[ Edit ] Overview

Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, lies on the banks of the River Gomti in the Awadh region. The city came into prominence during the rule of the Nawabs of Oudh, when it was capital of what is now spelt as Awadh. Lucknow founded by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab of Awadh, dates back to the early time of the Suryavanshi dynasty.The Nawab rule in Lucknow brought  huge Muslim culture influence to the city. The name Lucknow, comes from Lakshman, younger brother of Lord Ram and earlier was called as Lakhsmanpur or Lakshman Por.

The city has many beautiful acrchitectural sits worth visiting. Lucknow has many Imambaras. Imamabaras are sites of mourning in the Islamic month of Muharram. Bada Imambara was built under the rule of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula to provide emplyemnt relief in time of economic problems. Chota imamabara was built by Muhammed Ali Shah and has the tombs of his mother and himself. Both the Imambaras are used by Shiite Muslims during Muharram festival.

Of the palaces adorning Lucknow, Chattar Manzil or Umbrella Palace is unique for it was built below the river level to keep the palace cool at all times. It has an umbrella shaped gilt dome. The Qaiser Bagh Palace built by Wajid Ali Shah, last Nawab of Lucknow was most impressive. The British ruined it during their rule, but what still reamins, talks about the glory of this marvellous structure. The Residency is an extensive building, fortified for British resdidents during British rule in India, mainly during the 1857 Mutiny Uprising.

Close to Lucknow, one can visit the Dera Sharif, a pilgrimage centre. It was the birth place of Hallis Waris Ali Shah, a Sufi saint and the dargah is attended by Muslims and Hindus both. One can also visit the Nawab Ganj Bird Sanctuary if architecture and history put in an overdose.

Lucknow has been known for its rich cultural history, courtly manners, exquisite cuisine, many beautiful gardens, palaces, havelis and mosques. The well known ‘Tehzeeb’ or mannerisms of the Lucknowi people is evident in their  courteous culture, courtly diction, poetry and sher-o-shairis which grew during the time of the Nawabs. Lucknow is therfore nicknamed The Cultural Capital of North India.

If in Lucknow, do not miss the Nawabi patronized cuisine which only a Lucknowi can cook and serve best. Kulcha nihari, tunda baob, paya, halim, malai kofta, tehri and of course Lucknowi Biryani. 

Recent News

[ Edit ] History

It is believed that Lucknow derives its name from Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Ram and was called Lakshmanpur. Over time it changed to Lucknow. The city came into prominence only from the 18th century during the rule of Saadat Khan of the Nawab dynasty. When the 4th Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-ul- Daula moved his court from Faizabad to Lucknow, the city flourished and became a centre for poetry, music, dance, art and culture.

In 1856 the British annexed Lucknow and sent Nawab Wajid Ali Shah into exile to Calcutta instigating the bloody episodes of the Indian mutiny of 1857.

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Uttar Pradesh

[ Edit ] Location

Lucknow is located in the heart of Uttar Pradesh with Kanpur being the closest other big city.

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

October to March

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

Directorate of Tourism U.P.,
Chitrahar building, 3, 
naval Kishore Road

[ Edit ] STD Code

0522

Sightseeing

Bada Imambara

Chattar Manzil

Chhota Imamabara

Deva Sharif

Hussainabad Clock Tower

La Martiniere

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

Qaiser Bagh Palace

Rumi Darwaza

Shah Najaf Imambara

State Museum

The Residency

Weather

DAY: Sun	LOW: 26	HIGH: 32
DAY: Mon	LOW: 26	HIGH: 32

Map

[ARCHIVES ]