Lucknow: Lucknow in recent years has fast earned a reputation for itself as a cricket lover’s haven. With the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee Ekana International Cricket Stadium now in full bloom, post one season of IPL, World Cup and other major fixtures, the city promises a plethora of places to explore.
Lucknow popularly called Shaan – e – Awadh is many things rolled into one. Any ardent traveller can enjoy Lucknow’s rich history, culture, shopping, fun, spirituality, food, leisure, and more. It is a fine blend of British and Mughal edifices, amusement parks to gardens, street bazaars, museums, and temples.
Bara Imambara, Lucknow
Counted among the top historical places in Lucknow, Bara Imambara aka Asafi Imambara is a historical monument that dates back to 1784. Built by Asaf-ud-Daula, one of the renowned Nawabs of Awadh, the complex comprises a large mosque (Asfi Mosque), a labyrinth (the Bhul Bhulaiya), and a stepwell with running water (Shahi Baoli).
Chota Imambara
The imposing historical structure of Chota Imambara was built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh. Also called Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, it was initially built as a congregation hall for the devotees of the Shia community. However, the place later served as the mausoleum for the Nawab as well as his mother.
British Residency
Also called the Residency and the Residency Complex, the British Residency is a complex of buildings that once served as the residence of the British Resident General. Constructed in the last quarter of the 18th century, the place served home to over 3000 British residents during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Rumi Darwaza
When you want to witness the grandeur of the Awadhi style of architecture, make your way to the Rumi Darwaza, an imposing gateway located between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara. This gateway built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula is about 60-feet tall and is generally used as the logo for Lucknow city.
Chattar Manzil
Chattar Manzil or Umbrella Palace, which once served as the residence for the Awadhi rulers and their wives, is another must-visit tourist places in Lucknow. Just as the name suggests, the building features an umbrella-shaped dome.
Dilkusha Kothi
Located on the banks of the River Gomti, Dilkusha Kothi is the remains of a house that was built in the early 19th century. Built in the English baroque style of architecture, the building once served as the hunting lodge and summer resort of the Nawabs.
Husainabad Clock Tower
Located adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza, Husainabad Clock Tower is another heritage monument dotting the cityscape of Lucknow. Built in 1881 by the Hussainabad Trust at a cost of 1.75 lakhs, this 221-feet structure is modeled after the Big Ben Clock Tower of London.
Aminabad Market
One of the best places to shop in Lucknow is the Aminabad Market, which has been in operation since the times of the Nawabs. From embroidered chikan garments, jewelry, and footwear to carpets, bed sheets, and local handicrafts, you will find almost everything here.
Hazratganj Market
The Hazratganj Market, a century-old shopping area located in the heart of Lucknow, is where you can find the city’s vibrant soul. Housing numerous showrooms, factory outlets, restaurants, shopping complexes, malls, and theatres, the place is a shopper’s paradise.
Chowk
Another popular and age-old market in Lucknow that exudes an unmistakable Awadhi vibe. With over 5000 shops, the place offers you a great street shopping experience as well as a glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium
A visit to the Indira Gandhi Planetarium must be on your list of things to do in Lucknow, especially if you are a science enthusiast or traveling with your kids. The planetarium is designed in such a way that it resembles the planet Saturn, which makes it different from all other planetariums in the country.
Ambedkar Park
A public park and memorial built across 107 acres in Gomti Nagar, Ambedkar Park honors Dr. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, Kanshi Ram, Narayana Guru, and many other social reformers who worked for equality and social justice.
Nawab Wahid Ali Shah Zoological Garden
Popularly known as Lucknow Zoo, is counted among the best places to visit in Lucknow for nature lovers. Established in 1921 over 71 acres of land, the place is home to over 440 mammals, 340 bird species, and several species of reptiles and many other wonders of the wild.
State Museum
The state museum that is located within the Lucknow Zoo is another key attraction you can include in your Lucknow itinerary. The major exhibits here include artifacts related to Awadhi arts and culture and several excavated antiquities from regions in and around the city. This four-storied building also contains an Egyptian mummy and a wooden sarcophagus.
