Lucknow
The City of Nawabs

THE historical city of Lucknow is situated on the banks of the river Gomti. It is famous for its hospitality, cuisines and 'Shaam-e-Awadh' world over. Due to its legendary hospitality, leisurely moods of life it is also called the city of Tehzeeb (cultural refinement). At present Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in India. Earlier it was the capital of former Awadh state from year 1775 to 1856. Literature, music and dance have flourished here during that period under the leadership of Nawabs of Awadh.

Lucknow is also called the ‘Golden city of the east’ and is popularly known as the city of Nawabs and Kababs. It is also known as the cultural centre and political hub of the north India. Like other metro cities Lucknow is also developing at fast pace and is emerging as a modern city. But with the modernization, Lucknow has not forgotten its old culture; it has still retained its past glory.

During last three centuries many historical buildings have been built in Lucknow. Now these have become the major attraction for the visitors. The famous buildings which attract the visitors include Bara Imambara (Bhulbhulaiya), Chota Imambara also known as Husainabad Imambara, The Residency, Rumi Darwaza, Sikandar Bagh, Zoo and Museum.

Bara Imambara was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1784, when the region was struck by a famine. The Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula offered ‘food for work’, for this he employed more than 22,000 people. For this purpose he adopted a dual policy of construction. During the day, the Imambara was built, and at night, the workers destroyed parts of what had been built. This was to ensure that no one remained unemployed, and the construction was not completed too soon. The biggest attraction of this building complex is the Bhulbhulaiya, a maze with confusing passages.

The Residency is a group of British buildings that used to serve as the headquarters of the British Resident in the state of Oudh, or Awadh as the region around Lucknow was known back in early 19th century. The complex was attacked by the mutineers during the 1857 revolt, and taken over by the Indian soldiers. The Residency is situated at the centre of the city, in the Hazratgunj area.

As Lucknow is famous for its gardens and buildings, it is also famous for its Chicken work (type of embroidery) world over. September to March is best season to visit here.

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