Situated along the banks of River Gomti, Lucknow – The City of Nawabs and Kababs is widely renowned for its blend of ancient history and rich culture. It is the capital of Uttar Pradesh that welcomes you in a warm and welcoming ambiance.
The unparalleled charm and aura of this city will surely transport you to another world as soon as you step into this city, leaving you in awe for many days. Not to forget about its exquisite cuisine that makes it a preferred holiday destination for foodies.
Whether you’re a business or a leisure traveler, this city never fails to amaze you as it has a wide range of things to offer to its visitors. From centuries-old edifices to museums, gardens, temples, street bazaars, and entertainment centers, there are several tourist places to explore throughout the day.
Depending on your mood and holiday style, you can choose to stroll around the attractions of your choice. In case you need any help with your itinerary planning, we are here to help you out.
At Lucknow Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, our team of experts presents different types of Lucknow tour packages to cater to the varied needs of our diverse clientele. Customer satisfaction is our topmost priority and we leave no stone unturned to bring a smile to your happy face.
You can also opt for our all-inclusive travel packages to enjoy your Lucknow tour at reasonable prices. Or if you want us to add a personal touch to the package of your choice as per your pre-requisites, we would be happy to do that for you as well. Please fill out the Contact Us form to learn more about our Lucknow packages in detail.
History of Lucknow
Lucknow was founded in the early 18th century by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab of Awadh, a region that was part of the Mughal Empire. The city grew rapidly under the Nawabs, who were great patrons of art and architecture. They built many palaces, mosques, and gardens, which gave Lucknow its distinctive style of architecture, known as the "Lucknowi style."
In the late 18th century, Lucknow became a center of the arts and culture, attracting poets, musicians, and artists from all over India. It also became a center of Shia Islam, with many grand Shia shrines and mosques being built in the city.
The city's golden age came in the 19th century under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, who was a great patron of the arts and culture. He built many magnificent buildings and gardens, including the famous KaiserBagh Palace, which became the center of the city's cultural life.
In 1857, during the Indian Rebellion against British rule, Lucknow became a major center of resistance. The city was besieged by British forces for several months, and the siege ended with the British taking control of the city and the Nawab being exiled to Calcutta.
After the rebellion, Lucknow became the capital of the newly-formed province of Oudh under British rule. The British built many new buildings and institutions in the city, including Lucknow University, La Martiniere College, and the Lucknow Zoo.
In the 20th century, Lucknow became a center of the Indian independence movement. Many prominent leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, visited the city and addressed public meetings there.
Today, Lucknow is a vibrant and bustling city, with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving economy. It is known for its cuisine, which includes biryani, kebabs, and sweets, and its famous Chikankari embroidery. This city continues to be a center of art, culture, and education in northern India.
Places to Visit in Lucknow
Ideal for people of all age groups, Lucknow presents a diverse range of tourist places that keep you on your toes every time you step out of your abode to absorb what it offers. There are historical monuments for history buffs, there are architectural wonders for architecture lovers, there are pilgrimage sites for religious people, there are lush-green parks for nature admirers, there are wildlife sanctuaries for wildlife enthusiasts, and there are amusement parks for families with children. Combine all this with an extensive shopping experience and we bet you would want to be here time and time again.
Start your Lucknow tour with a visit to Bara Imambara. It is one of the must-visit sightseeing places in Lucknow that boasts an imposing structure that stands as high as 50 meters. Lying 1 km away from there is the Chota Imambara which is widely renowned for its beautiful architecture, intricate designs, and stunning decorations. Although the Chota Imambara is a smaller marvel but is equally impressive when compared to the Bara Imambara.
Then, there is a British Residency that impresses people with its rich history. Head to Lucknow Zoo to spend some time with a diverse range of animals, birds, and reptiles. Established in the year 1921, the Lucknow Zoo or The Prince of Wales Zoological Park sprawls over 71.6 acres of area and has wildlife creatures in their natural habitat. You can also take some time out for Lucknow State Museum to step back into the time of a bygone era through a collection of exhibits.
Enjoy a delightful evening with your loved ones at Janeshwar Mishra Park to have a great time in Lucknow. It is an urban park that provides a relaxing getaway to people who are in search of a place surrounded by an abundance of lush greenery.
For all those seeking to find solace and solitude under one roof, the city of Lucknow also boasts Gautam Buddha Park and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya Park. One can pay heed to Ambedkar Memorial Park as well to admire the statue of Dr. Ambedkar who fought against social discrimination and worked for the upliftment of the downtrodden and marginalized communities in India.
Don’t miss the Dream World Amusement Park if you wish to fill your day with unlimited fun and enjoyment. It is a one-stop destination for both adults and teenagers alike. Here you can try your hand at various rides and fun games along with hogging on the food of your choice at food stalls and eateries there. As a thrill seeker, you can also plan to explore the Anandi Water Park to escape the work culture of everyday life.
For shopaholics, the Hazratganj Market is there where you can stop to buy everything ranging from clothes to footwear, jewelry, handicraft, handloom, books, and much more at reasonable prices. It is a popular shopping street in Lucknow and has fine-dining restaurants serving traditional Awadhi cuisine to Indian and International dishes to cater to all taste buds.
Other points of interest that are worth your time include Sikander Bagh, Chattar Manzil, Gomti Riverfront Park, Rumi Darwaja, Hussainabad Picture Gallery, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Constantia House, and Jama Masjid. If time permits, you can also include the below-mentioned places in your itinerary list to enjoy your trip to the fullest. These include Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Moti Mahal Palace, Firangi Mahal, Chandrika Devi Temple, Mankameshwar Mandir, and Hathi Park.
How to Reach Lucknow?
Fly to Lucknow Airport for a hassle-free experience. Also referred to as Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow Airport has flights from major destinations in India as well as abroad. It has two terminals where the T1 terminal receives international flights from countries like Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Dubai, and Riyadh and T2 terminal operates domestic flights from Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Patna.
Next, catch a train to the Charbagh Railway Station to enjoy a railway journey to Lucknow. Located in the heart of the city, this railhead is well-connected with other railheads like Kolkata, Chennai, Patna, New Delhi, etc., through various short and long-distance trains. You can also travel in a special AC service train for the utmost comfort you need while traveling.
Last but not the least, if you like road trips, you can choose to travel on a bus operated by the state government for your ease. The facility of several deluxe coaches is also available at regular intervals. Once you’re there in the city, book a taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Lucknow to travel within the area in your utmost comfort.