Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, thrives along the banks of Gomti river. The city, Awadh and Uttar Pradesh fell to the British during imperialistic era . Today, Lucknow is dotted with remnants of its rich cultural past.Lucknow is a historically important city and for many centuries was at the heart of North Indian culture. In particular, the city was famous for its Adab and Tehzeeb (manners and hospitality), intricate embroidery, beautiful gardens and dance forms such as Kathak. It was also one of the sites of the 1857 Indian Mutiny (or First War of Indian Independence). The Hindi spoken in Lucknow is considered the most beautiful and gentle in the country.
The cuisine of Lucknow has its own distinct individuality and identity. The most famous dishes of Lucknow are kormas, kaliya, nahari-kulchas, zarda, sheermal, roomali rotis, warqi parathas. Varieties of Kebabs are Kakori Kebabs, Shami Kebabs, Boti Kebabs, Patili-ke-Kababs, Ghutwa Kebabs and Seekh Kebabs.. It is not just the ingredients that are special but also the way they are made by expert hands and the way they are presented.Tunday Kebabi, Idris Biriyani and Prakash Kulfi are the most famous food joints.
Lucknow is also known for its Chikankaari or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth
Attraction
Bara Imambara and Bhool Bhulaiya. A large and impressive tomb complex built in 1783. There is an interesting labyrinth too. You could easily spend half a day wandering around these beautiful but crumbling examples of Mughal architecture. If you hire a guide, do not expect him to know the way around. Guides are known to get lost in the labyrinth! The ticket you buy lets you enter here, the Chhota Imambara, the Husainabad clock tower and picture gallery too, so do not lose your ticket. Please note that lone couples are not allowed to enter with out a guide. This prohibition is not brought to notice while buying the entry ticket. You will also have to pay a man 1 rupee to mind your shoes while exploring the complex (shoes are not allowed inside Bara Imambara). 350 INR for foreigners.
Rumi Darwaza (Rumi Gate), Hussainabad Lucknow
Chhota Imambara. An imposing mausoleum built by the third Nawab of Avadh in 1837. The ticket for Bara Imambara is also good for admission to Chhota Imambara
La Martiniere College: Boys college. Building also known as Constantia, La Martiniere College is one of the oldest schools in the country. It was built in 1840 and started as a school in 1845. The school building is still well mantained. The best time to visit is either in the morning at around 8AM, when one can see the assembly, or after the school finishes at 1:30PM. This landmark building has also featured in several Bollywood movies.
Husainabad Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar), Hussainabad Lucknow. A British landmark, set in a park with the somewhat poorly curated picture gallery, and a lake. A great place for sunset. The ticket for Bara Imambara also grants admission here.
British Residency. The bloody history of the demise of this Raj era compound is immortalised in the Museum in the Basement. This was the scene of the 1857 First Battle for Independence, referred to by the British as `The Indian Mutiny.´ Although you can still clearly see numerous canon ball marks in the ruined buildings, thankfully it is a peaceful place today. So much so in fact, that you are likely to stumble across couples taking a little private time in the leafy shady groves. The Residency is clearly recognised by the locals and tourists alike as a breezy haven to escape from the bustle and dust of a busy Indian city. The Residency will try to sell you a photo pass for an additional 25 INR. The guard will also ask you if you have a camera. However once you are inside, no one will say anything if you take photos. 100 INR for foreigners, 5 INR for Indian citizens
Hazratganj: Connaught Place of Lucknow. A good shopping area.
Ambedkar Park: Arguably one of the most beautiful park in India.