Lucknow Travel Guide
Travel to Lucknow - Tombs, Mazes And Tales Of Sieges
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Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, extends along the banks of the River Gomti and has much to interest the visitor who likes to explore off the beaten track. A predominantly Muslim city Lucknow has several important elaborate tombs to discover as well as connections to the British Raj, for it was the scene of the Siege of Lucknow.
The creator of Lucknow as it is today was Nawab Asaf ud Daula. The city became known as a centre for Urdu poetry and courtly diction, and reached its zenith during the reign of Wajid Ali Shah who was a connoisseur of the arts. It was during his reign that the British appropriated Awadh. Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisine and 'Chikankaari' or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.
The British made Lucknow an important base garrisoning troops at the Residency. By 1857 trouble was brewing with both Muslim and Hindu sepoys rising up in revolt. The siege of the Residency has since entered the history books and a visit to the now ruined Residency is a poignant reminder of the times.
Today, the city is rich in the remains of its rich and historic past with many wonderful imambaras, gardens and mosques to discover for the traveller that likes to get off the beaten track.
Attractions in Lucknow
The 19th century Chota or Hussainabad Imambara houses the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah, its builder, and of his mother. It is a beautiful building set in gardens which set off its white dome perfectly.
Close by is the Bara Imambara, arguably the city’s greatest attraction. A magnificent tomb the Imambara was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784; its designer was Kifayat-ullah said to be a relative of the architect of the Taj Mahal. A mixture of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles the building consists of three huge halls and an amazing maze of 1000 passages.
The Residency lies in ruins now following the dramatic events of 1857. Taking a walk through the passageways and rooms one can almost hear the hum of a Raj ere dinner party or the whiz of sniper fire. The cemetery contains the graves of some 2000 defenders. An on site museum tells the story.
Other attractions include the Zoo and State Museum.
Activities in Lucknow
Allow 2 days to explore Lucknow fully, although with your own driver-guide the main sights can be seen in a day.
Relaxing
The city is famous for its excellent Nawabi food with dum pukht ‘terracotta steaming’ a speciality method of cooking – try it out at one of the city’s many fine restaurants.
Getting Around
The city is very spread out and it is essential to use with taxis, auto-rickshaws or, preferably, to explore using your own driver-guide.
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