Lucknow: Top Things to Do

Lucknow is a city of Nawabs and Kebabs, of culture and literature, of history and architecture. It is also the place near which the famous Kakori Train Robbery took place during the Independence Movement, when Chandra Shekhar Azad and his men looted a train carrying money for the British Treasury. This robbery was a catalyst in India’s freedom struggle and shook the British government. Today, the monuments and relics in Lucknow stand as a reminiscence of the colonial era.

The City – Then and Now

Lucknow has a charm of a city steeped in arts and history. Historically, Lucknow was the capital of Awadh, and a stronghold of the Mughal Empire. The power was then transferred to the Nawabs of Awadh, who lived well, enjoyed the arts and indulged in good food. They gave special emphasis to developing the arts and creating a lifestyle of sophistication and richness, and that has carried forward till this day.

The people of Lucknow demonstrate utmost tehzeeb (etiquette), and are known to be polished and polite. The “pehle aap” (you first) culture of the city makes it a sheer delight for visitors. People embrace their history and culture, and one notices that in the way they talk about the city’s historical monuments such as Bara Imambara, The Residency, Rumi Darwaza, and more. The way of life of a Lucknowi will transport you to a time when life was simple, and the joys of life meant good Awadhi food, a cultural evening of live classical music and kathak dance, and a walk at Hazratganj.

Lucknow brings together the beauty of a royal past and the simplicity of a second tier modern city. This delightful city can be best experienced if you:

Do

Visit the Bara Imambara, in Lucknow’s old town, where you’ll find the famous “bhool-bhulaiya”, a labyrinth. The Bara Imambara houses Asia’s largest hall without any external support from beams and is an embodiment of Awadhi culture and architecture.

Another popular landmark is the British Residency, a complex of ruins and a great example of colonial architecture. A charming British style locality, this complex is believed to be haunted by ghosts from a British cemetery, according to legend. Surely makes for an interesting afternoon stroll!

Eat

The Mughal and Awadhi cuisines, which dominate most of the North Indian food worldwide, originated in Lucknow.

When in Lucknow, start your day with the good-old Kachori, accompanied by Makhan Malai, a kind of frothy sweet dish that literally melts in your mouth. Later, try the famous Tunde ke Kebab, so succulent that you will definitely want more! And of course, your trip to Lucknow is incomplete without chaat at the Jain Chaatwala. If there is still room for more, do visit Dastarkhwan for authentic Awadhi biryani!

Buy

Lucknow is famous for Chikankari embroidery work, which is well-known all over India. You must buy the traditional white Chikan kurta or saree! Don’t leave the city before shopping at Hazratganj, the main shopping hub of the city that buzzes with activity.

Getting There : Lucknow is well connected to all major cities by air, rail and road.