India > Uttar Pradesh > Lucknow

Lucknow, The Capital of Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh located on the bank of Gomti River. It is the largest city in U.P. with an area of 3244 sq km. The city also serves as the administrative headquarters of Lucknow District and Division. It is believed that the city derives its name from Lakshman (locally told as Lakhan) younger brother of Lord Rama. Since 1351 AD Lucknow and the Awadh region were jointly ruled by the Delhi Sultanate.

After that at the end of 16th century it was gone under the Mughal rulers. Usually, this province was ruled by Nawabs who were appointed by Mughals. There after Lucknow was captured by East India Company during colonial rule (British Raj). Finally, after the independence of India, Lucknow became the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Now, the city is counted as one of the fastest growing semi-metropolitan cities in India.

Chhota Imambara of Lucknow City

(Chhota or Hussainabad Imambara of Lucknow City, Uttar Pradesh)

Climate of Lucknow is humid and tropical in summer and cool and dry in winters. December to February is winter when temperatures vary between 25°C to 3°C. April to June is summer when temperatures vary between 44°C to 33°C. Monsoon season continue from mid-June to September when the city receive an average rainfalls of about 90 cm. best season is to visit in Lucknow is winter from November to February.

Lucknow is a Hindu predominant city more about 70% of population follows it. Islam is another important religion with 25% of population. Besides of these some other religions like Sikhs, Jain, Christian and Buddhists also reside here. Major Hindu festivals of Luknow are Diwali, Holi and Dusshera. Shia culture of Lucknow is also rich; traditionally they celebrate the festivals of Muharram and Eid great fully.

Tourist Places & Attractions

Note
Area 2,528 km2 (976 sq mi)
Altitude 123 m (404 ft)
Location Uttar Pradesh, India
Landmark On the bank of Gomti River.
Climate W: Average 16°C
S: Average 35°C
Best season November to March
Languages Hindi (main language), Urdu & English
Railway Station Lucknow Railway Station
Airport Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport
Currency Indian Rupee(indian rupee)
STD 0522
Time Zone UTC+5:30

Bara Imambara or Asafi Imambara is a superb complex in Lucknow which was constructed by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1784 ad. The architecture of the complex reflects the maturation of ornamented Mughal design, namely the Badshahi Mosque. It is one of the last major projects not incorporating any European elements or the use of iron.

Chhota Imambara or Hussainabad Imambara is another major tourist attraction in Lucknow. It was constructedt by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah in 1838 ad. This palace is popularly called also as the Palace of Lights due to its decorations during occasions. There is a big tower just outside the Imambara which is called as Sat khanda tower.

British Residency was a British colony where more over 3001 people resided. Today it is in ruin but some buildings of the Residency still has within its walls, the graves of around 2001 British soldiers who died in the Revolt of 1857. It is believe that the British fled from their homes to seek shelter in these buildings.

Shah Najaf Imambara was constructed by Nawab Ghazi-Ud-Din Haidar in 1817. It is a beautiful white domed structure situated at the bank of river Gomti and near Sahara Ganj Shopping Mall in Lucknow, just about 1.5 km away from main Hazratganj Market. The road leading to this building is known as Shah Najaf Rd.

Rumi Darwaza was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula in1784 ad. It is the one of best examples of the fine architecture of Awadh region. The Rumi Darwaza of the city is also known by the name of Turkish Gateway as its design is very similar to the gateway of ancient Constantinople.

Chattar Manzil or Umbrella Palace was built by Nawab Ghazi Uddin Haider and completed by the Nawab Nasir Uddin Haider. This building has large underground rooms and a central dome surmounted by a gilt umbrella. Presently, this building serves as the Central Drug Research Institute of India.

Jama or Jami Masjid was constructed by the Delhi Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423 ad. The constructions of the building completed with yellow sandstone. It is a very sacred place for Muslim community of Lucknow and it receives thousands of devotees during the festival time of Muhharam and Eid.

Dudhwa National Park covers an area of 681 sq km in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. It covers an area of 680 km2. It was established in 1958 as a sanctuary for Deer but during the year of 1988, it was accepted as the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve includes other two adjoining sanctuary namely, the Kishanpur Wildlife and Katarniaghat Wildlife.

