Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi Culture. The Imperialistic splendour and magnificence of the Nawabi Era has been glorified and eulogized down the ages by writers, poets and eulogized down the ages by writers, poets and historians alike. At the same time its mystical elegance and amorous ethos has caught the fascination of many world famous romantics. Known for its Adab and Tehzeeb, Lucknow is also associated with its legendary hospitality, leisurely moods of life, fabled edifices steeped in history, world renowned cuisine and exquisite Sham-e-Avadh. Tremors of time of time have not effaced Lucknow of its cultural heritage and traditions, which once contributed in creating the city incomparable in its times.

As the 18th century seat of the Nawabs of Avadh, Lucknow flourished becoming an important political and cultural centre, rivalling Delhi in its patronage to art and literature. It was during this time that culture and architecture synthesized emerging in a distinct form now so typical to the Lucknow culture. The peace and prosperity under the governance of the nawabs brought about a cultural renaissance in Avadh. Musicians and dancers flocked to Lucknow giving birth the new musical forms and instruments under the patronage of the royalty. Art forms like Kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Qawalis, Ghazals and Shero Shairi saw their finesh hour. In this era major stress was laid on even minor detail like the art of dressing, apparels (libaas) and jewellery all symbolic of genteel lifestyle. The legacy of the exquisite embroidery still lives on with equal zest in today's modern era. Culinary skills, too, reached heights of excellence as the nawabs were not only gracious hosts but also extremely fond of good nutritious food. Thus emerged the skillful art of slow cooking. The royalty of Avadh was also famous for indulging in extravagant pastimes like elephant and roster fights and kite flying, a game that still evokes passionate involvement among the flyers and the bystander alike. The field of architecture saw re-interpretation of the existing styles and experimentation in the fusion of the occidental and the oriental style of architecture.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : 79 sq. km
Population : 1731224 (1991 census)
Season : October - March
Clothing : Cotton (Summer), Woollen (winter)
Language : Hindi, Urdu, English
Festivals : Holi, Dussehra, Diwali, Jamghat,
Id-ul-Zuha, Id-ul-Fitr, Shab-e-Barat, Moharram

PLACES OF INTEREST

Bara Imambara
This glorious monument recalls the glorious past of the nawabs and stands out for its austerity in style and symmetry alongwith daring techniques in architecture. To provide employment and relief to his subjects during the calamitous famine of 1784, Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula built this Imambara which also houses his tomb.

The remarkable feature of the Imambara is the absence of pillars for support, to the 50ft high main hall and a labyrinth of intricate balconies and passages in the upper floor, the 'Bhul Bhulaiyya'. (Open from 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs.).

CHOTA IMAMBARA
It was built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah (1837-42). Though popularly called as the Chhota Imambara the Hussainabad Imambara stands to the west of Bara Imambara. It is more ornate in design with exquisite chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, silver mimbar and colourful stuccos which adorn the interiors. A golden dome and fine calligraphy on the exterior of the building makes it a truly exceptional monument of Mughal architecture (open 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs.).

SHAH NAJAF IMAMBARA
Shah Najaf Imambara is situated on the bank of river Gomti, the Shahnajaf Imambara was built by Ghazi-ud-din Haider. He was the Ist king of Avadh. It is a replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali at Najaf in Iraq. Inside is the replica of silver rauza of Najaf. Ghazi-ud-din Haider lies buried here with his three begums - Mumtaz Mahal, Bubarak Mahal and Sarfaraz Mahal.

CLOCK TOWER
Clock Tower was constructed in 1887, the Hussainabad Clock Tower is one of the finest example of British architecture. The 2221 feet tall structure was built to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, Ist Lieutenant Governor of the United Province of Avadh with a cost of Rs. 1.75 lakhs.

RUMI DARWAZA
Rumi Darwaza was constructed by Nawab Asafuddaula in 1786 (Rumi Darwaza height is 60 feet). It is said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople. It uppermost part consists of an eight faceted chhatri, approachable by a staircase.

