Place to visit in Lucknow

[ChauM2]

I will be in Lucknow for three days, and I am interested in the seeing the city. I know that it is popular for its dishes, but along with that, I want to be a bit outgoing and explore some places.

I know that there is not much to see in Lucknow as I have never read or heard about anything popular to see there, but I would rather spend my three days there doing something.

I am not interested in parks or zoo, so please don't mention those.

 

[briannagodess]

Hello there, welcome to the forum!

Lucknow is the largest city in the state capital of Uttar Pradesh. It is also the third largest city in the North, East and Central India after Delhi and Kolkata. The city has the largest population of Shia Muslims in the country. Here are the must-see attractions in Lucknow:

Imambaras (Different from a mosque, it's usually a gathering hall for Muslims)

• Bara Imambara - This imambara complex was built by Asaf Ud Daula, Nawab of Awadh in 1784. It's a complex so it includes other structures within it like a mosque, labyrinth and step well. The imambara complex was finally completed in 1791 but the Nawab usually spent some more money to renovate it annually. The main imambara houses the tomb of Asaf Ud Daula. Beside it, there's also a tomb for the imambara's architect which was Kifayatullah. The imambara is over 15 metres tall and doesn't have beams supporting its ceiling. It's one of the largest of its kinds in the world.

• Chhota Imambara - This is also known as the Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak. This was built by Muhammad Ali Shah in 1838, to serve as a mausoleum for him and his mother. It also houses the tomb of Princess Zinat Algiya, daughter of King Mohammad Ali Shah Bahadur. Beside the tomb of the princess, the tombs of the son, son-in-law and the lady of Muhammad Ali Shah. The mausoleum has some resemblance to the Taj Mahal in terms of architectural style and design.

• Shah Najaf Imambara - This was constructed by Nawab Ghazi Ud Din Haidar Shah. It houses the tombs of Ghazi Ud Din Haidar Shar and his three wives Sarfaraz Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Mumtaz Mahal. It is believed that this imambara was a replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali in Najaf in Iraq.

Historical

• British Residency - This was built during the reign of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II. It is believed that the construction was between 1780 to 1800 AD. It also served as the residence for the British Resident General. During the year 1857, the residency witnessed a battle known as the Siege of Lucknow, which occurred between July to November of that year. Now though, the residency is in ruins but it's one of the main attractions of the city. You can also visit the graves of the individuals who died during the Siege of Lucknow, which is nearby the residency. There's also a light and sound show each evening showcasing the history of the residency.

• Rumi Darwaza - This is sometimes referred to as the Turkish Gate. This was built in 1784 under the rule of Asaf Ud Daula. The gateway was replicated from Sublime Porte in Istanbul. It is just adjacent to the Bara Imambara.

• Vidhan Sabha Bhawan Council House - This was built in 1928 and serves as the House of Uttar Pradesh Legislature. The foundation for the bhawan was laid during 1922 although it was only completed in 1928. The sitting of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly is held in the older wing and sitting of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council is held in the new wing of the building.

• Dilkusha Kothi Palace - This was built in the 1800 by Sir Gore Ouseley. Originally, it was used as a hunting lodge for the Nawabs but it also served as a summer resort for a short while. You can find it near the banks of the Gomti River. The palace has some resemblance to the Seaton Delaval Hall in England. Most of the structures here are in ruins now with a few towers and walls remaining. It's not as visited as well due to the lack of publicity for the place.

• Husainabad Clock Tower - This was constructed in 1881 by Nawab Nasir Ud Din Haider. It was built to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, 1st Lieutenant Governor of United Province of Avadh. It is just adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza. It's supposed to be a replica of the Big Ben Tower in London.

• Victoria Memorial - This was built by JH Hornimen on 1908 and dedicated to the Queen Victoria. It is located in the Begum Hazrat Mahal Park. The material used in the memorial was white makrana marble.

• Kaiserbagh Palace - This is also known as the Qaisar Bagh or Emperor's Garden. This was built by Wajad Ali Shah during the year 1850. Unfortunately, most of the southern and northern walls of the complex were destroyed. The independent structures within the Kaiserbagh court, the enclosures of the tombs, Chaulakhi and the King’s residential quarters were also destroyed.

