Tourist places in and around Lucknow

Rumi Darwaza

Asaf-ud-Daula built a number of historical monuments during his time. The Rumi Darwaza was also built as a relief work during the famine of 1783. Said to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople, this soaring edifice, which is 60 feet high, can match any similar structure in point of beauty and splendour.

This white-domed mausoleum on the right bank river Gomti is named after the sacred town of Najaf, near Bagndad. Has the tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider flanked by the tombs of his wives.

This colossal, ornate gateway is said to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople. It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, to create employment during the terrible famine of 1784.

Chhota or Hussainabad Imambara

The Husainabad Imambada is also known as Chhota Imambada. This imambada was the brainchild of Mohammed Ali Shah, who built it in 1837. It is believed to be the Hussainabad Imambada mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Shah himself. The imambada also encloses a tank with small imitations of the Taj Mahal on each side. One of those imitations is the tomb of Mohammed's daughter and the other one is of her husband. The main imambada is topped by a golden dome, which is supposed to be the tomb of Ali Shah and his mother. There also lies the incomplete watchtower called the satkhanda just opposite the tomb. The construction of this tower was withdrawn when Ali Shah died in 1840 and only the four storeys were made. There is also the tallest clock tower estimated to be 67 m high overlooking the Husainabad tank. The Imambada is illuminated during the Muharram giving it a wonderful look.

Near the Rumi Darwaza, this structure houses the tombs of Muhammad Ali shah, its builder, and of his mother. Built between 1837 and 1842, it is also called the Chhota Imambara. It is approached through a fine garden. The Imambara has a white dome and numerous turrets and minarets. The walls of the mausoleum are decorated with verses in Arabic. Chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colourful stucco, the king's throne and ornate tazia or replicas of the tombs at Karbala adorn the interior.

The beautiful structure near Rumi Darwaza was built between 1837-42 by Nawab Mohammad Ali shah and has the tombs of it builder and his mother. It has a golden dome and numerous turrets and minarets. The exteriors are adorned with fine caligrapgy, while the interiors have chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, colourful stucco, the king's throne and ornate tazias.

Erected in 1887, the 67-m high Gothic tower was built to mark the arrival of a Sir George Cooper, Awadh's first lieutenant governor.

Shah Najaf Imambara

This white-domed structure derives its name from the town of Najaf, about 200kms south of Baghdad where the saint Hazrat Ali is buried. It is situated on the banks of the Gomti, in this mausoleum, are buried the remains of Ghazi-ud-din Haider and his wives, including Mubarak Mahal, his European wife. The entrance leads to a beautiful garden. The silver tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider lies in the centre of the building and is flanked by the more imposing silver and gold tomb of Mubarak Mahal on one side, and another tomb on the other.

Asafi Imambara

Also known as the Bara Imambara, it was built Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is one of the architectural highlights of the era. The central hall is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork used in the structure. A staircase from outside leads to a series of Labyrinths which visitors are advised to visit only with authorised guides. Within the compound of the imambara is a grand Asafi mosque.

The Bada Imambada was built by Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1784 as a part of the famine relief project where a number of labourers were appointed to build this Imambada. It is a big vaulted hall with a length of 50 m and a height of 15 m. There is also the bhul bhulaiya-an amazing maze that might need a tourist guide to get through.

There's also a mosque, but non-Muslims are not allowed to enter. The mosque has two tall minarets in the courtyard complex, which lies on the left side of the well.

This architectural wonder was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, as a famine relief project. The central hall with a 20,000 tonne roof is said to be the largest room (50m * 15m) in the world, unsupported by pillars. It is also known for the ‘Bhul Bhulaiyan', a series of intricate labyrinth on the upper floor, which should be cisited only with an authorized guide. The tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula is also locate within the Imambara. To the left is the majestic Asafi mosque.

