About Lucknow

Luck is always by a tourist's side if he is exploring Lucknow. This capital of Uttar Pradesh is eternally known for its artistic, courteous and cultural city seamlessly blended with the modern essence of the state. The home to royal Nawabs, the city's best-kept secret features richly lavish Awadhi Cuisines, magnanimous monuments, artistic traditions and lastly as a center for the famous 1857 Indian Uprising. All the traces of the glory of this city can be gauged during Lucknow city tour. Also, the journey will be an enriching experience for the taste buds as tourists get to relish the flavours of the lip-smacking royal Nawabi cuisines including softest Tunde Kebabs, Biryanis, Zardas, Nahari Kulchas, Sheermals, Roomali Rotis and Warqi Parathas to name a few. Don't forget to get hold over the famous Chikankari fabrics featuring intricately embroidered artistry of the city.

Rumi Darwaza
The imposing foundations of Rumi Darwaza or Turkish Gate, one of the prominent landmarks of Lucknow were erected on the orders of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. This gateway was built in order to provide employment during the terrible famine that occurred in the kingdom during the same year. Inspired by an entrance gate of Constantinople, modern day Istanbul, this colossal structure is sixty feet tall and rose up to prominence as a face of Lucknow.

Hussainabad Imambara
Located adjacent to Rumi Darwaza, Hussainabad or Chotta Imambara was constructed by Mohammad Ali Shah as his tomb along with his mother’s grave. The distinguished structure of this imambara features white dome, towers and minarets. The interiors of this small imambara exclusively feature chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and colorful stucco artworks. In addition to this, the King's throne and ornate replicas of the famous tombs at Karbala comprise the Hussainabad Imambara.

Asafi Imambara
Undoubtedly the grandest spectacle of Lucknow city, Asafi Imambara or Bara Imambara is a colossal tomb erected by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is one of the architectural delights in Lucknow. This big mausoleum complex is also distinguished for its large Asfi mosque, a labyrinth maze and a step well.

Shah Najaf Imambara
Another in the series of tombs of Lucknow city, Shah Najaf Imambara is a striking mausoleum featuring the graves of Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haidar and his wives including European wife Mubarak Mahal. This elegant structure also features a silver tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haidar, the last Nawab of Awadh.

Residency
The residency of Lucknow is a remnant of Raj and famous as the center of Sepoy mutiny.
A collection of terraced lawns and gardens, the ruins of Residency reminds us of the dramatic events during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 also hailed as First War of Independence. Built for the British Resident in 1800, the building is known for the Siege of Lucknow involving besieging of the British community by the rebels.

• By Air – Through Amausi Airport, tourists can enter the capital of Uttar Pradesh from major cities of India.

• By Rail – Lucknow Railway Junction is conveniently linked with prominent Indian cities.

• By Road – This city of Nawabs is extensively connected by good motorable roads to all major cities in India.

Climate – The subtropical climate of Lucknow makes it a city worth visited during October to March.

Agra
The city of Taj, Agra can be reached out easily via Lucknow, the capital of Nawabs. Covering the distance of 330 kms on road, the city excursion allows tourists to discover the indomitable spirit of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, the two famous Mughal architectural specimens. Also, the city is still considered one of the most visited

Varanasi
Reaching Varanasi, one of the oldest hindu cities in India is very easy and convenient from Lucknow, the city of refined nuances. Famous for the serene beauty and spirituality of Ganges Ghats, an excursion to Varanasi is a great way to experience the richness of Indian culture.

Sarnath
An epicenter of Buddhism, Sarnath is the site where Lord Buddha after enlightenment preached his first sermon to his first five followers. Located just 266 km from Lucknow city, Sarnath tour is one of the great experiences as a Lucknow tour excursion.

Sankisa
Another Buddhist heritage site, Sankisa village is an ancient cultural center where a modern day tourist can find various stupas and excavated stone statues of the yore. Legends associated with Sankisa reveal that Lord Buddha after giving sermons to Buddha’s mother, Mayadevi in heaven returned back on earth. To commemorate this event in Sankisa or Sankasia, Emperor Ashoka commissioned an excavated Ashokan elephant pillar here. Excavated remains of this pillar can be spotted in the village.

Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park, soread over a vast area of 680 sq km is a great specimen of flourishing eco-system accommodating swamp deer, tiger, elephant, hispid hare, sambar deer, hog deer, spotted deer, barking deer, rhinoceros, jackal, sloth bear, civet and barasinghas etc.

Kukrail Reserve Forest
Kukrail Reserve Forest, located just 9 km close to Lucknow is a perfect breeding ground for crocodiles. The forest is also known for its deer park, attracting picnickers in great numbers.

Bird Sanctuaries near Lucknow
Nawabganj bird sanctuary on the Lucknow-Kanpur highway is one of the best ways to spot the birds along side a lake. Located just 43 km from Lucknow, this bird sanctuary attracts tourists as well as birds during pleasant months. This sanctuary is noted for its flourishing migratory birds and a deer garden. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary is one of the prominent excursions from Lucknow city. Located in Rae Bareilly district, Samaspur is spread over an area of 780 hectare accommodating 250 varieties of migratory birds including greleg googe, pin tail, common teel, vision, showler and surkhab (ringnecked pheasant), etc.