JAMA MASJID
The construction of Jama Masjid was started in 1839 AD during the reign of Mohammad Ali Shah but it was completed after his death by his begum, Nawab Malika Jahan. It is entirely free from the pseudo-Italian art then in vogue in Lucknow reflects the Mughal style of architecture.

HUSSAINABAD PICTURE GALLERY
Hussainabad Picture Gallery was made by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah as a 'Baradari' - literally meaning 'having 12 doorways'. It is now used as a gallery for display of life size portraits of the Nawabs of Avadh. (Open 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs.).

CHHATAR MANZIL
The "Umbrella Palace" stands near the present Hanuman Setu. It derives its name from the guilt dome with a covering umbrella, which gives a special magnificence to the complex. Constructed by Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider and completed by his son Nasir-ud-din Haider. Today it houses the Central Drug Research INstitute (CDRI).

QAISERBAGH PALACE COMPLEX
The Qaiserbagh Palaces were commenced in 1848 and completed in 1850 by the last nawab of Avadh, Wajid Ali Shah. The yellow buildings flanked by two Lakkhi Gates provided quarters for the ladies of the royal harem. In the center of the quadrangle stands the Baradari, a white stone edifice of picturesque design.

MOTI MAHAL
The 'Pearl Palace' was erected by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, later Ghazi-ud-din Haider added two other buildings to the complex - the Shah Manzil and the Mubarak Manzil. They were mainly constructed for the Nawab and his courtiers to watch animal combats from the balconies of these buildings, which were held at the other side of the river.

QADAM RASUL
The "Prophet's Footprint" was brought to India from Mecca by some distinguished pilgrim. Though badly damaged in 1857 war, the stone bearing the foot print still stands on a high pedestal near Sikandar Bagh (NBRI), constructed by Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider.

SIKANDAR BAGH
Derives its name from one of the begums of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, Sikander Mahal. It was 120 square yards in area surrounded by a high wall, with a summer house in its centre. The National Botanical Garden has been set up here after independence.

DILKUSHA PALACE
"Hearts Delight" was constructed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan as a hunting retreat. The palace is laid down amidst extensive parks near of river Gomti.

BIBIYAPUR KOTHI
Erected under directions of General Claude Martin as a country house during days of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. It was chiefly used as a guest-house for incoming British residents. It was here that Saadat Ali Khan was proclaimed Nawab of Awadh by Sir John Shore.

ENTERTAINMENT

LUCKNOW ZOO
The Prince of Wales Zoological Garden boasts of very rare species of animals and exotic birds. A popular holiday resorts for the local population.

KUKRAIL RESERVE FOREST
On the outskirts of Lucknow, it has been developed by the Forest Department. Kukrail houses a deer park and one of the nurseries of the endangered species of crocodiles in India.

CELEBRITY COUNTRY CLUB, SHIVGARH RESORTS LTD.
Situated 31 kms. from Lucknow, on Lucknow-Raebreli Road, it comprises a club with indoor/outdoor games facilities, restaurant, cottages and rooms.

LUCKNOW MAHOTSAV
Days full of festive events and evenings laden with entertainment! Crafts, cuisines, music and dance! Reliever the glory of a great city at the Lucknow Mahotsav every year in the Months of Nov. - Dec.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR
Amausi Airport, Lucknow is directly connected with Delhi, Patna, Calcutta, Mumbai and Varanasi.

TRAIN
A major railway junction Lucknow is conveniently connected to many cities. Some of the Important trains are :

2003/2004 Shatabdi Exp., 5063/5064 Awadh Exp.,
9165/9166 Sabarmati Exp., 2553/2554 Vaishali Exp., 5609/5610 Avadh Assam Exp.,
8475/8476 Neelanchal Exp., Ganga Yamuna Exp., 42229/4230 Lucknow Mail

ROAD
Lucknow is connected by road with most of the metropolitan cities of the country. Some of the major road distances are : Agra-363 km, Allahabad-210 km, Ayodhya-134 km, Calcutta-985 km, Kanpur-79 km, Khajuraho-320 km, Varanasi-305 km.