Vintage Lucknow: The City of Nawabs
Lucknow – The City of Nawabs & Kababs is the true gem for history enthusiasts who will love to explore the Historical Places in Lucknow. A city that portrays itself as a cultural, artistic & heritage hub of India. Lucknow is affectionately known as the City of Nawabs. The capital of India’s fourth-largest state Uttar Pradesh. Historically Lucknow was formally remembered as the capital of the Awadh region.
Lucknow is a city that continues to be an important center of governance, administration, education, commerce, aerospace, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, culture, tourism, music, and poetry.
So If you are in the search of Historical Places in Lucknow, then yes! you are in the right place that will let you know each and every historical aspect of Lucknow in this article.
Best time to visit Lucknow
The best time to visit Lucknow in the monsoon is from August to October. Winter is also the best season to visit Lucknow as during this time temperature of the city remains cold and full of mist. The temperature during winters can go down to 7-8°C in winters and the average remains between 8°C-18°C.
Recommended Stay
Min 2 Days / Max 3 Days
Highlight:
Historic Places, Foods, Countless Shopping & Malls, Traditional Chikan Embroidery Work.
How to reach Lucknow?
1. Busiest Railway Station:
Lucknow’s Charbagh Northern Railway Station.
2. Busiest Airport:
Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport.
3. Via Road Connectivity:
Also Lucknow is connected with all the cities of India via road transportation majorly through Capital of India (New Delhi).
Historical Places in Lucknow
1. Bara Imambara:
Also known as Asfi Mosque or Asfi Imambara built by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh in year 1784. It is also known as Bhool Bhulaiya locally by Lucknowi People. The Bhool Bhulaiya is located on the upper floor of the monument.
The Imambara is Famous for its unique style of construction. The central hall of Imambara is about 50 meters long and 16 meters wide. The roof of this columnless hall is more than 15 meters high. This hall is the largest hall of its kind in the world, with no external support for wooden, iron or stone beams.
Another intriguing structure at the Imambara is the Shahi Baoli which is a building raised around a large well, initially dug as the water reservoir for the Imambara construction works. It consists of an arched gateway and a five-story structure formed by interconnected archways and galleries. This Baoli is connected with the river Gomti.
What you should need to know while travelling Bara Imambara?
- Carry a torch with you for exploring the Baoli and the Bhool Bhulaiya.
- It is advised to hire a guide to prevent from getting lost in the Bhool Bhulaiya. The guide will explain each structure in great detail. The cost of hiring a guide is around in between Rupees 120 To Rupees 200 INR for maximum 2 hours.
Entry Fee:
- Rupees 25 per person Children for Indian citizens.
- Rupees 50 INR per person Adult for Indian citizens.
- Rupees 500 INR per person for Foreigners.
Note:
Use of any Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera is strictly prohibited for photography. All you can do photography by your own mobile phone camera or you can pay to the local photographers who are present their for clicking tourist’s snaps. However sometimes the cameras are allowed as per the guidelines, here are price mentioned below.
- Rupees 10 INR for Digital Camera.
- Rupees 25 INR for Video Camera.
Visiting Time:
6AM To 5PM IST (Everyday).
Visiting Location:
Near Machchi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pin Code: 226003
2. The British Residency.
The “British Residency” is a group of several buildings in a common precinct in the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It served as the residence for the British Resident General who was a representative in the court of the Nawab. This heritage building was built by Britishers which is famously known for the 1857 memorable war.
The construction of the Residency was started in the late 1700s by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah, however, it was completed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. After a few years of construction, it became a British personal hub. Currently, The British Residency is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The British Residency is famous for its many buildings. There is a museum in the main building which was built after the war of 1857 in the memory of the British martyrs, which tells the history of that time with pictures, weapons etc.
Most of the buildings were bombarded during the War of 1857 and are therefore ruined. The complex also houses a cemetery for British soldiers and a memorial to those killed in 1857.
It is quite clean and well maintained. Would recommend it to anyone interested in the history of Lucknow and British India.
