Lucknow was named as Lakhanpur in 11th century. Known for Nawabs, Lucknow is one of the oldest city. It was founded by Lakshman, the younger brother of Rama and hence the name. Architecture, beautiful gardens and strong cuisines are the main attraction of Lucknow. Lucknow is also known for its street food and vibrant culture. The embroidery of Lucknow cannot be denied either. Here are the few places to visit during Lucknow tour.
Bara Imambara:
Bara Imambara is a monument where shia muslims perform mourning ceremony during muharam and is the symbol of a beautiful complex architecture in Lucknow . Constructed by Asaf ud daulah in 1784, the building is the grandest , oldest place in the city and its rich culture and history. Furnished with three storeys- central hall, a bowli and bhul bhulaiya, and 1024 entrance to the terrace, the monument is a wonder in modern world. Donot be amazed to hear that though there are 1024 ways to enter the terrace and there is only one way to exit from the terrace.
The central hall in the monument is the largest among the nine halls. The distinctive feature of the hall is the ceiling with no support by pillars, beams or girder.
The Bhul bhulaiya is ready to deceive visitors with 1000 passages and many dead ends. Tourist must take a tour guide for the visit of Bhul bhulaiya.
The chota Imambara is near to Bara Imambara which is constructed by Nawab of Awadh. Designed in Persian and Indo-Islamic architecture this mausoleum is ornated with calligraphy and Arabic glass work on the interior.
British Residency:
The residency also known as british residency was constructed by Nawab Sadat Ali khan for the British Resident General who was a representative in the court of the Nawab. The main attraction in the residency are Bailey gate, Treasure house, Fayer’s house, Banqueting hall, Imambara and mosques. The central building was designed in european style and accomodates side rooms, spacious balconies, flat roof, high pillars, wooden beam. The building was attacked by Indians in 1857 and the cannon shots that made holes in the walls imparts a vibe of reality in history.
Hazratganj:
Know as the “park avenue of Lucknow” Hazratganj is one of the famous shopping complex in Lucknow. From wholesalers to retailers Hazratganj offers wide variety of antiques, apparels and restaurants. The complex is encompassed with shopping complexes, restaurants, hotels, theatres, offices and businesses. Ram Advani bookshop in Hazratganj is one of the best bookstore in the country. Being the heart of Lucknow, strolling on the stunning footpath of Hazratganj dotted with bright-lit shops during winter or summer evening adds on a memorable experience in Lucknow.
Open time: All days of the week except Sunday 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Lucknow Zoo:
The zoo spread across 71.6 acres land and is a house of exotic animals and birds. The Lucknow zoo was built in 1921 to welcome the prince of wales. The zoo is also the abode of endangered species like bengal tiger, black buck, swamp deer, chinkara, Hoolock Gibbon, Rhesus Monkey, Indian Giant Squirrel.
Entry tickets:
Entrance Ticket for above 12 years of age
(Entry Ticket, Aquarium House, Nocturnal House, Nature Interpretation Centre are included): Rs.60.00
Entry ticket for 5 years to 12 years age
(Entry Ticket, Aquarium House, Nocturnal House, Nature Interpretation Centre are included) : Rs.30.00
Package ticket for above 12 years age
(Entry Ticket, Aquarium House, Nocturnal House, Nature Interpretation Centre, Bal train, Battery Operated Vehicle are included): Rs.100.00
Package ticket for 5 years to 12 yearsage
(Entry Ticket, Aquarium House, Nocturnal House, Nature Interpretation Centre, Bal train, Battery Operated Vehicle are included) : Rs.50.00
Free Entry for below 5 Years
Video Camera Ticket: Rs.50.00
Morning Walk Pass-
For a month : Rs. 100
For school students- 10% concession on groups above 50 students.
Visiting hours:
From February to April: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
From May to July: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
From August to October: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
from November to January: 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
Closed from 25th December to 1st January
Visiting Hours for Zoological Garden For Morning Walk:
From March to September: 5.00 am to 7.00 am
From October to February: 6.00 am to 8.00 am
Constantia House or La Martiniere College:
Constantia house is the best school in Lucknow and the only school in the world awarded with honorary royal battle honors for it’s predominant role in the defence of Lucknow during the mutiny of 1857. The Constantia house is constructed by , Claudia Martin, a rich french business and an architect. The house is an amalgamation of Turkish, Persian and Indian architecture adorned with graceful staircases, statues, painting and potteries. Claudia Martin is buried in the basement of this school. One of the major attraction of the school is the cannons that reminds us of the violent battles in history.
Entry Fee: No
Visiting hours: After school hours as it is operational boy’s school
Dr. Ambedkar Park:
Dr. Ambedkar is a massive hundred crore park constructed by the former chief Minister, Mayawati. The park is splendid with beautiful statues, trimmed lawns, pouring fountains and marble flooring. The park is also a symbol of tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Kashiram, Jyotiram Phule, Narayan Guru who sacrificed their life for social justice during Indian independence. The statue of Bhimrao Ambedkar is created in red stone which is retrieved from Rajasthan.
Opening Time : 09:00 AM Closing Time : 07:00 PM
Closed ON : Monday Closed on public holidays : No
Entry fee : Free
Lucknow Museum:
Lucknow museum has a collection of more than 10000 antiques starting from pre historic era till present age . The museum is a hub of elegant painting, sculptures, coins, bronzes, anthropology, archaeology and manuscripts. The eye catcher of the museum are the Egyptian mummy and sarcophagus. The museum also exhibits a range of artworks recovered during the excavation of the south part of British Residency.
Opening time:
All days of the week except Monday 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry fee:
Rs.5 for Indians
Rs.3 for child
Rs.100 for foreign tourists
Rumi Darwaza:
Rumi Darwaza is an intricate blueprint of Awadhi architecture constructed by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula. unlike Mughal architecture where sandstone are mainly used, this gateway is moulded with bricks. Also known as Turkish gate, the 60 feet monument’s elegant wreathe is often compared to that of Rome and the massive Ottoman Empire and marks the finest gateway to the old city of Lucknow.
Opening time: open 24/7 hours
Entree fee: No
Chattar Manzir:
Chattar Manzil, also known as umbrella palace is one of the finest architectural palace among all the imposing palaces in Lucknow. Constructed by Nawabs of Awadh who is fond of European style architecture, this palace is a depiction of amalgamation of European and Indian style architecture. The palace has a large number of rooms under the small umbrella style architecture that is an excellent illustration of unique architectural design.
Opening Time : 08:00 AMClosing Time : 06:00 PM
Closed ON : Sunday and saturday
Closed on public holidays : No
Entry fee : Free
Begum Hazrat Mahal Park:
Begum Hazrat Mahal is one of the great freedom fighter who stood against the British East india company during Indian rebellion of 1857.IN memory of Hazral mahal, a marble memorial was constructed which bears the Coat of Arms of the Awadh royal family. The park is a major attraction during the major Hindu festivals like Holi and Dussehra.
Opening Time : 06:00 AM Closing Time : 09:00 PM
Open : DailyClosed on public holidays : No
Entery fee : 2 INR