Ram Manohar Lohiya Park
Counted among the top 10 places in Lucknow, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya Park is a public park developed by the Lucknow Development Authority. As the name suggests, it is built in memory of the great freedom fighter and socialist political leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya.
Gomti Riverfront Park
Gomti Riverfront Park has been one of the main tourist places in Lucknow ever since its establishment, thanks to its pristine location and scenic surroundings. Known among the top picnic and recreation spots in the city.
Janeshwar Mishra Park
An urban park located in Gomti Nagar, Janeshwar Mishra Park is dedicated to the late politician Janeshwar Mishra. It is designed after the Hyde Park in London and counts among the top eco-friendly parks in the country.
Constantia House
When you want to witness the architectural grandeur of the British era, you must make a visit to the Constantia House. It is part of the renowned La Martiniere College, one of the premier educational institutions in the city.
Satkhanda
An iconic watchtower located in Lucknow, Satkhanda is an incomplete, four-storied structure that dates back to the 1800s. King Mohammed Ali Shah who started the construction of the building planned it to be a watchtower with seven stories but could complete only four due to his untimely demise.
Charbagh Railway Station
Railway stations don’t usually qualify as a tourist destination, do they? But the Charbagh Railway Station in Lucknow is an exception to this. Counted among the most iconic railway stations in India, it has a regal appearance, similar to that of a palace or mansion.
Tunday Kababi
This place defines Lucknow food in so many ways. Whoever visits this place, cannot forget the taste of these uniquely spiced kebabs for a very long time. The meat tends to dissolve in the mouth instantly and is best complimented with mughli paratha.
Rahim’s Kulcha Nahari
Imagine tender pieces of meat marinated in an exotic spice rub and cooked overnight, stuffed into freshly baked tandoori kulche. After tunday kebabs, nahari kulcha is the second most famous food jewel of Lucknow food and cuisine. All you need to do is imagine heaven on a plate.
Ratti Lal’s Khasta
Breakfast in Lucknow is nothing short of a Nawabi treat and one of the best breakfast destinations has to be Rati Lal’s Khasta Kachori. The Barras and Pooris served here are no match to the khastas.
Prakash ki Kulfi
One of the major competition in desserts is Prakash ki Kulfi. They serve only kulfi faloodas in their shop and it’s made within the blink of an eye! If the attraction had a colour, it would have been yellow!
Sharma Tea Stall
A visit to Lucknow is incomplete without a visit to Sharma ji. The Bun-Makkhan is something to die for! Freshly baked buns smothered in homemade butter…need I say more? The samosas are stuffed with a subtly delicious potato.
Jain Chat Wala
Located near Lalbagh Novelty, this place is the ultimate chat haven. Loyal customers swear by their dahi batashe and aloo tikki.
Raja Thandai
In the beer-vodka age, Raja thandai plays a major role in keeping thandai a favourite among Lucknowites. Customers like the drink because it is herbal and helps in digestion and not to mention incredibly delicious.
Makhan Malai Chowk
Winters are incomplete without makhan malai. It is conceptually similar to Old Delhi’s daulat ki chaat, but much more intense and flavourful.
Idris ki Biryani
Idris ki Biryani stands out. Chunky pieces of chicken/mutton surrounded by a plate full of handpicked, fluffy, long-grain rice is too good to miss out on. Known for their flavour and aroma, the recipe is almost half a century old.
Chappan Bhog Sweets
This Lucknow food place has been an undisputed king of the sweetmeat world. With a wide range of attractively decorated mithai available in front of your eyes, anyone can get tempted.
Chole Bhature at Chowk
Chole Bhature is a very famous dish from Punjab. It consists of a curry made of chickpeas often made extra spicy served with ‘Bhatures’ which are hot in the inside and crispy on the outside. The dish served at Chowk in Lucknow is finger licking good.
Basket Chaat at Royal Cafe
One of the most famous chaats in Lucknow is basket chaat. The basket chaat is made of a potato shelling which is filled to the brim with mashed Tikkis, tangy and spicy sauces or chutneys and loads of vegetables, often peas. The dish is very affordable, yummy and very filling at the same time.
