Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a city of culture, history, and beauty. From its exquisite architecture to its colorful markets, there is much to explore in this vibrant city. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, here are the top 20 places to see in Lucknow, India.
1. Bara Imambara: Built in the 18th century by Asaf-ud-Daula, this iconic building is a major tourist attraction in Lucknow. It is a grand structure with a magnificent central hall and a stepped tank known as the Baoli. The most unique feature of this building is the Bhulbhulaiya, a labyrinth of over 1000 passages and galleries.
2. Chota Imambara: Also known as the Hussainabad Imambara, this monument was built by Muhammad Ali Shah in 1838. It is an exquisite structure with a golden dome and intricately carved walls. Inside the Imambara, you can find the tombs of the royal family, a mosque, and a large courtyard.
3. Rumi Darwaza: This majestic gateway was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. It is a grand structure with a large dome and four minarets. The gateway was built to commemorate the victory of the Nawab over the British forces.
4. British Residency: This building was constructed by the British East India Company in 1800. It was used as a residence for the British officers during the time of the Nawab. The building is a fine example of colonial architecture and is now a museum.
5. Chhota Chattar Manzil: This palace was built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in 1783. It is a beautiful structure with a terrace and a charming garden. The palace is now a museum and houses a collection of artifacts and paintings from the Mughal period.
6. Clock Tower: Also known as Ghanta Ghar, this clock tower was built by Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider in 1881. It is a grand structure with four clock faces and is the tallest clock tower in India.
7. La Martiniere College: This college was founded by Major General Claude Martin in 1845. It is a beautiful building with a grand facade and is one of the oldest educational institutions in India.
8. Lucknow Zoo: This zoo was established in 1921 and is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, and elephants. It is a popular tourist attraction and a great place to spend a day with family.
9. Ambedkar Memorial Park: This park was built in memory of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. It is a beautiful park with a large pond and lush greenery.
10. Dilkusha Kothi: This palace was built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in 1799. It is a grand structure with a terrace and a large garden. The palace is now a museum and houses a collection of artifacts and paintings from the Mughal period.
11. Shaheed Smarak: This memorial was built in memory of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. It is a beautiful structure with a large garden and a museum.
12. La Martiniere Monument: This monument was built by Major General Claude Martin in 1802. It is a grand structure with a terrace and a large garden. The monument is now a museum and houses a collection of artifacts and paintings from the Mughal period.
13. Bada Imambara: Built in the 18th century by Asaf-ud-Daula, this iconic building is a major tourist attraction in Lucknow. It is a grand structure with a magnificent central hall and a stepped tank known as the Baoli. The most unique feature of this building is the Bhulbhulaiya, a labyrinth of over 1000 passages and galleries.
14. Satkhanda: This seven-storeyed tower was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. It is a grand structure with a terrace and a large garden. The tower is now a museum and houses a collection of artifacts and paintings from the Mughal period.
15. Chhattar Manzil: This palace was built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in 1783. It is a beautiful structure with a terrace and a charming garden. The palace is now a museum and houses a collection of artifacts and paintings from the Mughal period.
16. Jama Masjid: This mosque was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. It is a grand structure with a terrace and a large garden. The mosque is now a popular tourist attraction and a great place to visit.
17. British Residency: This building was constructed by the British East India Company in 1800. It was used as a residence for the British officers during the time of the Nawab. The building is a fine example of colonial architecture and is now a museum.
18. Picture Gallery: This gallery was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. It is a grand structure with a terrace and a large garden. The gallery is now a museum and houses a collection of artifacts and paintings from the Mughal period.
19. Chhota Chattar Manzil: This palace was built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in 1783. It is a beautiful structure with a terrace and a charming garden. The palace is now a museum and houses a collection of artifacts and paintings from the Mughal period.
20. Husainabad Clock Tower: This clock tower was built by Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider in 1881. It is a grand structure with four clock faces and is the tallest clock tower in India.
Lucknow is a city of culture and beauty, and these 20 places are just a few of the many attractions that make it so special. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, make sure to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.