Top Places to visit in Lucknow

• CHOTA IMAMBARA 

The Chota Imambara, or the Imambara of Hussainabad, is one of the most beautiful and attractive buildings in the old city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. This imposing monument lies to the west of Bara Imambara and is a true sight to behold. The Chhota Imambara was initially a congregation hall for Shia Muslims that was built by Muhammad Ali Shah, who was the third Nawab of Awadh, in 1838. The Imambara was to serve as his own mausoleum as well as that of his mother, who is buried beside him in this prestigious monument.

The Imambara is beautifully adorned with decorations and chandeliers at the time of special festivals, especially Muharram. In fact, this 19th-century building is also referred to as the 'Palace of Lights' by European visitors and writers because of the profuse decorations of the monument at specific events.

It is a beautiful amalgam of Charbagh, Indo-Islamic and Persian structural and architectural designs. The exterior is complete with Quranic verses which are written in Islamic calligraphy on the walls of the monument. However, it is not just the exterior of the Imambara which catches the fancy of the eager visitors. Even the interiors of the monument are designed and maintained with intricate details and utmost care.

Architecture of Chota Imambara -:

Architecturally, the Chota Imambara is considered to be a more magnificent wonder than its bigger counterpart, the Bara Imambara. With its baroque carvings and exquisite calligraphy, the Chota Imambara surpasses every other heritage structure in Lucknow. The magnificent structure has been inspired by the design of the Charbagh pattern, with a single stream running through the centre of the garden. It is an amalgamation of the elements of Persian and Indo-Islamic styles of architecture.

Interior
The interiors of this artistic monument are decorated with delicate Arabic glass work and calligraphy. Ornately designed with a gilded golden dome, exquisite chandeliers specially brought from Belgium, colourful stuccos and gilt-edged mirrors, this attraction is an architectural dream which has been breathed life into.

Panjetan - Five Doorways
The five doorways of the Chota Imambara emphasize the significance of 'Panjetan' or the holy five. The Imambara comprises of two halls and a Shehnasheen, which is a platform where the Zarih of Imam Husain is kept. The large green and white-bordered hall of Azakhana is richly decorated with chandeliers and a good number of crystal glass lamp-stands.

Mausoleums
The monument houses the tomb of Muhammad Ali Shah as well as four graves; of the son, daughter, son in law and of the lady. This structure thus becomes a small-scale copy of the majestic Taj Mahal. The walls are adorned with Arabic calligraphy and never fail to please onlookers. The water bodies and fountains inside the Imambara get water supply from the River Gomti.

Husainabad Mosque
The Husainabad Mosque which can also be found inside the main monument is constructed on a raised platform with two grand minarets on the edge of the platform. The mosque is decorated beautifully and intricately with floral designs and Quranic Calligraphy.

•  BARA IMAMBARA

The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments in the city. The Imambara is primarily known for its incredible maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya locally, which is located on the upper floor of the monument. It is said that there are 1024 ways to get inside the maze but only 2 to come out.

Also known as Asfi Imambara, after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed, it is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram. Said to be the world's largest structure that is unsupported by beams, Bara Imambara is considered a marvel of engineering and a fine specimen of Mughal architecture. 

The Imambara has a unique style of construction. Moreover, no wood or metal has been used in the construction of this mosque. One can also have a view of the grave of Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah and his crown, which is kept in the central hall, which is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world.

Architecture of Bara Imambara -: 

The architecture of Bara Imambara is inspired from the ornamented Mughal design, named the Badshahi Mosque. This is one of the last projects not incorporating the use of irons or any European elements. The central hall of the Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world. What makes its construction unique is that no woodwork has been used in the entire structure (except the galleries). The blocks have been put together with the interlocking system of bricks, and the roof stands upright without any pillars to support it.

The Bara Imambara can be accessed through two large gateways, at one end of which lies the grand Asafi Mosque, on the other side is the large baori. Beyond the small entrance, to the left of the central hall, lies the intriguing labyrinth leading to the Bhul Bhulaiya which is the major attraction here. It is an enticing network of narrow passageways winding its way inside the upper floor of the monument's structure, eventually leading to the rooftop. The panoramic view of the City of Nawab from the roof is spectacular enough to take your breath away. 

• BRITISH RESIDENCY

The British Residency of Lucknow, which is also a Residential Complex served as the headquarters for the generals of the British East India Company. However, with the 1857 uprising, this once composed complex turned into a British refugee camp during that revolt.

The fort is now in ruins and a British cemetery nearby sites the graves of all the colonisers who died during the Lucknow siege. The ruins are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Residency also hosts a light and sound reminiscing the 1857 revolt show every evening. 

Architecture of the British Residency -:

The British Residency houses three levels which once houses a billiards room, offices and a library besides a protective basement. There is also a huge cross at the entrance, remembering Major General Sir John Inglis and his wife. Some of the highlights of the Residency include the Begum Kothi, the Mosque and the Canteen during the time, which are all in ruins now. 

One of the walls of this ruin holds a marble tablet of all the soldiers who fought the Indian revolt. The grounds of the British Residency also houses an ancient Banquet Hall which still adorns some impressive carvings on its pillars and walls. There is also another section of refuge during the time, called the House of Dr Fayer, which was also used as a hospital.