Entry Fee:
- Rupees 25 INR per person for Indian citizens.
- Rupees 300 INR per person for Foreigners.
Visiting Time:
11AM to 6PM IST (Everyday)
Visiting Location:
Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pin Code: 226001
Note:
Use of any Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera is strictly prohibited for photography. All you can do photography by your own mobile phone camera.
3. Husainabad Clock Tower
Husainabad Clock Tower is located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India was built in year 1881.
From the past to the current it is the India’s largest clock tower of calculated as a height of 219 feet (67m).
Behind the Clock Tower there is also placed a beautiful man made lake as a surrounding. There are nice gardens and park around this place. It is specially beautiful during the sunset time.
The Clock Tower is situated in around 1.3Km away from the Bara Imambara.
Entry Fee:
Free of cost.
Visiting Time:
Open on all 7 days (24X7)
Visiting Location:
Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pin Code: 226018
4. Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza is an impressive Gateway that was built under the privilege of Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1784.
In 1748 North India, particularly Awadh was facing the scarcity of food and employment and the survival of most of the population was at stake. To help people overcome this Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula decided to build the Bara Imambara along with Rumi Darwaza for employment generation.
The Rumi door is 60 feet tall door between the big Imambara and the Chota Imambara in the city of Lucknow. This grand structure is in the middle of a busy street and now marks the entrance to the old city.
There is no entry fee to Rumi Darwaza and it is always open for all 24X7 in all 7 days.
Visiting Location:
5. Saadat Ali Khan Tomb & Maqbara
The Tomb & Maqbara of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan is counted as the best place to visit in Lucknow. This Tomb & Maqbara was built by Saadat Ali Khan’s Son in the memory of his late father Nawab Saadat Ali Khan who was a Deputy Ruler of Awadh region back in the days of Mughal Empire.
Highlight:
Peaceful, clean, and the beautiful garden adds a mark to its scenic beauty.
Entry Fee:
Free of Cost.
Visiting Time:
5AM To 8PM IST (Everyday)
Visiting Location:
Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pin Code: 226001
6. Dilkusha Kothi
Even though the structure of Dilkusha Kothi is completely ruined today, back in the days it has witnessed some of the classic time period of Indian history. History lovers & enthusiasts will never disappoint for visiting this place.
There are greater number of visitors come during the winter season specially foreign tourist, couples, sometimes children also come along with their parents for a quality time spent as a time pass picnic spot.
Currently the Archaeological Society of India keeping took care of this place & has done work to prevent further decay, carrying out gardening and small repairs.It is claimed that “Dilkusha Kothi” is probably one of the most beautiful monuments in the historic city of Lucknow.
Entry Fee:
Free of Cost (off season).
OR, Sometimes it cost you Rupees 25 INR per person for Indian citizens.
Rupees 300 INR per person for Foreign citizens as per the guidelines during the winter season.
Visiting Time:
8AM To 7PM IST (Everyday)
Visiting Location:
Bibiapur Marg, Neil Lines, Cantonment, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pin Code: 226002
7. Sikandar Bagh Gate
It is a villa and garden enclosed by a fortified wall, with loopholes, gateway and corner bastions. The inside architecture, botanical garden and pavilion have not survived, but the gateway still exists in a very good condition.
Entry Fee:
Free for all.
Visiting Time:
5AM To 8PM IST (Every Day)
Visiting Location:
Ashok Marg, Gokhale Vihar, Civil Lines, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pin Code: 226001
8. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden
Popularly known as Lucknow Zoological Garden or in short Lucknow Zoo consist of many attractions like:
1. Different Species such as Bengal Tiger, White Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Gir Lions, Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Rhinoceros, African Giraffe, Asiatic Elephants & many more.
2. Toy Train.
3. Vintage Train.
4. Butterfly Park.
5. State Museum, Lucknow:
(Timing: 10.30AM To 4.30PM IST; Closed on Mondays and certain public holidays.)
