The City of Poetry, Food, and History: A Guide to Lucknow

Formerly named Awadh, Lucknow is one place that has multiple offerings for travelers and locals alike. It is the capital of Uttar Pradesh in India and has earned a great reputation as the City of Nawabs. This is because of fact that Lucknow has hosted many Nawabs since time immemorial. The very heartbeat of the city pulsates due to its massive and impressive state of art architecture which is a fusion of Mughal and British architectural styles and designs. This not only lends another dimension to this diversely engaging city but also is the crux of the princely vibe that one gets in Lucknow.

Here is the best travel itinerary that you can follow in order to fully explore the streets and princely galleries in Lucknow.

Best places to visit in Lucknow

Lucknow is a great city to enjoy Mughlai food galore, not only the food is famous but the place has got something for each and every traveler coming to find something unique in this city located along the banks of river Gomti. The handicrafts market in Lucknow is a big deal for people here and in other neighboring cities. If you are coming to Lucknow, you must first visit Bara Imambara, located on Hussainabad trust road, the place is a vital worship ground for Muslims who come in numbers to celebrate the yearly festival of Muharram. Bara Imambara is commonly famed for its marvelous maze, locally recognized as Bhool Bhulaiya.

Yet another site that you can visit in Lucknow for an amazing sightseeing experience is the Rumi Darwaza, built solely for providing employment during the famine of 1784, Rumi Darwaza is a marvelous piece of architecture standing 60 ft tall in the heart of Lucknow formerly offering passage to the old city, the structure is now a symbol of Lucknow. Popular for its ornate architecture, Rumi Darwaza has eight-faceted umbrella-like structures on its topmost part. The place holds a significant resemblance to a similar gateway in Istanbul.

Other places that you can add to your Lucknow itinerary are as follows: British Residency, Chattar Manzil, Amrapali water park, Ambedkar Park, Lucknow zoological garden, and Ram Manohar Lohiya park.

Best things to eat in Lucknow

Lucknow is the place for food lovers, especially those who have a strong desire and liking for Mughlai cuisine as the place is best known for its kebabs be it Tundey Kebabs, or Shammi Kebabs, Idris ki Biryani, Chicken Masala, Malai Makhan, Khasta Kachori, Sheermal, and Kali Gajar ka Halwa. These lip-smacking delicacies are hard to miss in Lucknow and would directly transport you into a pure state of Nirvana.

Shopping boulevard

There are things atypical to Lucknow that one can purchase on their trip. Your shopping list must include the following purchases: Chikankari attires, Ittars, Zardosi fabrics, fine jewelry, handicrafts, traditional Nagra footwear, dry fruits, etc. The entire shopping scene in Lucknow is quite buzzing with lively markets and shopping avenues available in the city for locals and tourists.