Kaiserbagh Palace Complex

The construction of the Kariserbagh Palace was strated in 1848 by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and completed in 1850. They were built to create the eight wonder of the world. The yellow buildings on three sides of the quadrangle, now the property of Taluqdars, once provided quarters for the ladies of the harem. In the centre, stands the Baradari, a picturesque white stone edifice which was earlier paved with silver.

Nawab wajid ali shah built the grand palace complex between 1848 and 1850, with to create the eighth wonder of the world. The yellow building flanked by two Lakhi Gates were once used as the royal harem. In the centre of the quadrangle is the beautiful Baradari.

La Martiniere

This extraordinary structure beautifully blends Italian architectural style with the native Hindu and Muslim styles. It is perhaps the finest and the largest specimen of European funerary monument in the subcontinent and was built in 1793, by major General claude Martin, a French soldier and the richest European in Lucknow. The magnificent edifince has four octagonal towers with numerous rooms and the exteriors are beautifully decorated. It houses a fine school which was established way back in 1840.

A fanciful Gothic chateau was built in 1793 by Major General Claude Martin, a French soldier and acclaimed as the richest European in Lucknow. Four hugew octagonal towers with numerous rooms add to the majesty of La Martiniere. The exterior is elaborately decorated with a variety of animals and mythological figures. One of the two cannons on the terrace and the bronze bell was cast by Martin himself. In 1840, the building became a school for boys.

State Museum/zoo

The state museum is located within the zoo premises at Banarasi BAgh. It exhibits a fine collection of artifacts and memorablilia. The zoo has a rich variety of animals and is popular among kids.

Other places of interest are - clock tower, Jama Masjid, chhatar Manzil, Maqbara saadat Ali Khan and Khurshid Zadi, Moti Mahal, dikusha Garden, alambagh Palace Bibiyapur kothi, charbagh Railway station etc.

The royal pleasure garden of the Nawabs of Awadh has been named after the last Nawab's favourite queen Sikander. The Natinal Botanical Gardens and Research Centre are now located here.

At the southeastern corner of the city, situated in the Zoological Gardens, is Lucknow's Museum. Its collection includes stone sculptures from the 2nd century BC; rare silver gold coins and 16th century paintings.

A favorite spot for recreation, Lucknow, Museum houses a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia and is located at Banarasi Bagh, within the zoo premises. The zoo has a large collection of animals, Museum timings : 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Weekly holiday : Monday. Zoo timings : 5:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Jami Masjid

To the western side of the Husainabad Imambada lies the Jami Masjid. The construction of the Masjid was started by Mohammed Shah and was completed by his wife after his death in the 1840s. Jami Masjid is the largest mosque of Lucknow. Though non-Muslims are not allowed to worship here, one can see the wonderful paintings on the ceilings with the leaf and fruit bowl patterns. To the right side of the Bada Imambada lies another mosque named after Asaf-ud-Daula.

Banarsi Bagh

There is also a zoo with a big gate where one can get a good view of the green surroundings and the tiny cages of some of the animal species. The zoo is locally known as the Banarsi Bagh. Within the zoo ground is the state museum where a number of impressive historical items are kept. The splendid collection of stone sculptures that have been brought from Mathura is a must see. Besides all other collected items there is also an Egyptian mummy, which attracts a lot of attention. There's also a statue of queen Victoria and some of Her highness's court men, which is kept in the garden area of the museum complex.

Palaces

Qaiser Bagh Palace

Qaiser Bagh, built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, was once the most magnificent palace in Lucknow. Carvings of fish - royal emblem of the Nawabs-adorn many of the structures. At the Safaid Baradari, now an office building, the Nawab dressed as a fakir, used to hold court. The Lal Baradari now houses a fine arts academy as also the archaeological section of the State Museum. The Pathar Wali Baradari now serves as a school for Hindustani music. Two ornate tombs - the Tomb of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan (the fifth Nawab) and the Tomb of Khurshid Zadi, his wife - are also noteoworthy.

