As the ‘City of Nawabs’, Lucknow has the perfect combination of old-world elegance and new-world style and charm. This capital of Uttar Pradesh has a rich history and includes delicious food as well as unique hospitality. You are sure to enjoy yourself, no matter the reason for your travel, be it history, food, or the magnificent Nawabi or Mughal architecture. When planning your visit, consider the comfortable and memorable hospitality at a modern hotel, Asar Capoors, where you will be well positioned to see the best that Lucknow has to offer.
1. Bara Imambara
You cannot complete your visit to Lucknow without visiting the Bara Imambara. This magnificent piece of architecture, built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, is home to the largest unsupported arched ceiling in the world. If you enjoy old architecture, you will feel as if you are walking through a time capsule. Be sure to visit the upper floor, where the Bhool Bhulaiya allows you to navigate a maze of 1,000 narrow passages. A visit to the Imambara is also a visit to the Asfi Mosque and Shahi Baoli stepwell. You will be able to go to the roof of the complex to enjoy wonderful views of the city, but be sure to visit in the evening.
2. Chota Imambara
The beauty of the Indo-Islamic architectural style can be seen in the Chota Imambara, also called Husainabad Imambara, a structure completed in the year 1838. Husainabad Imambara is fully decorated with calligraphy, chandeliers, and other extravagant designs. It possesses a white dome that shines and stands out from the other buildings, especially at night. This complex is the final resting place of Muhammad Ali Shah and his mother. This outdoor space is a great place for photography and contemplation and is surrounded by lovely and quiet gardens.
3. Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza is a recognizable architectural structure and a very well-known landmark of the city of Lucknow. Rumi Darwaza is 60 ft tall and stands with pride in the city centre. It was completed in 1784 and reflects the architectural style of the Nawabi period of the 18th century. It was based on the style of the Sublime Porte in Istanbul. This structure can be appreciated best during the golden hour. It is ideally situated between Chota and Bara Imambara, making it a perfect stop on your heritage walk in Old Lucknow.
4. British Residency
A reminder of India’s colonial era, the British Residency endured considerable destruction during the 1857 uprising. The recovered remnants of this conglomerate complex demonstrate surviving architectural splendour as well as the echoes of colonial battles. In these dwellings, the impact of the past can be experienced as if historical voices are emanating from the walls. The siege is memorialised by the cemetery within the ruins. Part of the complex is educational, with this period documented by the exhibits of the Residency Museum.
5. Hazratganj
For those who enjoy modern experiences, shopping in Lucknow is a joy. Hazratganj is the modern shopping epicenter of Lucknow. One can purchase anything from traditional handicrafts, chikankari (fine hand embroidery on fabric) garments, modern textiles, books, costume jewellery, or even precious stones. It is a charming vintage zone, lined with colonial-era Victorian architecture. One gets a vintage feel at Royal Cafe, an old establishment that serves traditional Lucknow dishes for breakfast or evening snacks. The place is ideal for a walk and a vintage experience, especially the newly designated strolling area.
6. Ambedkar Memorial Park
Ambedkar Memorial Park is one of Lucknow’s prominent modern landmarks. Also referred to as Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal, the park encompasses 107 acres of beautifully crafted red sandstone structures and monuments. The architectural grandeur is truly admirable. The landscape is embellished with remarkable statues, feature fountains, and verses of Dr. Ambedkar inscribed on stones. Especially at night, when the monuments are illuminated, the park becomes a stunning urban oasis, lending a sanctuary-like atmosphere to the otherwise busy city.
7. Lucknow Zoo
Lucknow is also home to one of the oldest zoos in the country, the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden. Established in 1921, the Lucknow Zoo houses a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles and is a fantastic destination for families and nature lovers. The grounds are large and well kept and also feature a popular toy train for children. The museum at the zoo contains specimens of various species along with educational material. Be sure to visit in the morning on a hot day, as the animals are more active.
8. Janeshwar Mishra Park
One of the largest and most beautifully landscaped parks in Asia, Janeshwar Mishra Park is a rare green space in the core of the city. Occupying 376 acres of land, the park provides spacious walking and cycling lanes, as well as features like musical fountains and beautiful gardens. It is an ideal place for a morning stroll, a picnic, or simply unwinding in the heart of the city. In addition, the park has areas for outdoor games and activities as well as exercise stations. Every weekend, the park is filled with families spending time together.
9. La Martiniere College
This is one of the most remarkable educational buildings in the country and a real architectural masterpiece. In the late 1800s, Major General Claude Martin built the structure as a country home, which later, in the early 20th century, became a famous and elite educational institution. The Indo-European architectural style, which includes turrets, pillars, and a one-of-a-kind lion statue, is a treat for photographers and sightseers. The structure is impressive from the outside, and the large campus surrounding it is a spectacle in itself, representing the rich and diverse history of the city of Lucknow.
10. Lucknow Street Food Trail
While in Lucknow, the absolute must-do activity is indulging in street food. Tunday Kababi specialises in kebabs that melt in your mouth. Prakash Kulfi serves delicious royal kulfi. When visiting Aminabad and Chowk, you must try basket chaat, makhan malai (a winter-exclusive treat), and of course, Lucknowi biryani. There is no other food experience in the world like Lucknow. You can taste tradition through slow-cooked meats and spices passed down through generations. There is truly no other street food experience like this.
Plan Your Lucknow Adventure
Lucknow is a rewarding city. Unlike other cities with limited exploration opportunities, in Lucknow you can spend hours visiting sites. You can explore historically rich locations that are royal and grandiose, as well as places that are modern and vibrant. The city is at its best between October and March due to its pleasant climate.
Once you arrive in the city of Lucknow, the first thing you should do is book your stay. Asar Capoors Hotel is a great choice, offering a balance of comfort and convenience. Whether you want to experience tehzeeb, enjoy a heritage tour, or go on a food hunt, the city has the power to enchant visitors and leave them wanting to return.
Book your stay at Asar Capoors Hotel today and experience Lucknow the way it is meant to be experienced – with comfort, style, and authentic hospitality.
