The capital of Uttar Pradesh and often described as the ‘City of the Nawabs’, Lucknow is one of the oldest and most multicultural tourist destinations in India. The city was initially developed between the 18th and 19th centuries as an artistic and cultural center of India during the reign of the Nawabs of Oudh. The city is the second-largest city in North India and the 11th largest in the country. The city has various architectural wonders, historical monuments, cuisine and is a cultural center in itself. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Lucknow.
The city of Nawab, Lucknow is a place full of rich culture and ancient heritage. As a tourist when you check to see any place in Lucknow, you will be amazed to see places to serve people of almost every age. Filled with innumerable famous landmarks like Chattar Manzil and Jame Mosque, Lucknow attracts many pilgrims from all over the world. Tourist attractions in Lucknow range from historical sites to water parks, theme parks to temples and memorials.
1. Bara Imambara, Lucknow
Counted among the top historical places in Lucknow, Bara Imambara aka Asafi Imambara is a historical monument dating back to the 18th century. , A maze (misleading), and a step with running water (Shahi Baoli).
2. Rumi Darwaza, Lucknow
When you want to see the majesty of the Awadhi style of architecture, go to Rumi Darwaza, an attractive gateway located between the big Imambara and the small Imambara. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah in 1784, the gateway is about 60 feet long and is commonly used as the logo of the city of Lucknow. Since the gate was built after the sublime port of Istanbul, it is sometimes referred to as the Turkish Gate.
3. Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow
The planetarium is designed in such a way that it resembles Saturn, which sets it apart from other planetariums in the country. With its high-tech projection methods and daily screenings that amaze the universe, it is a great place to learn one or two things about a celestial object.
4. Ambedkar Park, Lucknow
A 107-acre public park and memorial in Gomti Nagar, Ambedkar Park honors Dr. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, Kanshi Ram, Narayan Guru, and many other social reformers who worked for equality and social justice. An interesting feature of the park is that the whole place is made using red sandstone bought from Rajasthan. The main attractions here include the Ambedkar Stupa, the reflection ground where there are 62 elephant statues, the museum, and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Social Change Gallery.
5. Chowk, Lucknow
Looking for an amazing variety of slim dresses? Head to Chowk, another popular and old market in Lucknow, which evokes an unforgettable atmosphere. With over 5000 shops, the place gives you a glimpse of the street shopping experience and the cultural heritage of the city. From stunning slim and Zardozi dresses to handmade jewelry, Nagra shoes, and perfumes to melted mouth kebabs, delicious biryani, and rubric, you’ll find it all in chalk.
6. Chattar Manzil, Lucknow
The Chattar Manzil or Chhata Palace, which once served as the residence of the Awadhi rulers and their wives, is another popular tourist destination in Lucknow. As the name implies, the building has an umbrella-shaped dome. The structure displays elements of different styles of architecture, the most important of which is the European style. Currently, the building serves as a government office but is visited by tourists due to its architectural beauty.
7. Amrapali Water Park, Lucknow
When you are in the mood to have some aquatic fun, head to Amrapali Water Park, one of the best water parks in Lucknow. This place has a fine range of rides and slides like Aqua Trail, Black Hole, Float Slide, and Crazy Cruise. Complete with restaurants and video game parlors, Amrapali is a perfect recreation area to keep you busy for the whole day, especially in summer.
8. Four Seasons Fun City Water Park, Lucknow
Located on more than 30 acres of vast land, Fun City is another place to have fun with your family and friends. the key attraction here is twister rides, like jet splash, family slides, multi-cruise, and float slides, and racing reverse multi-lane slides, the place is ideal for people of all ages. Another key attraction here is Snow Park which promises you a really ‘great’ experience.
9. Dilkusha Kothi, Lucknow
Built-in the English Baroque style, the building once served as the Nawab’s hunting lodge and summer resort. Today there is nothing left of the building except the outer walls, a few towers, and a beautiful garden.
10. Husainabad Clock Tower, Lucknow
Adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza, the Hussainabad Clock Tower is another heritage monument because of the city of Lucknow. Built-in 1 Hussain5 by the Hussainabad Trust for Rs 1.755 lakh, the 221-foot structure is modeled on the Big Ben Clock Tower in London. The watch is designed like a 12-petalled flower and its pendant is 14 feet long. Popular as the country’s tallest clock tower, it showcases Gothic and Victorian architecture.
11. Aminabad Market, Lucknow
One of the best places to shop in Lucknow is the Aminabad Market, which has been in operation since the time of the Nawabs. From embroidered thin clothing, jewelry, and footwear to carpets, bedsheets, and local handicrafts, you’ll find almost everything here. And don’t forget to bargain to get the best deal. Once you’ve finished shopping, visit some of the top restaurants in the area, such as Wahid Biryani, Kalika Chat House, and Tunde Kebab, and refill your engine with some interesting grubs.
12. Hazratganj Market, Lucknow
Hazratganj Market, a century-old shopping area located in the center of Lucknow, where you can find the vibrant spirit of the city. With numerous showrooms, factory outlets, restaurants, shopping complexes, malls, and theaters, it is a buyer’s paradise. The Ganj Carnival held here on the second Sunday of every month attracts a large crowd. While you’re here, don’t forget to satisfy your hunger at the Royal Cafe, JJ Bakers, Cherry Tree Cafe, or other eateries in the area.
13. Chota Imambara, Lucknow
The impressive structure of the small Imambara The historical structure was built in 1838 by Mohammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh. Imambara is also known as Hussainabad Mubarak, it was originally built as a church hall for devotees of the Shia community. However, the place later served as the tomb of the Nawab and his mother.