Chhattar Manzil or Umbrella Palace

An umbrella-shaped gilt dome (chhattar) inspired the name of this unusual palace. Built during the reign of Saadat Ali Khan (1798-1814), the Chhattar Manzil had a basement constructed below the level of the Gomti river, so that its waters could keep the area cool in summer. It now houses theCentral Drug Research Institute.

Daulat Khana

The Daulat Khana, palace of Asaf-ud-Daula,was built in late 1780s. Lying to the northwest of Jami masjid, it includes numerous Indo-European buildings; the most continue to provide rich glimpse of the past). The inambaras and mosques have a distinct Persian influence, while key buildings like the palaces of the Nawabs are more European in buildings; the most striking being Asafi Kothi with its semi-circular bays.

Imambaras or Ceremonial Halls

The imambaras-Bara and Chhota-of Lucknow are impressive, both architecturally and historically. Built in 1784, the Bara (Great) Imambara is used during Muharram. The elaborate gates give a foretaste of what lies within. Its most remarkable feature is a large hall, 50-m long and 15-m high, totally unsupported by pillars. Above it, is the bhulbhulaiya - a maze of balconies and passages. Of particular interest is the 18-m high Rumi Darwaza embellished with decorations. Close to the Rumi Darwaza, Aurangzeb's Mosque stands on a mound known as Lakshman Tila.

Picture Gallery

Clock Tower The picture gallery was built in the 19th century near the clock tower of Husainabad Imambada. The picture gallery has a number of portraits of almost all the Nawabs of Lucknow. This picture gallery gives a good insight of the past when the Nawabs used to be the sole authority of the entire area.

located inteh19th- century Baradari, displays imposing life-size portraits of the ten Nawabs of Awadh. To the west, is the ornate Hussainabad Imambara, better known as Chhota Imambara. Crowned by a delicate gold dome, its interiors are profusely adorned. The walls are engraved with beautifully executed calligraphy. To its southwest, lies the Jami Masjid, with embellished walls and arches. At the Shah Najaf Imambara to the west of Sikander Bagh, lies the tomb of Chazi-ud-din Haider (the sixth Nawab).

Other Places of Interest

Lucknow Residency

It was built between 1780-1800, as the official residence of the British Resident. The Britishers residing in Lucknow took refuge over here for 87 days during the 1857 mutiny. Today, it is a mute witness to one of the bitterest battle of 1857, with gaping holes made by cannon balls.

The ruins of Lucknow Residency give a clear picture of the British rule in India. It was the Mansion of East India Company's agent in Avadh during the Sepoy Mutiny. This historical monument lies just near to the Hazratganj area which is the centre of the city.

The large brick home of the British Resident, better known as Residency, was built in 1857 and still carries strong reminder of 1857 mutiny. On the ground floor is a model depicting British defences during the siege. In a small museum, the gaping holes made by cannon fire are all too visible. Lying below are the cellars where the women and children took shelter.

Built for the British Resident in 1780-1800, it was originally a very extensive and beautiful building, It was a scene of dramatic events during the War of 1857. The scarred ruins tell the story of the British community besieged by the rebels. The main house overlooks the river and is surrounded by terraced lawns and gardens.

Sikandar Bagh

The charming summer house fortified by a high wall was named after one of the wives of Nawab Wajid Ali shah. It witnessed a bloody battles during the Mutiny of 1857. the summer house now has the National Botanical Research Institute and its garden is open for public between 6 AM and 5 PM.

Faizabad

Faizabad, situated 124 km from Lucknow, was once the capital of Avadh. Easily accessible by both trains and buses, this place houses the Fort Calcutta built by the third Nawab of Avadh, Suja-ud-Daula. Besides this, one can also visit the mausoleum of Bahu Begum and Gulab Bari.

Ayodhya

Just 6 km away from Faizabad is the holy town Ayodhya where one of the most popular incarnations of Lord Vishnu and the hero of the epic Ramayana, Lord Ram, was born. It has a large number of temples all over the town. The atmosphere of the town is filled with religious fervour and piety.

