Lucknow....well the city where I was born and grew up, evokes such strong emotions which only a true blue lucknowite can understand and relate to....so here I am talking about "hamara Lucknow" which I feel is a must visit for all history buffs and foodies.
As you arrive in Lucknow, first and foremost you need to cover Bada Imambara, Chota Imambara, Clock tower, Picture gallery and the majestic Rumi Darwaza!!!! All these places are part of Lucknow's rich Nawabi history
1. Bada Imambara - Is a complex comprising Asafi Masjid, Shahi Baoli, living quarters of the Nawabs and the very famous Shahi Baoli
2. Rumi Darwaza is a majestic gate and is a symbol of Lucknow
3. Chota Imambara is a place comprising mosques, hamams and Maqbaras
4. Clock tower and Picture gallery - A majestic clock built more than a century back is a must visit for its sheer size and historical value.
Anecdotes - Picture gallery has some amazing life size photos of Nawabs, some of which have been made in such a way...that the piercing look of the Nawab seems to follow you as you go past the picture!
Evening can be used to try the Basket chaat of Royal Cafe
Visit "Residency", where Britishers were massacred during the revolt of 1857. You will need at least 2-3 hours to visit the whole area and feel the vibe of the place. Apart from being a popular location for many Bollywood movies....it also has a museum...which is a nice place to visit.
Post Residency visit Chowk to savour the local sights and sounds and also to pick your choice of the world famous Chikan clothes.
Post lunch, one can visit the Chatar Manzil(currently under renovation) and Maqbaras of the Nawabs near Begum Hazrat Mahal park. Would strongly recommend you take a rickshaw/Tonga ride to see Kaiserbagh complex next to the resting place of the Nawabs!!!
Evening can be used to sample Tundey Kebabs in Aminabad or Chowk for their mouth watering Kebabs, Sheermal and Biryani's.
Note : When visiting Lucknow during winters do try the "Makhan"
Visit Dilkusha kothi located in Lucknow's cantonment and amidst the ruins feel the vibes of the British era of the past.
A visit to La Martiniere School is an experience to witness French architecture built more than 150 years ago. Constantia building in the school will make you feel being in Paris.
Also drive through River front, the boulevard built besides Gomti river and Ambedkar Park, part of new developments of Lucknow.
Lucknow is a city which is in throes of transition from being a sleepy city with a culture of "Pehle Aap" to being a replica of Scores of mee too cities, but still maintains its charm.
City is well connected by Rail, Road and Air and has accomodations from Air BnB to the most Uber luxury hotels.
What makes Lucknow special are it's wonderful people who take pride in the city we call our home!!!!