• Shaheed Smarak - This is also known as the Martyr's Memorial. This memorial is dedicated to the martyrs of the Freedom Movement of India. It was built in the 1970s on the banks of the Gomti River. You can find it just opposite to the British Residency.

• Bibiyapur Kothi - This is also located near the Gomti River, on the Southern part of the city. It was built by Nawab Asaf Ud Daula with the guidance of General Claude Martin. The walls of the double-storeyed structure are still intact but it's not as maintained in the inside. It also has a spiral staircase, which is believed to be the first in the country.

• Satkhanda - This was built in 1842 by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah. The original purpose of the building was as an observation ground for the moon by the clerics, for their celebration of festivals as the Muslims base these in the lunar calendar. Unfortunately, the building was not finished due to the untimely death of the Nawab. It's supposed to be a seven or nine floored building but only four were completed. It bears some resemblance to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

• Butler Palace - This palace was built in 1919 by Raja of Mehmoodabad. The foundation for the palace was laid during 1915 by Sir Harcourt Butler though. It is believed that there's a dwelling spirit here residing in the peepul tree within the palace premises.

• Sikandar Bagh - This is also known as Sikunder, Sikandra or Secundra Bagh. It was built by Wajid Ali Shah as a summer residence for his family. Originally though, the garden was built by Nawab Saadit Ali Khan but was later improved by Ali Shah. The garden was sieged during the Indian Rebellion which lead to the deaths of thousands of people. Now though, the garden houses the National Botanical Research Institute of India.

Religious

• Chandrika Devi Temple - This is located in Kathvara Village in Lucknow, near the Gomti River. The temple is over 300 years old already and is dedicated to Chandrika Devi, a manifestation of the Goddess Durga. It is also known as the Mahi Sagar Teerth. The temple was mentioned in the Ramayana, Skand and Karma Puran. According to legends, the founder of Lucknow which was Rajkumar Chandraketu was passing through Gomti back then. He had to take a rest on the dense forest along the way and asked for guidance from the Goddess. A temple was built in the same area although it is believed that the original structure was destroyed by foreign invaders.

• Mankameshwar Mandir - This is a popular pilgrimage centre for pilgrims. It's a temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva and is best visited during the Shivaratri Festival. The temple also has numerous statues which are intricately sculpted. It is also known for having a woman as a chief priest or mahant.

• Chakra Tirth Temple - This temple is located on the holy place of Naimisharanya. According to legends, this is where the chakra of God Brahma stopped and went inside the Earth. This was supposed to indicate an omen that the particular spot was holy. Other devotees associate the temple with the chakra of Lord Vishnu. Devotees usually bathe in the pool to wash away their sins.

• Ramakrishna Math - This is a monastic organisation set up by Ramakrishna after the year 1857. The Ramakrishna Math in Lucknow though was established under the leadership of Sarat Chandra Bandhopadhaya. Swami Vivekananda also visited this place during his times in Lucknow. The main temple was constructed during 1987 and was made using white marble.

• Jama Masjid - This was built by Sultan Ahmed Shahi during the year 1843. The mosque was built using yellow sandstone and has both Muslim and Indian styles of architecture. It has over 260 pillars with about 15 arched domes. These domes are elaborately designed within various elevations. All the pillars have carvings reflecting the Jain and Hindu culture. The tomb of Sultan Ahmed Shah is also located within the mosque premises.

• Aurangzeb's Mosque - This is located near the Bara Imambara. The origin of the mosque is traced back to the 17th century. It was built around the tomb of Aurangzeb. The tomb of Aurangzeb's son is also located within the mosque complex.

Shopping

• Hazratganj - This was established by the first Nawab of Awadh, Nawab Saadat Ali Kahan in 1810. Back then, it was referred to as the Munnawar Baksh. However during the year 1842, the name of the market was changed to Hazratganj, after Nawab Amjad Ali Shah, who was popularly known by his alias Hazrat. During the year 1857, the British demolished the structures here and built European style markets within the region. Now though, the market has bazaars, shopping complexes, hotels, theatres, restaurants and offices. It's one of the most popular shopping areas in Lucknow.

• Aminabad - Like the Hazratganj, the Aminabad has been around since the rule of the Nawabs of Awadh. The main product sold in this market is the chikan embroidered garments. There are also gold and silver jewelries that you can buy here. There are also numerous restaurants and food stalls that line the market.

I hope this helps.