The interior of the structure is beautifully decorated with chandeliers and crystal lamps brought from Belgium which gave it the gift of ‘Palace of Light of the Palace’. The exteriors contain elements of intricate Islamic calligraphy, which adds to its visual appeal.
14. British Residency, Lucknow
Also known as the Residency and Residency Complex, the British Residency is a building that once served as the residence of the British Resident General. Built in the last quarter of the 1st century, the site was home to over 1,000 British residents during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Currently, the residency is in ruins and it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
15. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, Lucknow
Founded in 1921 on 71 acres of land, the place is home to 440 mammals, 340 bird species and various species of reptiles, and many other wonders of the wild. While here, you can enjoy toy train rides and paddle boating, see the British-era vintage train on display at the zoo, and visit the Butterfly Park and Nature Interpretation Center. Your kids can also have a great time at the kid’s park.
16. State Museum, Lucknow
Located within the Lucknow Zoo, the State Museum is another major attraction that you can include in your Lucknow itinerary. The main exhibits here include works of art and culture and many antiquities excavated from the city and surrounding areas. The four-story building also houses an Egyptian mummy and a wooden sarcophagus.
17. Ram Manohar Lohia Park, Lucknow
Counted in the top 10 places in Lucknow, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park is a public park developed by the Lucknow Development Authority. As the name implies, it was built in memory of the great freedom fighter and socialist political leader Dr. Ram Ram Manohar Lohia.
Located across a 76-acre area in Gumti Nagar, the park boasts a jogging track, acupressure track, a lake, a fish and duck pond, swings and benches, an amphitheater, a flower garden, and an open exercise area. Whether you want to walk through the park on a quiet evening or break a sweat on the jogging tracks, the park is an ideal place.
18. Gomti Riverfront Park, Lucknow
Gumti Riverfront Park has been one of the major tourist destinations in Lucknow since its inception, thanks to its ancient location and natural environment. Known among the city’s top picnic and recreation spots, the park stretches across 2 km along the banks of the Gumti River.
One of the main attractions here is the musical fountain and the park looks gorgeous in the evening when the whole area is illuminated. Equipped with jogging tracks, cycling tracks, kids play areas, etc., the park makes it a great place to spend some time with your loved ones in the evening.
19. Janeshwar Mishra Park, Lucknow
It was designed after Hyde Park in London and is counted among the top eco-friendly parks in the country. The park has two large ponds that attract lots of migratory birds throughout the year. Complete with jogging and cycling tracks, walkways, children’s playgrounds, gondola rides, and lush green surroundings, the park serves as the green lungs of the city where you can refresh and relax.
20. Chandrika Devi Temple, Lucknow
Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Chandi, a form of Durga, the Chandrika Devi temple is one of the most spectacular temples in Lucknow. Located on the banks of the river Gumti, this temple is believed to be about 10000 years old. The main deity of the temple, Chandi Devi, is worshiped here in the form of three stones. Known for its spiritual vibrancy, the temple is visited by devotees throughout the year and especially during the Navratri festival.
21. Fun Republic Mall, Lucknow
When you want to enjoy a good session of retail therapy, fun, food, and entertainment, make your way to the Fun Republic Mall. Counted among the top shopping malls in Lucknow, it is located in the main area of Gomti Nagar and has several retail shops, a spacious food court, and a gaming zone. You can also see recent releases at Mall Cinema, a luxury multiplex located in the mall.
22. Charbagh Railway Station, Lucknow
Counted among the most iconic railway stations in India, it has a regal look, like a palace or palace. The huge building, complete with minarets and domes, features Rajput, Upadhi, and Islamic-style architectural elements. Don’t forget to click on some pictures of this great structure because you won’t see such a stunningly designed train station every day.
23. Constantia House, Lucknow
When you want to see the splendor of British-era architecture, you must visit Constantia House. It is part of the famous La Martiniere College, one of the leading educational institutions in the city. The building contains the tomb of Major Claude Martin, the French general who began construction in 1785. Considered the largest European fun monument in the country, Constantia House displays an unusual blend of architectural styles.
24. Satkhanda, Lucknow
Located in Lucknow, the iconic Watch Tower, Satkhand is an unfinished, four-story structure dating back to the 1800s. King Mohammad Ali Shah who started the construction of the building planned to make it a Watch Tower of seven stories but could only complete four due to his untimely death. The design of this red-brick tower reflects the effect of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is one of the most interesting monuments to visit in Lucknow.
25. Begum Hazrat Mahal Park
The park is named Begum Hazrat Mahal Park and a marble memorial has been constructed which carries the coat of arms of the Awadh royal family. The park is a major attraction during major Hindu festivals like Holi and Dussehra.
26. Jama Masjid, Lucknow
The Jama Masjid is another gem on the list of Lucknow tourist destinations. Like other mosques in the country, it is a spiritual center for Muslim devotees. But this is not the end. This 19th-century building is a visual treat and one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in the city. A major highlight here is the huge pillars that are carved by Hindus and Jains.
Conclusion
From marveling at the architecture of the small Imambara to clicking on a picture in the background of the Rumi Darwaza, this city allows you to live by kings and queens. Apart from this, places like Ambedkar Park, Ram Manohar Lohia Park, Indira Gandhi Planetarium, and Lucknow Zoological Garden offer you the best walking path filled with beautiful flowers on both sides. Overall, these places should not be missed as they have a combination of culture and modernity. You get a clear idea about the best places to visit in Lucknow.