3 Things To Do In Lucknow

The metropolitan state capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is also nicknamed as the ‘City of Nawabs’. This bustling city was ruled by a succession of Nawabs of Awadh and later by the British Empire. Hence, this historic city is dotted with buildings and residences depicting Indian, Islamic, and European styles of architecture. Moreover, Lucknow is also famous for its cultural heritage, etiquette, ‘shayari’, and appetizing Awadhi cuisine. The period from October until March is the best time to visit this city for sightseeing. Lucknow is well-connected to rest of the country via an airport, the Indian Railways network, and 3 major National Highways.

Below is the comprehensive list of 3 most-interesting things to do when in Lucknow:

1. Visit the places of interests!

Lucknow is home to numerous grand royal palaces, religious shrines, magnificent tombs, lush-green parks and other places with historical and cultural significance. One of the most famous landmarks in Lucknow, the Bara Imambara complex houses the incredible ‘Bhoolbhulaiya’ and picturesque Asafi Mosque. The Turkish Gate or Rumi Darwaja lies at a walking distance from this place and you can also make a quick trip to the nearby Hussainabad Clock Tower.

These architectural marvels will surely leave you amazed. Some of the heritage buildings, namely, Chhatar Manzil, British Residency, and La Martinière Boy’s College are excellent example of Indo-European styles of architecture. If you’re interested in knowing about the history of Lucknow and Nawabs of Awadh, then you should check out the Hussainabad Picture Gallery and Lucknow State Museum. The latter building is located within the premises of 71-acre large Lucknow Zoo and has overwhelming collection of artifacts dating to ancient Gupta period. You can take a peaceful stroll in several landscaped parks, such as, Begum Hazrat Mahal park, Dr. Ambedkar park, and Lucknow Gardens.

Other places of interest are Chhota Imambara, Satkhanda, Saadat Ali Khan’s macqbara, Regional Science Center, and Ganga Aquarium, to name a few. You can also make a trip to Naimisharanaya Tirth which houses the famous Chakra Tirth Temple. According to Hindu mythology, Maharishi Vyas wrote the sacred ‘Puraans’ at this place. Hundreds of Hindu devotees come here to pray and bath in the waters of the holy pond situated here.

2. Sample The Awadhi Cuisine And Other Local Delicacies!

Lucknow is home to the globally-acclaimed Awadhi cuisine which includes an impressive array of delicious kebabs, biryanis, paans, and kulfis. Both the high-class hotels and roadside eateries sell various types of kebabs such as Seekh kebab, Boti kebab, Shami kebab, and Galawat ke kebab. Prices may vary but we guarantee you that taste of foods will remain the same mouth-watering type. Other local specialties include Kulcha, matar chaat, and aloo tikki. If you have a sweet tooth then you must try out the flavored kulfis and paans of Lucknow. We assure you that the large varieties of these sweet delicacies will leave you spoilt for choice!

3. Go Shopping At Local Marketplaces!

Lucknow is dotted with many bustling and accessible shopping areas. However, the best shopping destination in the city is Hazratganj market. You will find old traditional shops as well as modern shopping outlets. A wide range of handicrafts, electronic goods, textiles, and jewelry is available here for purchase.

You can also relax and spend your time in its restaurants, hotels, and movie theatres during and after your shopping-spree. Exploring the shops located in Aminabad, Chowk, and Janpath areas is also a rewarding experience. In fact, the well-stocked shops in the Chowk bazaar offer a large and pleasing range of perfumes and chikankari traditional dresses at bargained price. You should also throng the UP government-run emporia to browse or buy fixed-price local handicrafts and handlooms of your interest without worrying about their quality and genuineness!

There are other interesting activities you can perform by attending various festivals in Lucknow. The Lucknow Festival is a 10-day long cultural fest which is held every year between 25th November and 5th December. You can enjoy various traditional dance performances, theatre plays, and classical music soirees which take place here. The outdoor events of this festival include kite-flying challenge, boating competition, single-horse carriage races, and rooster fights. Another major event in Lucknow is the National Kite-flying Competition where you can marvel at hundreds of kites of different sizes, shapes, and colors flying high in the air!