About Lucknow Lucknow, the "Shiraz of Awadh" and "Constantinople of India", as it is metaphorically called, is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The city, 497 km from the nation's capital New Delhi, is connected by air with all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Calcutta and Patna. Being a major railway junction for the Northern as well as the North Eastern zones of the Indian Railways, it is conveniently connected to many cities. Most of the metropolitan cities of the country also have easy access to Lucknow by road. Location & Attractions Bara Imambara Built in 1784 A.D. by the champion of charity, Nawab Asaf ud Daula, the Bara Imambara provided food to the famine stricken subjects of the Nawab. The giant 8500 sq. foot hall, with a 50-foot high ceiling, does not have even a single beam to support it. The Bara Imambara is known for its simplicity of style, sheer proportion, symmetry and unique acoustic qualities. The estate of the Imambara also contains a maze, a grand mosque and a huge well. Rumi Gate Also known as the Turkish Gateway, the Rumi Darwaza leads into the outer ward of the Bara Imambara. Widely believed to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople, it expresses the heart and soul of Avadh architecture. Its uppermost part consists of an eight-faceted chhatri, which is approachable by a staircase. Chota Imambara Also known as the Hussainabad Imambara, it was built by Mohammad Ali Shah as a mausoleum for himself. It is set inside a beautiful garden with a raised water reservoir in front of it. It is flanked by two replicas of the Taj Mahal inside which are the remains of Ali Shah's daughter and her husband. The main building is a domed structure with many exquisite turrets and minarets. The façade on the exterior is adorned with verses from the Holy Koran. The calligraphic writing is in white against a black background. The interior is lavishly decorated with huge chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colourful stucco and Tazias in sandalwood, wax and zari. Clock Tower Constructed in 1887, the Hussainabad Clock Tower, the tallest Clock Tower in India, is one of the finest examples of British Architecture in India. The 221-foot tall structure was erected by Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, 1st Lieutenant Governor of United Province of Avadh in the year 1887 at a cost of Rs. 1.75 lakhs Kukrail Reserve Forest A deer farm and the famous crocodile nursery are the highlights of this forest on the outskirts of Lucknow. Developed by the Forest Department, the Reserve includes recreational facilities for children, a cafeteria, and a rest house. Spotted deer, black buck, sambhar and a variety of birds can be seen here. The Regional Science Centre and Science Museum offer innovative programs, which promise a pleasant learning experience. Charbagh Railway Station The Charbagh Railway Station is an awe-inspiring, but aesthetically built monument. , The station, built in 1914, incorporates the best of Nawabi architecture. Charbagh, as the name implies, had four gardens at the time of Nawabs. Shaheed Smarak A Martyr's Memorial was raised opposite to the Residency to mark the first centenary of the First War of Independence of 1857. The tower has been constructed as a mark of respect for the thousands of unknown warriors who laid down their lives for the freedom and glory of the nation. State Museum The museum, located at Banarasi Bagh, is the oldest and one of the richest in the state. The Numismatic, Handicrafts, Natural history and Ethnographic sections of the museum are particularly interesting . Zoological Garden The garden, laid in 1921 at Banarasi Bagh, is a popular holiday spot for the local population. It was meant for summer use and contains quite a few species of rare animals and birds. Festivals Makar Sankranti (January). Holi and Makar Sankranti in January, Maha Shiv Ratri (March) and Lucknow Mahotsav (Nov-December)