• MARINE DRIVE 

Marine Drive is named after the famous Marine Drive in Mumbai. It is a picturesque strip of road adjacent to the River Gomti in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. The spot is popular among the young crowd as a hangout place. Apart from that, people use it for jogging, cycling and similar activities. The path is sprinkled with benches to sit and relax.

• RUMI DARWAZA

The famous Rumi Darwaza is a striking gateway standing tall at sixty feet tall in the old city of Lucknow. It lies between the Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara exhibiting ancient Awadhi architecture. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, it is also known as the Turkish Gate because it is modelled after Bab-i-Humayun gateway in Turkey.

The creation of Rumi Darwaza has a very charitable reason behind it. When famine struck North India during 1748, the then Nawab of Lucknow came up with a plan that would feed his countrymen as well as give him something to cherish and be proud of. As per the plan, the Awadhi workers built the great Rumi Darwaza for him, in exchange for everyday meal. 

Rumi Darwaza in the heart of Lucknow looms over the busy everyday traffic of Lajpatnagar like an old guardian angel that has seen the city rise and fall. Through the arch of the Rumi Darwaza runs roadways to both sides and they remain busy, crowded and cacophonous all day long. The rush of vehicles and the brunt of time have weakened it, but it still stands ever strong and majestic, looking even more resplendent when lit up at night.

Architecture of Rumi Darwaza -:

• The architecture of Rumi Darwaza is distinctive and in sync with the Nawabi gharana popular in the Awadhi region.
• Unlike the Mughals, who used red stone, the Nawabs of Lucknow used limestone which was much easy for carving intricately detailed designs than hard stone.
• The top of the Rumi Darwaza at 60 feet height has a small octagonal place which is called the chhatri or umbrella – it looks over both sides of the gate from the absolute top. A staircase leads up to it, or so it did in the old days. So it can be assumed that this was either used for vigilance, or to light up the gate with a big lantern at night, which is the more popular history.
• The whole structure of the massive door is decked with ornate patterns of flowers and leaves and other detailed designs that speak explicitly of the great craftsmanship of that time.
• It has four minarets at four corners, and it stretches out on both sides taking up almost the shape of a building rather than a gate.

• AMBEDKAR MEMORIAL PARK

Initially known as the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal, the Ambedkar Memorial Park is located on Vipul Khand of Gomti Nagar. It was constructed by the state government under the leadership of CM Mayawati.

Built in the name of Dr BR Ambedkar, this public park is also dedicated to many other freedom fighters including Jyotiba Phule, Birsa Munda, Kanshi Ram and Sree Narayana Guru. Although it is not as green, the park houses various statues and structures of great historic importance. 

Park Architecture -:

The red sandstone structure of the memorial houses many other significant pieces on its park premises. 

Ambedkar Stupa
Situated on a pedestal, this stupa houses a massive bronze structure of Dr BR Ambedkar sitting on a chair. The base of this revered image holds an engraving of the line "My struggle of life is my only message." 

Since it has an open-flower kind of architectural design, it houses four opposite facing doorways. The inner space of the Ambedkar stupa exhibits various portraits of Dr Ambedkar and his life.

Museum - Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sangrahalay
Spread across 2.5 acres, this museum is roofed with two dome-like structures. Each dome holds statues belonging to different personalities.

One of them sites statues of freedom fighters including Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule and Shri Narayana Guru. Whereas, the other has marble idols of individuals such as Gautam Buddha, Sant Ravi Das, Sri Birsa Munda and Sant Kabir Das.

Pratibimb Sthal
This is a 107-acred expanse marking the entrance to the memorial. It hosts sixty and odd elephants parallel to each other. There is a huge central musical fountain towards the memorial's entrance. 

Gallery - Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Gallery
The gallery is a vital preserve of various artefacts and documents crucial to Dr Ambedkar, his life and his importance in the freedom struggle.

There are also several bronze-embellished wall work and other statues as well. There is also a small souvenir shop selling books and other relics here. 

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Drashya Sthal 
An encompassing viewpoint of the entire memorial park, this Drashya Sthal has been laid out on an 80 feet tall pyramidical structure. There is also constant water flowing from its pinnacle. 

• LUCKNOW ZOO

Located in the River Bank Colony, the Lucknow Zoo is a famous attraction in the city. Also known as the Nawab Wazid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, it was originally known as The Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens. The Lucknow Zoo is home to numerous mammals, birds and reptiles, the most famous ones being the royal Bengal tiger, white Bengal tiger, Himalayan black bear and Asiatic lion.

Established in 1921 by Nawab Nasiruddin Haider, this 71.6-acre zoo was established to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales to Lucknow. Housing over a thousand animals of hundred different species, the Lucknow Zoo also has a couple of activities such as a toy train ride through the zoo. The State Museum also displays Awadh artefacts at the Lucknow Zoo. Besides, several events such as Wildlife Week and Children's Day are celebrated here as well.

