Top 6 Places to Visit in Lucknow
If you are short on time but still want to indulge your wanderlust, there are many beautiful places in Lucknow to visit. Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, is home to glorious historical landmarks and diverse cultural experiences. However, if you are short on time and money, we have put together a guide to Lucknow that you can explore in 24 hours. Most sightseeing excursions in the City of Nawabs last up to eight hours. Begin your day in Lucknow with a breakfast of Khasta kachori and aloo sabzi with tea at any nearby street vendor. Then proceed to Bada Imambara, a complex home to one of the world’s largest arched halls and the fabled maze-like passages.
Stroll over to the Chota Imambara to admire its architectural glory. Along the way, there is Rumi Darwaza, a stunning example of Awadhi architecture based on Istanbul’s Sublime Porte. Visit the Constantia House to learn about colonial India and the events that led to the British Empire’s downfall. Before heading to Hazratganj to shop for trinkets and traditional chikan kurtas or sarees, grab lunch at Tunday Kababi for the local cuisine. To cap off your exploration on a sweet note, eat a kulfi in the evening.
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Bara Imambara
Asafi Imambara, also Bara Imambara, is a notable historical landmark in Lucknow. It was built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula, one of the illustrious Nawabs of Awadh. The complex includes Asfi Mosque, the Bhul Bhulaiya, and a stepwell (Shahi Baoli) with flowing water. The building has two impressive entrances that will take you to the central hall, which is known to be the largest vaulted chamber in the entire world. Bara Imambara is open daily from sunrise to dusk and has an entry fee of Rs. 25 for Indians and Rs. 500 for international tourists.
Chota Imambara
Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh, constructed the imposing historical building of Chota Imambara in 1838. It is also known as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, initially built as a gathering place for the Shia community. However, this place later served as the Nawab and his mother’s mausoleum. The building’s interiors are exquisitely decorated with Belgian crystal chandeliers and lamps, earning it the nickname “the Palace of Lights,” whereas its intricate Islamic calligraphy enriches its exteriors. Chota Imambara is open daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, with an entry price of Rs. 25 for Indians and Rs. 300 for visitors.
Rumi Darwaza
The Rumi Darwaza, an impressive gateway between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara, is the place to go if you want to see the splendour of Awadhi-style architecture in action. It stands about 60 feet tall and serves as the Lucknow city logo. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula built this gateway in 1784. The gate is known as Turkish Gate since it is inspired by Istanbul’s Sublime Porte.
Husainabad Clock Tower
The Husainabad Clock Tower is a heritage building close to the Rumi Darwaza. This 221-foot-tall building, pitched in 1881 for 1.75 lakhs, is a replica of London’s Big Ben Clock Tower. Its clock pendulum, which looks like a flower (with 12 petals), is 14 feet long. It is well known for being the tallest clock tower in the nation and features Gothic and Victorian architectural elements. The Husainabad Clock Tower is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and admission is free.
Gomti Riverfront Park
Thanks to its prime location and picturesque surroundings, Gomti Riverfront Park has long been one of Lucknow’s most popular tourist destinations. The park extends across the Gomti River’s banks for more than 2 km and is heeded as one of the best places in the city for picnics and recreation. The park’s musical fountain is one of its main draws. When everything is lit up in the evening, GRP looks even more enchanting. It is a great place to spend time with your loved ones in the evenings, and it contains jogging/cycling trails, as well as, a children’s play area. Gomti Riverfront Park is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, with an admission price of Rs. 10 per person.
Constantia House
Visit the Constantia House if you want to see the splendour of British architecture in its prime. It is a component of the esteemed La Martiniere College, a top university in the area. The structure houses Major Claude Martin’s tomb, a French general who began work on it in 1785. The Constantia House, widely regarded as the most extensive European monument in the nation, displays an unusual fusion of architectural types. Constantia House is free to visit every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
