow?

Influenced by a subtropical climate with extreme temperatures, the best time to visit Lucknow is October to March when the city experiences winter. Even though December and January could be a little foggy, which might mean trains and flights getting delayed occasionally, the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.

The summers are unusually hot and should be avoided. Lucknow could be visited during July-September as well, but rains might be a little hindrance and could delay your day plans.
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Who should visit Lucknow?

The city of Lucknow is a unique blend of ancient and modern. Dotted with extraordinary monuments, Lucknow is ideal for art and history lovers. Sourced from the kitchens of the Nawabs, the cuisine of Lucknow makes it a divine treat for food lovers.

What is not so good about Lucknow?

Not very clean. Traffic maintenance is not so good. Bad roads in some areas.

What is famous about Lucknow?

Market rates are low. Rich culture and heritage.

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Popular Questions And Answers on Lucknow

Q. What are some must eats in Lucknow?

Shashwat Kant

5 years ago
Tunday Kababs - Have Galouti Kababs and boti kababs here, and you'll want to keep coming back. Try Idris ki Biryani, which is a small shack-like shop in Chowk, Lucknow - it is a delight for non veggi (Read More)es. If you can manage a trip during Ramadan, the food is just great. Try the Lucknow Specials Shahi Tukda and Phirni as well.

Q. I am planning to go to Lucknow from Kolkata. Time of travel: 8th Jun (starting from Kolkata) Time of arrival back to kolkata- by 13th Jun Please suggest places where all we can go,,, kind of a map may be?

Holidify

5 years ago
Please refer to the Places to Visit Tab above. A map has been charted with all the tourist places. Depending on your date of arrival in Lucknow, your accommodation, and your modes of transport, you w (Read More)ill be able to plan accordingly.
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Lucknow Reviews

Your rating

Siddhant Francis

2 years ago
Amazing city with historic architecture and modern infrastructure along with multiculturalism, metro is also very well built. This city is going to expand very quickly.

Warehousewale

4 years ago
Thanks for this amazing information, more information.

Fazal Ahmad

4 years ago
it is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram. The Imambara is primarily known for its incredible maze.
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