Lucknow, a city seeped in history, culture, literature and arts. One of the biggest cities in North India, well known for being the capital of Uttar Pradesh. It is a city residing on the banks of the river Gomti. This city is bestowed with an assortment of cultural treasures. It is famous for the rich heritage, mouthwatering cuisine, intricate embroidery, architecturally magnificent monuments, British bungalows and gorgeous gardens. There is an air of royalty in this city, which is why it famously known as the city of Nawabs.
However, the history dates a bit further back than when the nawabs came in and settled in Lucknow. It is a well-known fact that before this city was called Lucknow it was known as Lakshmanpuri, coined after Prince Lakshman, from the epic Ramayana. But as time went on the present history just became stories of the past.
Lucknow is a home to many prominent writers, poets, Shayars, singers, and fashion designers. The classic Chikankari and zardozi embroidery originated from Lucknow and is recognized globally. For time immemorial Lucknow has been raved about its kebabs, biryani and nihari. So, don’t find it odd if someone is asking you to bring back kebabs from your visit to Lucknow.
Lucknow is perfect for a weekend getaway. A city laid back, a city that still believes in siesta. The best time to visit or travel to Lucknow is from October to March. The summer months are rather extreme. But from October onwards it is a delight to be in this city. It has the wind of festivity and winter setting in. A very nostalgic feel will run through your veins. Traveling within the city is as easy as any. The city has a metro running full time, cabs available at any time of the hour. In case, you were hoping for an immersive feel of the city there are always the old timey ‘rickshaws’ you could take a ride on through Hazaratganj.
When in Lucknow know that with politeness also comes the beauty that you will experience in different nooks and crannies of the city. For architecture one must explore the Bara Imambara – which was built in the year 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daulah. The architectural style is a through and through feel of the Mughal structures. Abundance of delicate patterns are incorporated in the design. The reason Bara Imambara is so popular, other than being a fort back in its time with its own secret hideaways. The ‘Bhool Bhuliya’ a labyrinth of endless galleries where one can walk endlessly and still not find a way out. It’s one of the most interesting places you’d visit.
Another place that one would like to check out, is the Chota Imambara. It is known as the Imamabara of Hussainabad and was built by Mohammad Ali Shah. The walls are embellished with rich texture of indo – Islamic and Persian style of designs. The elaborate hall is decorated with chandeliers and exquisite crystal glass lamp – stands, that is worth the admiration it attracts.
Let’s not forget, the grand entrance that used to be of Lucknow’s once upon a time – the entrance into the city. The Rumi Darwaza, it is so crowd pleasing not only because of its grandeur but the details it engulfs. It’s a sight to witness.
If you are in a mood to take stroll down the cobbled stones of history, a must visit is the British residency. This used to be the home the colonial officials of the East India Company. They lived here in Lucknow during the pre-independence era. The residency grounds have the residue of a long-lost war for revolution. This place truly holds so much history for its country. A wonderful place for children to learn about their country’s glorious past. The ruins, colonial houses and the collection of gardens is a spot well admired for its uniqueness. Since you’ve made a trip to the residency, don’t forget to take a peek into the 1857 memorial museum.
The museum is located inside the British residency, it is a major tourist attraction. Multiple galleries exhibit a great insight into the revolt of 1857 that marked the first step towards the independence of India and its struggles. The series of events is describing and also has artifacts with pictures that has been placed in a chronological order that will help the viewers to understand the very story and have a time travel like experience.
Lucknow is an amalgamation where you see magnifique mosques, you will also encounter extremely dated temples, like Chandrika Devi temple, this particular temple dates all the way back to the 15th century. It is to be believed, the temple was constructed by lord Lakshman’s son and later destroyed around the 12th century. The new building that now stands is said to be more than 300 years old. This temple comes alive during the Durga Puja festival where devotees from faraway places come to pay their respects, and hope that their wishes come true. Interestingly, there is also the Hanuman Setu temple that withstood a flood, everything else was ruined other than the statue. This temple was built back in the 1960s by a Hindu saint Neem Karoli Baba on the banks of the river Gomti.
Lucknow is truly secular, with one of the oldest churches existing till date. Christ church is the first Anglican church in North India built by the British. Designed by Lt. Swetenham of the Royal engineers, the present-day building is created in a neo-gothic style with prominent tower and arched gothic windows. The real beauty you don’t want to miss in this brick and stucco structure is the gigantic prayer hall with delicate ceiling and stained-glass murals depicting tales of Jesus’s life.
Now is time I mentioned the much-awaited information, the cuisine of Lucknow. A little tip from a writer friend, every cuisine in Lucknow goes well with a particular season. For instance, Nihari – Kulcha is perfect soul food for winters. The curry warms you up, and the hot tea after just rejuvenates the senses. The popular place for this would be in chowk at Raheem or Kareem. I swear by both. Biryani is an ‘all-season’ food and Idris sells the mouthwatering dish with cooling ‘raita’ on top. “Tundey ke Kebab” one of the oldest running shops and famously known for their galauti and kakori kebabs. But this is what chowk offers.
Lucknow’s sought-after food is readily available in chowk. This location is counted among Lucknow’s best places to visit and can spend quality time with family and friends. This area lights up after sun set. Walking down the by lanes tasting the Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine.
Do remember the popular quote “going Ganjing” Hazaratganj- coined after begum Hazarat mahal, is a large strip of market place. One of the oldest areas in Lucknow, situated in the middle of the city. It has everything. That’s what Lucknow is – a little something for everyone. A lane filled with road side delights, like chaat, popular one known is ‘Shukla chat house’ also basket chaat from Royal café. If you’re in a mood to just shop there are second hand book stores you could rifle through. Janpath, a by lane has every sort of embroidery one is looking for from tote bags to kurtas, you’ll be enamored by all.
The beauty of Lucknow is one won’t feel like they haven’t anything to do. There are art exhibitions lined up on weekends, plays if one is interested or flea markets in the evening. In the night if you’re feeling like listening to live music many cafes have that too going on.
Here’s hoping Lucknow gives you that feeling of culture and fills your tummy to the brim.
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