Sheermal at Chowk
Sheermal or Shirmal is a very famous delicacy prepared in Lucknow. It is a saffron-coloured naan or flatbread. The dish is mildly sweet and made with milk, yeast and maida.
Wahid’s Biryani
The Awadhi biryani was a discovery made by the tenth ruler of the Awadh or Oudh dynasty. Wahid’s Biryani is a small restaurant that sells what is known as ‘the best biryani in Lucknow’. Although the restaurant is a bit small, it does not matter since the mouth-watering biryani is all the reason you need to go here.
Aminabad Market
Aminabad Bazaar is where you will find chikankari clothes, ready-made clothes for adults and kids, hand-worked sarees, bedsheets, pillow covers, footwear, wedding jewelry, waistbands, mats, ethnic wear, utensils, and much more.
Hazratganj Market
You can get amazing Chikankari fabric, artificial jewelry, textiles, kurtas, and footwear here at pocket-friendly prices. This market does not promote bargaining but the quality of the merchandise sold here is premium.
Chowk Lucknow
Lucknow just gets luckier for street shoppers, and Chowk is one such venue that has hordes of shoppers pouring in daily. Known for its exotic jewelry, accessories, ittar (the local perfumes), toys, lampshades, dry fruits, fresh fruits, bags, apparels, fabric, traditional Nagra footwear, Chikankari suits, and handicrafts.
Nakhas Market
You get the best deals here on clothes, electronics, jewellery, handicrafts, wooden home décor, wall paintings, pets and birds, groceries, and miniature bric-a-bracs. With more than 12,000 shops set up at the venue, there is no dearth of buying choices at this crowded street market in Lucknow.
Janpath Bazaar
Leather merchandise is the most popular item sold here and your eyes will pop once you see the amazing footwear, belts, and bags. In addition to these, you will also find amazing deals on Chikankari sarees, ethnic garments, and readymade garments at the shops in Janpath Market Lucknow, that too at throwaway prices.
Alambagh Market
Bollywood-inspired trinkets. From jhumkis, balis, necklaces, bangles, and bracelets, to anklets, you have them all here. In addition to jewellery, you can also shop at this bazaar for electronics, home utilities, fresh fruits, vegetables, groceries, and sweets.
Yahiyaganj Market
Located close to Nakhas Market, this wholesale street shopping area is renowned for home décor and home utility items. Kitchen utensils, coffee mugs, cosmetics, crackers, glassware, plastic jars, racks, artificial jewellery, mirrors, and much more are sold at very affordable rates here.
Latouche Market
There is something for every gizmo geek at Latouche Road, where electronics and gadgets ranging from home appliances to mobile phones are sold at reasonable rates. You can also find many hardware shops for your household needs and also stores selling rare electronic parts
Bhootnath Market
You get everything under one roof at this marketplace, which includes fruits, utility items, jewellery, clothes, kitchen utensils, spices, electronics, flowers, you name it and Bhootnath Market has them all.
Kapoorthala
The Chikankari and Zardosi works have been promoted by many shops at Pragati Bazar situated at this venue. You will find high-quality Chikankari garments, modern and contemporary fabric designs, unconventional dress materials, rich embroidered dresses, ethnic wear, kurtas, readymade garments, sarees, and kids’ wear at the myriad of stores located here
Lal Bagh Market
Located centrally, it offers an ocean of the best in electronics, both new and second-hand. Mobile phones, MP3 players, mobile accessories, tablets, peripherals, extendable memory gadgets, and more can be bought here at a good bargain.
Patrakarpuram Market
You can get anything fancy like T-shirts, maxi dresses, garments, caps, scarves, knick-knacks, artificial jewellery, footwear, handbags, and more here.
Halwasiya Market
Halwasiya is a buzzing marketplace that caters to the needs of all age groups. You can buy toys, kids’ clothing, fabric, shawls, women’s clothing, T-shirts, bed sheets, readymade garments, jewellery, handicrafts, home décor items, and much more at budgeted prices.
Naza Market
Naza Market will leave a computer geek speechless and excited. If you are looking for computer screens, processing units, mouses, keyboards, wiring, external memory devices, software, and other genuine hardware, you could do store hopping at Naza.
