Once a seat of power of the Mughal and British empires, Lucknow is a genteel, cultured city. The capital of Uttar Pradesh will floor you with its tehzeeb or culture, and tameez, which means grace. Lucknow is also the heart of the earthy, royal Awadhi kitchen, and any holiday here is bound to be a feast.
About Lucknow

Sight Seeing

The Bara Imambara
Tha Bara Imambara is best known for its Bhul Bhulaiya, an incredible maze on the upper floors of the monument. It was built in the Indo-Persian style by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh, to house his own tomb. The gorgeous views of the city from the roof are bound to enchant you.
Time : 6:00 AM

The Residency
Built as a gated community for the British, this sprawling complex, with its manicured gardens, was an important site for the events of the First War of Independence in 1857. A museum within the complex also showcases relics and photographs from the uprising.
Time : 7:00 AM

Rumi Darwaza
The Rumi Darwaza is an imposing gate that you can drive through, said to be modelled along the Sublime Porte in Istanbul. Built in 1784, this impressive example of Awadhi architecture is another of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula’s edifices. It is located near the Bara Imambara.
Activities To Do

Go back in time at the State Museum
This museum houses important sculptures, delicately carved statuettes from Mathura, and scenes from the Buddha’s life carved in stone, which date back to the 3rd century AD. The bonus to this experience is that the entry to the State Museum is located through the city zoo.
Time : 10:30 AM
- 4:30 PM

Explore the Kukrail Reserve Forest
Spend some time at the Kukrail Forest Reserve and its centre for the rehabilitiation of gharials, an endangered crocodilian that is often hunted for their skins. If you are lucky, you may also spot deer and a variety of exotic birds.
Time : 9:00 AM
- 5:00 PM

Enjoy local delicacies
Sample the offerings from the traditional kitchens of Lucknow. Each of the smorgasbord of offerings has a light touch with the spices. Try the soft kakori and the even-softer galauti kebabs, and, of course, the dum pukht biryani and the paya (lamb trotters’ soup).
Shopping

Treat yourself to ancient traditions
Lucknow’s shadow-work embroidery on muslin cloth, known as chikankari, flourished under the Mughals. Find it fashioned into gorgeous, wearable pieces of art in the form of saris, stoles, kurtas and blouses at Seva Chikan, a women’s co-operative.
Time : 10:30 AM
- 9:30 PM

Find yourself a unique scent
Whether it is heady perfumes you are after or subtle fragrances, do visit the family-owned Sughandhco. Over one hundred and fifty years old, this Lucknowi institution sells attar (pure essence oil extracted from flowers by a traditional method) as well as perfumes, colognes, household fragrances and incense sticks.
Time : 12:00 PM
- 7:30 PM

Visit the Ram Advani Bookshop
The amiable ninety-plus year old owner, Mr Advani, makes any visit his shop an interesting experience. The store itself stocks a collection of books on Lucknow and contemporary literature.
Time : 10:00 AM
- 7:30 PM
Suggested Itinerary
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Full Day Itinerary
Spend a day in the past: Drive through the impressive Rumi Darwaza, explore the Bara Imambara, stroll through the Residency, and end the day at the State Museum.
Our
Itinerary
Drive Through the Rumi Darwaza
Explore the Bara Imambara
Stroll Through the Residency
Relish Awadhi Food
Visit the State Museum
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ALL


