LUCKNOW

                                       

ABOUT THE CITY

Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi Culture. The imperialistic splendour and magnificence of the Nawabi Era has been glorified and eulogized down the ages by writers, poets and historians alike. At the same time its mystical elegance and amorous ethos has caught the fascination of many world famous romantics. Known for its Adab and Tehzeeb (cultural refinement), Lucknow is also associated with its legendary hospitality, leisurely moods of life, fabled edifices steeped in history, world renowned cuisine and exquisite Sham-e-Avadh. Tremors of time have not effaced Lucknow of its cultural heritage and traditions, which once contributed in creating the city incomparable in its times. 

Modern Lucknow, spread evenly on both sides of river Gomti, is a perfect blend of the ancient with the modern, as many glitzy shopping arcades coexist with the old monuments. The greatest attraction of Lucknow, where the past jostles with the present  its unique ability to achieve harmony amidst disorder and to assimilate the new into the old.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

                                   

Rumi Darwaza

The 60 feet high Rumi Gate was constructed under Nawab Asafl-us-Daula in 1786. It is said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople. Its uppermost part consists of an eight faceted chhatri, approachable by a staircase.

                                  

Asafi Imambara (Bara Imambara)

Also known as the Bara Imambara, it was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is one of the architectural wonders of that era. Its central hall is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork in the entire structure. It has large underground passages which have been blocked up. A staircase from outside leads to a series of labyrinths known as Bhool-Bhulaiyan which is a complicated entanglement of zig-zag pass. Visitors are advised to visit only with authorized guides. Within the compound of the Imambara is the grand Asafi Mosque. Shahi Baoli is another attraction here.

Timing : Sunrise to Sunset

Entry fee : Rs. 25.00 (Indian)

Rs. 300.00 (Foreigner) (inclusive of Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Picture Gallery, Shahi Hamam) 

                                           

Chhota Imambara

Though Popularly called as the Chhota Imambara, the Hussainabad Imambara stands to the west of Bara Imambara. Built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah (1837-42), it is more ornate in design with exquisite chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, silver mimbar and colourful stuccos which adorn the interiors. A golden dome and fine calligraphy on the exterior of the building makes it a truly exceptional monument of Mughal architecture (open : 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs.).

                                                  

Clock Tower & Picture Gallery

Near Rumi Darwaza, this 221 ft. high Clock Tower was built in 1887 to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, the first Lieutenant Governor of the United Province of Awadh.

                                         

Residency

Built for the British Resident during 1780-1800, it was originally a large complex of many buildings. It was the scene of dramatic events during the first war of independence in 1857. The main building overlooks the river Gomti and is surrounded by terraced lawns and gardens. Today, only the scarred ruins bear witness to the turmoil of 1857. SOUND & LIGHT SHOW is an added attraction here. 

Entry fee : Rs. 5.00 (Indian), Rs. 100.00 (Foreigner). Tel. 2328220.

                                     

Vidhan Sabha Bhawan (The Council House)

Its foundation was laid in 1922 by Sir Harcourt Butler and the construction was completed in six years. Its octagonal shaped chamber has a domed roof decorated with peacocks in fully plumed splendor.

National Botanical Research Institute
Located at Sikanderbagh, where a pitched battle was fought during the first war of independence in 1857. The botanical garden is open to public from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Closed on Saturday and Sunday. Tel : 2205831

La Martiniere

The Finest and the largest example of European funerary monument in the subcontinent, La Martiniere is associated with its rather strange and romantic past. Built and designed by French soldier turned architect-Claude Martin, It incorporates the features of Italian architecture, fusing them with native architectural attributes of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Today it houses one of the leading educational instructions of the city.

Kukrail Reserve Forest

On the outskirts of Lucknow, it has been developed by the Forest Department. Kukrail houses a deer park and one of the nurseries of the endangered species of Crocodiles in India. One of the favorite picnic spots in Lucknow, it boasts of a Children's Park, Cafeteria and Rest House. A variety of birds and Black Bucks can also be seen in their natural habitats.