Lucknow Zoo is a 71.6-acre zoo located in the heart of the capital city of Uttar Pradesh controlled by the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh. The Zoo is home to 441 mammal and 260 bird species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, Lion, Himalayan Black Bear, Rhinoceros, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Pied Hornbill, Silver Pheasant and many more.

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Park is a memorial dedicated to the great Dalit leaders. The entire memorial is built using red sandstone imported from Rajastan. Cost of the memorial is estimated at seven billion Rupees. Its name was changed from Ambedkar Park to Bhimrao Ambedkar memorial in 2002.

The famous Clock Tower of Lucknow is situated between the Bara Imambara and Hussainabad Imambara. This huge tower was constructed by Nawab Nasir-Ud-Din Haider in 1880. it is the biggest clock tower in India with a height of 221 ft.

Moti Mahal or Palace of Pearls was constructed by the Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. The Moti Mahal is located on the borders of Gomti River and provides a spectacular view of the city. The Nawabs used this palace to view birds in flight and spend time in leisure.

Lucknow is also a popular for film shooting where lots of famous movie shot was taken. Some major of these are the Junoon, Umrao Jaan, Anwar , Gaman, Shatranj Ki Khiladi and in the movie Gadar: Ek Prem Katha Lucknow has been used to depict Pakistan.

Some more tourist attractions in Lucknow are Kukrail Reserve Forest, Moosa Bagh, Katarnia Ghat, Nawabganj and Samaspur Bird Sanctuary, Khanqahe Kakori, Ram Krishna Math, Garison Church, State Legislative Assembly, St Joseph's Cathedral, Swarn Jayonti Park, Globe Park, etc.

How to reach Lucknow?

Travel by Roadways
There have four major National Highways in Lucknow which are directly connected to Delhi (by NH - 24), Shivpuri, Jhansi, (by NH - 25) Varanasi (by NH - 56) and Bihar (NH - 28). Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation operates about 301 buses daily. At present there are around 35 routes in the city. One of Lucknow's major bus terminals is Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar bus station at Alambagh. Other important bus stations are located at Qaiserbagh and Charbagh. All the major cities of northern India are connected by bus to this city.

Travel by Railways
The railway network of Lucknow is very well connected to other major cities of north Indian states. Lucknow Railway Station is the main destination to you which located at Charbagh town of the city. This station is belongs to Northern Indian Railway division. Some major railway stations in and around Lucknow are located at Alamnagar, Malhaur, Utretia, Amausi, Aishbagh junction, Daliganj, etc. you can easily get the city from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Pune, Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabbalpur, Jaypur and many more.

Travel by Airways
If you planned to reach Lucknow by airways then the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport of Amausi is suitable for you. It is located about 21 km from the Lucknow city center. You will get a flight from major cities of India like New Delhi, Bangalore, Patna, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, etc. This airport also receives several international flights from Oman, Dubai, Saudi Arab, etc. During Haj special flights are also operated from the city.

Hotels in the Lucknow City

Hotel Clarks Avadh
M.G. Marg, Lucknow-226001
Phone: 0522-2620131
Hotel Comfort Inn
Gomti Nagar, Lacknow-226010
Phone: 0522-2720988
Hotel Gemini Continental
Laxmi Bai Marg, Luknow-226001
Phone: 0522-4011111
Hotel La Place Park Inn
Shahnajaf Rd, Lucknow-226001.
Phone: 0522-2636441
Hotel Sagar International
Jopling Road, Lucknow -226001.
Phone: 0522-2206601
Hotel Taj Residency
Gomti Nagar, Lacknow-226010
Phone: 0522-2393939
Hotel the Piccadily
Bara Birawa, Kanpur Rd, Luknow
Phone: 0522-4096000
Ariff Castle
Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow
Phone: 0522-2611313
Kapoor Hotel
52, Hazratganj, Lucknow
Phone: 0522-2223958
Hotel Deep Palace
12/47, Cant Road, Lacknow
Phone: 0522-2237247