The Museum has become a center of Lucknow’s (Awadh’s) sculpture, bronzes, paintings, natural history & anthropological specimens, coins, textiles and decorative arts.
Entry Fee:
Entrance Ticket for above 12 years of age.
Rupees 60 To 100 INR per head depends on change in price ticket guidelines.
Entry ticket for 5 years to 12 years age
Rupees 30 INR per head.
Video Camera Ticket
Rupees 50 INR.
Click here to book your tickets online through online portal of Lucknow Zoo and get 10% discount
Visiting Time:
Monday (Closed / Holiday)
Tuesday To Sunday: 8AM To 6PM IST.
Visiting Location:
Hazratganj Road, Opp. to Civil Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pin Code: 226001
9. Chota Imambara.
It is one of the most beautiful and attractive buildings in the old city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. This grand monument is located to the west of Bada Imambara and is a true sight to behold. With its baroque carvings and exquisite calligraphy, Chota Imambara surpasses every other heritage structure in Lucknow.
On special occasions and festivals, the building is decorated with beautiful decorations and is often referred to as the Palace of Lights. Inside the Chhota Imambara is the crown of Muhammad Ali Shah.
Entry Fee:
- Rupees 25 INR per person for Indian citizens.
- Rupees 300 INR per person for Foreign citizens.
Visiting Time:
8AM To 6:30PM IST (Everyday)
Visiting Location:
Tahseen Ganj, Husainabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pin Code: 226003
10. Chattar Manzil
The Chattar Manzil, or Umbrella Palace is a building in Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh which served as a palace for the rulers of Awadh and their wives. Currently it is closed at present situation due to some construction & restoration work from last year (2020), hope it will open soon.
Entry Fee:
Free for all.
Visiting Time:
9:30AM To 6PM IST (Everyday)
Visiting Location:
Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pin Code: 226001
11. Satkhanda
The word ‘Satkhanda’ means seven storeys. Initially, the construction of this building was to be seven storeys, but later its construction was abandoned and thus, only 4 levels of it could be completed. Unfinished but still a splendor of heritage architecture, Satkhanda, a red-brick watch-tower built by King Mohammad Ali Shah, is located near Chota Imambara and Clock Tower.
Entry Fee:
Free for all.
Visiting Time:
Open 24 Hours / 7 Days.
Visiting Location:
Husainabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pin Code: 226003
If you like our article do share and also check out our travel guide about “Nainital”. And if you are interested in trekking and wanna add some adventure to your life feel free to read our Trekking guide
Is Lucknow safe for tourists?
Yes, you can visit Lucknow as it safe as any other city, just take some basic precautions which are applicable to visit any new place. Explore and enjoy The City of Nawabs & Kababs.
What is the speciality of Lucknow?
The city is quite famous for its chikan embroidery work, which attracts travellers from all across the country. Also, there are multiple shopping centers in Lucknow such as Hazratganj Market, Aminabad Market, various Shopping Malls, etc. Lucknow is a Culturally very rich and safe city that’s why it is worth visiting for tourists and travelers as they have multiple options to explore some great heritage culture, architecture from history over here.
Is Lucknow Expensive?
Though Lucknow is a rich cultural diversified city in terms of specialty it offers, But it is not expensive as it is pronounced to be. You can explore the complete city in between 2 to 3 days with a maximum estimated travel budget of around 15K-20K INR including accommodation and food.
How can I spend my day in Lucknow?
Lucknow is a very big city having a variety of places to visit, But if you are a explores and some history I will suggest you places listed below to visit first.
1. British Residency.
2. Bara Imambara.
3. Rumi Darwaja.
4. Clock Tower.
5. Chota Imambara.
Which documents should I carry while visiting Lucknow?
To ensure your safety and public security you should always carry the necessary documents while visiting Lucknow like;
1. Your Identity Proof (Adhaar Card, Voter Id)
2. Passport. (Imp for Foreigners)
3. Proof of Address.
4. Driving License.
5. Motoring Documents like RTO, Insurance, Pollution etc. if you are travelling with your own vehicle.
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