Lucknow
Travel Guide > Asia > India > Lucknow
In this Article
- Introduction
- Neighbourhoods
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
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Introduction
Popularly known as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow is located on the banks of River Gomti. Capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, it was founded by Nawab Asaf ud Daula, a ruler of Awadh dynasty. It is known for its impressive monuments, courteous culture and mouthwatering delicacies.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
Lucknow hosts a range of magnificent monuments.
Bara(Big) Imambara
Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth ruler of Awadh, built Bara Imambara in the year 1784. The monument has a unique style of construction. The central hall is one of the largest arched halls in the world. The hall is 50 meters long and reaches height of 15 meters. The blocks have been set with interlocking system of bricks. There is absolutely no use of girders and beams. It is known for its incredible maze called Bhulbhulaiya. From the top of the monument, one can have sweeping view of the city.
Chotta(Small) Imambara
The Hussainabad Imambada, also known as Chhota Imambada was build by Mohammed Ali Shah in 1837. It is believed to be the mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Shah himself. The Imambara also encloses a tank with small imitations of the Taj Mahal on each side. The main Imambara is topped by a golden dome, which is supposed to be the tomb of Ali Shah and his mother. There is also a watch tower just opposite the tomb. The Imambara is illuminated during the occasion of Muharram giving it a wonderful look.
Residency
Residency in Lucknow is a well-known historical landmark. Now declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India, it served as a refuge for approximate 3000 British people during the uprising of 1857. The Residency has the graves of many British soldiers who died fighting in the revolt. It also has a well-maintained museum.
Rumi Darwaza
A magnificent architectural structural, Rumi Darwaza was constructed in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula. The monument goes upto a staggering height of 60 feet. The upper part of the huge gate comprises of an octagonal Chatri (Umbrella) carved beautifully. The beautifully carved flowers and designs speak volumes are evident of the eye for detail.
Events and Festivals
Lucknow Mahotsava is a major 10 day event organized by the tourism authorities in the city, usually in the months of November/December. During the course of this festival, events like plays, classical music and dance recitals, kite flying and Tonga races take place. There are shopping stalls also where local artisans sell their handicrafts products. The Mahotsav is also a great event for the food connoisseurs, from Thandai to Kesaria milk, Kebab- parathas and other mouth watering exotic dishes are available.
Weather
Lucknow experiences a typical subtropical climate with hot summers and cold dry winters. The summer season lasts from April to June and the temperatures can reach up to 48 °C, while the average is in the 40’s.Hot dry winds generally called “loo” blow in the summer months the season unbearable. Monsoon sets in the month of July and lasts till September. The city receives its majority of rainfall during these months. The winters start from October and last till February. The winter season is quite pleasant with the average temperature around 11 °C. It is the best time to visit this historic city.
Getting There
By Plane
Lucknow International Airport (Airport code LKO), also known as Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport is located in Amausi, around 20 kilometres from the city centre. The airport handles domestic flights to all the major cities of the country and international flights to a few destinations which include Dubai, Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh and Muscat. Some of the domestic airlines operating from Lucknow include Kingfisher, Indigo, Jet Airways, Indian Airlines. Pre-paid taxis are available from the airport to the city centre and recently a city bus service has also been started to service the airport.
By Train
Lucknow Charbagh station is a major railway junction and is connected with train services to all the regions of the country. However the Charbagh station has two separate blocks, the bigger one and through which major trains pass is owned by the Northern Railway and other smaller one by North Eastern Railway. Tourist are advised to reach the station well in time so that the change of blocks is possible in case of need. Train timings, fare and availability of berths can be checked at the official Indian Railways website.
By Car
Road conditions have improved considerably and the city is connected with good quality roads with the important cities like Varanasi, Kanpur, Gorakhpur and Allahabad.
By Bus
Lucknow is well connected by bus services with the neighbouring cities and towns. Deluxe and air-conditioned buses are also available on popular routes such as Lucknow-Allahabad, Lucknow-Kanpur and Lucknow-Varanasi.
By Boat
No boat service is available to the city.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestay Lucknow | 110-D Mall Avenue | Hostel | 90 |
| Hotel Manglam | 92, Gautam Budh marg,opp old rto office, Latouche | Hotel | 90 |
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Work
This is version 4. Last edited at 18:25 on Oct 15, 09 by Utrecht (+178). 4 articles link to this page.
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