A rendezvous with the City of Nawabs- Lucknow

This winter, plan a tour to a historic city of Uttar Pradesh and make your journey a memorable one. The great Imambara, Bhul Bhullaiya, and Rumi Darwaza call for an intriguing expedition. Here is a brief orientation of the monuments.

Lucknow is a historic city and it is located in the central Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow was one of the most important cities of India during 1775. Lucknow is famous for Nawabs. Today, the city is a holds more than two million inhabitants. From the La Martiniere to the Imambara, from Lucknowi dress to Nawabi foods and small paths, the city still retains the essence of the old city. The unmatchable charm of the place with predominantly Muslim culture will make your visit to the city an intriguing one.

On the banks of Gomti river, this Nawabi city Lucknow has a rich cultural heritage. From Delhi to Lucknow by flights it takes around 1 hour 10 mins. As you step into the pleasing city of Lucknow. The sheer vibrancy will amaze you. Every corner of the city has historical tales to reveal. The town will thoroughly captivate you. From splendid structures with hidden stories to the plethora of architectural grandeur charm its way through you.

Many visitors start from the west with small and Bara Imambara complex which are the great remains of the early Nawabi palaces. Built in 1784, Bara Imambara is also known as the ‘Gravity Defying Palace’. One of the largest distinctly arched monuments in the world, the hall is 50 by 16 meters and over 15 meters tall. The central hall of the structure has received it fair share of acclaim worldwide. It has no pillars supporting the ceiling. Offering a breathtaking view of the city, the maze inside the structure is an absolute delight. With 1000 labyrinthine passages, the maze may lead you to a dead end or to strange entry and exit points. To make things more interesting is the confusing portion called Bhul Bhullaiya enclosing the main hall on the first floor. Offering a breathtaking view of the city, the maze inside the structure is an absolute delight.

Chhota Imambara represents a wonderful a unique combination of Charbagh, Indo-Islamic, and Persian designs. Dazzling in sheets of lights, the Chhota Imambara is also known as the palace of lights. Note that non-Muslims are not allowed inside the monument.

To the west of Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza stands tall. Constructed by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula in 1784, the structure brilliant Awadhi style architecture.

At a surprising 60 feet, Rumi Darwaza comprises of a Chatri that can be accessed by a stairway. One of the finest gateways built in Lucknow, it is known that the maker is inspired by a similar gateway in Istanbul.

The Residency, the complex of ruined buildings, Chattar Manzil, Kaiserbagh Palace, Nawabi tomb and La Martiniere are other notable landmarks of Lucknow.

There are several daily flights to Hyderabad from Delhi, as well as it is connected to Kolkata and Mumbai. Auto-rickshaws are widely available in Lucknow. Taxis can be hired for longer trips around Lucknow. October to March is considered as the best time to visit the city.

Well, this winter, if your are planning a road trip to a hill station. Check Delhi to Nainital by car route for an adventurous road trip