Ayodhya is easily accessible by buses and taxis that run from the Lucknow city. Tourists can approach state government buses or private tour operators who rent out taxis as well as buses on request.

Said to be the birthplace of Rama, the divine hero of the epic, Ramayana. Located on the banks of Saryu river, Ayodhya has hundreds of shrines. The Jami Masjid, the tomb of Bahu Begum and the Rose Garden are worth a visit.

Sravasti

Situated 150 km northwest of Lucknow is Sravasti. The Buddhist monastery Jetavana is an important site to visit here, as it is believed that Lord Gautama Buddha preached here after he got his enlightenment. After the death of Buddha, this monastery got royal patronage. This place is also accessible by the available modes of road transport.

Kanpur (65 km)

Kanpur, at a distance of 77 km from Lucknow, is a modern industrial city of Uttar Pradesh. One of the first cotton mills of the country was set up here. Besides, this city also has some historical monuments to visit. Kanpur is accessible by almost all the modes of transport from Lucknow of which trains and buses are the preferred ones.

The busting city on the banks of river Ganga is one of the major industrial centres of North India. It is said to be founded by king Hindu singh of the erstwhile state of sachendi and later came under the British after the treaty of 1801, with Nawab Saadat ali Khan of Awadh. The city emerged as one of the most important military stations of the British and was one of epicentrew 1857 war of Indian independence. Leading freedom fighters like Nana sahib, Tantiya tope, Azimoolah Khan and Brig. Jwala Prasad were closely associated with the city. Some of the attractions of Kanpur are – mound of Jajmau, the magnificent shri Radhakrishna Temple or J.K. Temple, Jain glass Temple, Allen forest Zoo, Phool Bagh, Nana Rao Park and the impressive kanpur Memorial church (All soul's cathedral) etc.

Bithoor (27 km)

The peaceful town on the banks of river Ganga is an important historic and pilgrim centre. According to Hindu scriptures Lord Brahma selected Utpal;aranya (Bithoor) for the rule of Nawab shuja-ud-daula. Almas ali khan, his administrator erected a mosque near Lakshman ghat on the right bank of Ganga. It became the capital of the Pargana from 1811 to 1891. After the departure of the courts, the palace was assigned as a residence to Baji Rao, the deposed Peshwa. The palace of Nana Sahib was reduced to rubble by the British in 1857. Bithoor was earlier known as ‘Bavan Ghat on ki Nagri' or the city of 52 Ghats. Today, there are only 29 ghats and the Brahmavart ghat is considered to be the holiest. It is said that Lord Brahma after creating man-kind installed a shivalinga here, which is worshipped as Brahmeshwar Mahadeva.

Jaunpur

Situated on the banks of Gomti river, Jaunpur boasts of a superb variety of medieval Islamic architecture. Amongst many interesting structures, the Old Shahi Fort dating to the Tughlaq era, houses a mosque and a replica of a traditional Turkish bath or hamam.

Mehmoodabad

This palace continues to be in possession of the descendants of the Mehmoodabad rulers. The ‘Raja' is still held in high esteem and on occasions, allows visitors to stay in the palace. Though the original luxuries are no more yet artifacts and a continuation of tehcourteous lifestyle makes the stay a memorable experience.

Excursion Kukrail Reserve Forest A picnic spot developed by the Forest Department, it has a deer park and crocodile nursery. A variety of birds and deer can be seen in their natural habitat.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary 43 km. Situated on the Kanpur highway, this sanctuary attracts Siberian migratory birds. The best season to visit is between October and March. Accommodation is available at U.P. Tourism's Priyadarshini Motel.

Deva Sharif 25 km. The tomb of Syed Haji Waris Ali Shah, known as Deva Sharif, is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Devotees throng the shrine in October/November when the annual urs of the saint is held.

Naimisharanya Misrikh 94 km. An important religious centre with the temples of the goddess Lalita, Dadhichi Kund, Vyas Gaddi, Chakratirth and Hanuman Garhi.