HOTELS

Please click on the below link to veiw the list of hotels  in Lucknow

http://www.up-tourism.com/destination/lucknow/lucknow_accommodation.htm

RESTAURANTS

The city's restaurants serve a variety of continental, Chinese and Indian cuisine. Some of them are :

• Brij Ki Rasoi, Sitapur Road, Ph : 0522 - 2394535, 2734551-52
• Naushi Jaan, China Bazar, Ph : 0522 - 2280294
• Grand Princess, Sagar International 14-A, Jopling Road. Ph : 0522 - 2206644, 226601-05,
• Food Plaza Kapoorthala & Shahnajaf Rd. Ph : 0522 - 2386778, 6537450
• Spicy Bite, Hazratganj Ph : 0522 - 2217373
• Shanghai Surprise 1-A, Sapru Marg, Ph : 0522 - 2201556, 2616512
• The Treat Restaurant Gole Market, Mahanagar Ph : 0522 - 2387532, 2380548, 3043971
• Aahar Restaurant, Lalbagh Ph : 2272030, 3010011
• Cool Break, Ashok Marg Ph : 2615499, 2615400
• Royal Café, Hazratganj Ph : 0522 - 2627070, 4017070
• Moti Mahal, Hazratganj Ph : 0522 - 2623575, 4048102
• Oudhyana Hotel Taj Residency, Gomti Nagar Ph : 0522 - 2393939
• Falaknuma Hotel Clarks Avadh, 8, M.G. Marg Ph : 0522 - 2620131-35
• Mehrab/Dastar Khwan & Coffe Shop, Hotel Gomti, 6, Sapru Marg Ph : 0522 - 2612291, 2614708, 2620624
• Nadiya Kinare Restaurant, Near Water Sports Centre, Laxman Mela Ground
• Barista, Hazratganj Ph : 0522 - 2625946
• The Golden Treat, Gomti Ng. Ph : 0522 - 2393325, 6536504
• China Town, Gomti Nagar Ph : 0522 - 4026614, 3263595
• Aryan
  • M.G. Marg, Opp. Raj Bhawan, Hazratganj Ph : 0522 - 2236000, 2230499
  • Gomti Nagar, O(pp, Sahra Plaza Ph : 0522 - 2392255, 2392232
  • Aliganj, Opp. Sahara Towers Ph : 0522 - 2335544
  • Shahnajaf Road Ph : 0522 - 2201888, 2230888
  • Alambagh Ph : 0522 - 2455611, 2454611
  • Zoo Ph : 0522 - 9415501852
• Pizza Hut, Hazratganj Tel.: 2235801-02-03
• The Ritz Continental Goel Market, Mahanagar Ph : 0522 - 2381090
• Tunde Kabab
  • Chowk
  • Aminabad (Nazirabad)
  • Hazratganj
  • Alambagh
• Dominos
  • Faizabad Road Ph : 0522 - 2348714-17
  • Hazratganj Ph : 0522 - 2674554-57
• Café Coffee Day Hazratganj, Gomti Nagar
• C2C Restaurant, Gomti Ngr. Ph : 0522 - 2305781-83
• Restaurant Inbox, Gomtinagar

SHOPPING

The main shopping areas in the city are Hazratganj closed on (Sunday), Aminabad (Thursday), Chowk (Thursday), Nakkhas (Thursday), Sadar (Thursday), Narhi (Monday), Kaiserbagh (Thursday), Alambagh (Thursday), Aliganj )Wednesday), Indira Nagar (Wednesday), Gomti Nagar (Wednesday).

Prominent Shopping Malls are Wave Complex, Fun Republic, Inbox-Big Bazaar (Gomti Nagar) and phoenix Mall, Saharaganj, Vishal Mega Mart.