Are you finding the real essence of India? Visit Lucknow. The capital city of Uttar Pradesh is the ideal multicultural destination. And we think this beautiful city is very underrated. While exploring the best places to visit in Lucknow, you will feel the charm of the 18th century.
It’s hard to cover a city’s beauty in one article. Still, we will try to share all the details of the City of Nawabs. If it’s your first time in Lucknow, you need a proper plan and a list of top attractions. Keep reading to know more.
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About Lucknow
Situated at the bank of the Gomti River, Lucknow is the heart of Uttar Pradesh. The classic city is famous for Chikankaari and Awadi cuisines. Besides these things, this place is well-known for its historic tourist places.
Be it ‘Adab and Tehzeeb’ or regional dance forms, Lucknow has so many things to explore. According to many people, this stunning city is the heart of the culture, heritage, art, and music of North India.
Best Places to Visit in Lucknow
Famously known for its hospitality, rich culture, and mouthwatering street food, Lucknow treats tourists with extra care. And you will miss a lot of things if you skip this city from your Uttar Pradesh travel list.
In this list, you will learn about the top 5 places to visit in Lucknow. Plus, we will also share some useful information about this city in the next sections. So, let’s find out.
1. Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara is Asia’s largest hall complex.
Build by the Nawab Asaf-ud-daula in 1784, Bara Imambara is the best historic landmark in the city. The word ‘Bara’ means big and ‘Imambara’ means shrine complex. The key attractions of Bara Imambara are Bhulbhulaiya and Asfi mosque.
Bara Imambara is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entry fee is INR 50 for adults and INR 20 for children. Foreigners have to pay INR 500 to visit this place.
2. Chota Imambara
Chota Imambara is another popular attraction in Lucknow. This shrine complex was built by Nawab Muhammad Shah Ali in 1838. The stunning design of this place attracts thousands of tourists every year.
You can find an unfinished 4-storied watchtower outside the Chota Imambara complex. This watchtower was supposed to have 7 stories as the Nawab wanted to make it as tall as Qutab Minar.
Chota Imambara is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entry fee is the same as Bara Imambara. However, foreigners can visit Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Shahi Hamam, and Picture Gallery with one ticket.
3. Dr Ambedkar Park
Spead across 107 acres of land, Dr Ambedkar Park is one of the best places to visit in Lucknow with friends. In between historic landmarks, this park gives a glimpse of this city’s modernity. And you can’t miss out on this tourist hotspot.
Dr Ambedkar Park is open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. The entry fee of this park is INR 20.
4. Husainabad Clock Tower
Lucknow’s Husainabad clock tower is the tallest one in India.
Husainabad Clock Tower is one of the top 5 places to visit in Lucknow. This clock tower was built by Hussainabad Trust in 1881. The construction cost of this tower was 1.75 lakhs INR at that time. It is a replica of London’s Big Ben clock.
5. Rumi Gate
According to legends, Lucknow was founded by Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama. The old name of this city was Lakshmanapur.
Last but not the least, Rumi Gate is the most important landmark of the City of Nawabs. Without any doubt, it’s one of the best places to visit in Lucknow. Built in 1784, Rumi Gate is also known as Turkish Gate. Just like Bara Imambarar, Nawab Asaf-ud-daula built this beautiful architecture.
Best Tips to Visit Lucknow
Even though Lucknow welcomes visitors across the globe, you have to be careful about everything as a beginner. To have the best experience while exploring the best places to visit in Lucknow with friends, you should know some tips. Let’s find out:
- Lucknow is famous for street food. However, you have to be careful while eating street food from roadside vendors. Make sure they maintain hygiene.
- If you are a solo traveller, it would be better if you don’t roam around at late night. Although Lucknow is very secure for tourists.
- Make sure you carry a first aid kit while exploring this city.
- This city is well-known for chikan clothes, artificial jewellery, and handicrafts. So, shopping is a top activity here.
How to Reach Lucknow
The capital city of Uttar Pradesh is well connected with other big cities in India. Plus, you can choose any mode of travel to reach this beautiful place.
Lucknow Junction is one of the major railway stations in Uttar Pradesh. You can get several trains from Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Kanpur, Bhopal, Kolkata, and Patna.
If you want to travel to this place by air, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is only 15 km away from the city centre. It’s a regular airport for domestic and international flights.
Lucknow is also well connected with other cities in Uttar Pradesh by road. You can take a road trip from Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, and Varanasi. You can also choose the Uttar Pradesh state bus service to reach the capital city.
Best Time to Visit Lucknow
When it’s about the best places to visit in Lucknow, you can explore this city throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the City of Nawabs is from October to March. The weather is pleasant during this period. You should avoid the summer months.
Conclusion
The city of Nawabs isn’t only famous for its rich culture. It has so many things to discover. In simple words, Lucknow has the perfect blend of modernity and traditionalism. Thanks to local people who have been carrying the legacy of ‘Adab and Tehzeeb’. As a first-timer, you will have the best experience while unleashing Lucknow.
Ruchira is the founder of India Travelpedia, a writer by passion and profession. Besides writing, she’s a travel buff, foodie, and culture enthusiast.