Attractions at Lucknow Zoo -:

Toy Train-
The toy train takes visitors into a safari-like experience as it tours through the entire zoo. Besides this train is also a great photo op and its recent renovation is an exclusive magnet for both children and adults. The revamped version of this toy train runs on an engine with 4 compartments

State Museum-
One of the most interesting attractions of here is the Uttar Pradesh State Museum which houses an exhaustible collection of artefacts centred around the customs, habits, mythology and contemporary objects of Awadh, along with excavations related to the life of Lord Buddha.

Items such as Awadh's sculpture, bronzes, paintings, natural history & anthropological specimens, coins, textiles and decorative arts can be found here as well. An Egyptian Mummy and wooden sarcophagus, an inscribed wine jar bearing the name of Aurangzeb Alamgir, a jade Chamakali with the name Jahangir and the date 1036 AD, a 16th-century painting of a scene from the Kalpasutra are major attractions as well.

Vintage Train
A replica of the British times, the Vintage Train which was initially a dysfunctional 1924 artefact in the Laxmipur forest was further brought into the Lucknow Zoo. However, this train is not part of the rides here but is instead a historic exhibit from the colonial time. 

Butterfly Park
Inaugurated in 2018, the Butterfly Park is relatively a newer addition into the Lucknow Zoo. With over 28 vibrant species alongside a beautiful park, this park also offers educational information about these colourful creatures. However, the butterfly park would need an extra entry fee. 

Nature Interpretation Centre
This centre of the Lucknow Zoo is a mini version of a biological museum, as it houses informative pieces from an animal mapping system to well-preserved ostrich, emu and macaw eggs.

There are also different species of tiger cubs, along with a display of different forms of animal fur and skin, including that of lions, tigers, deers, pandas, snakes and other animals. The Nature Interpretation Centre also has a preserve of pugmarks of different rare and endangered animals including different tiger species.

History of Lucknow Zoo -:

The Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens was established in 1921 to commemorate the visit of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales to Lucknow. Generous donations were made for the purpose by prominent landlords and the leading citizens of the State, who donated resources for the construction of animal houses and cages. Moreover, animals were also donated by the elite which were then placed in the exhibition as well. 

To look over the proceedings, a committee was formed which constituted of the donors and other prominent citizens. Colonel Fanthorpe, Commissioner of Lucknow was appointed as the first President and Sheikh Maqbool Husain as first Secretary of the Commission. The Committee was registered under the Societies Registration Act on 17 August 1926. The layout of the zoo was designed by Mr. Lintle Bogla and 26 buildings along with cages were constructed at a total cost of Rs. 2,08,800.

• HAZRATGANJ MARKET

Hazratganj, the central shopping district of Lucknow, has a long history behind it and has undergone a great makeover that bridges the past and the present and continues to serve as Lucknow's central shopping arcade.

• INDIRA GANDHI PLANETARIUM

Situated at the Surajkund Park neighbourhood of Lucknow, on the banks of the River Gomti, Indira Gandhi Planetarium is also popularly known as Taramandal Show. The highlights are the science and astronomy shows, 3D models and exhibitions.

One can also see various models of the Indian satellites and read diverse data about renowned Indian scientists like Aryabhatt, Varahamihira etc. Also, take a virtual trip to space and afloat amidst the stars and the gorgeous galaxies through the 3D space shows. Designed and modelled in the shape of Saturn with five rings around its central body, the building boasts of striking architecture signifying the solar system. A water pool surrounds the beautiful building.

The foundation stone for the Indira Gandhi Planetarium was laid out by Late Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh- Veer Bahadur Singh in 1988, the planetarium was finally opened to the public in 2003 when it was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati. 

• SHAH NAJAF IMAMBARA

Shah Najaf Imambara is a Muslim monument centrally located in Lucknow city at Rana Pratap Road. The dome-shaped monument houses the graves of Nawab Ghazi - Ud - Din Haider and his three wives.

Adorning splendid Mughal architecture amid a beautiful front floral yard, the Shah Najaf Imambara is an all-white marble finished structure housing a large dome.

Constructed by Ghazi-Ud-Din Haider himself, this 19th-century congregation hall sites popular camel and tonga rides in its vicinity. Visitors must ensure to remove footwear and cover their heads while entering the mosque.  

History of the Shah Najaf Imambara -:

Established in honour of the Caliph, Hazrat Ali, the Shah Najaf Imambara is believed to be a mirrored construction of the Iraqi tomb of Najaf-e-Ashraf.

Built by Awadh's first king, Ghazi-Ud-Din Haider, the premises of this intricate piece of architecture houses a residence and a mosque dedicated to Mumtaz Mahal, his spouse.

• MOTI MAHAL PALACE 

Built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, the Moti Mahal is popularly known as the Pearl Palace. This historical monument located on the banks of river Gomti is constructed next to Mubarak Manzil and Shah Manzil. A former residence of the Nawabs of Lucknow during the time, Moti Mahal was initially a part of the Qaisar Bagh complex.

The deteriorating flawless white structure of the palace is a great birdwatching spot, as the Nawabs of the time used to love sighting birds and other animal fights for entertainment. Today, the surrounding gardens are used to hold conferences, parties and other such special occasions.