Imambara / Heritage
Asafi Imambara / Bara Imambara
A grand imambara built by Asaf-ud-Daulah between 1784 and 1791, central to Nawabi Lucknow.
Bara ImambaraAsafiAwadhTake the scenic route · Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow
Awadh Tehzeeb and Nawabi Architecture
Forest calmSlow trailsEarthy light
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GET TO KNOW THE PLACE
Lucknow: From Lakhanapuri to the Capital of Awadh
Lucknow is tied to the Lakhanapuri tradition, Kosal region and Awadh culture. After Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah shifted the capital from Faizabad to Lucknow in 1775, the city developed its identity through imambaras, gateways, kothis, tombs, markets, chikankari, cuisine and refined etiquette.
Lakhanapuri
Lakhanapuri and Kosal Tradition
Lucknow’s older memory is linked with Lakhanapuri, Lakshmana Tila and the Kosal region.
1775
Capital of Awadh
In 1775 Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah shifted the Awadh capital from Faizabad to Lucknow, transforming the city’s architecture and culture.
1857
Residency and Freedom History
The Residency and several parts of Lucknow became important during the events of 1857.
LEAVE ROOM FOR A DETOUR
The places you’ll remember.
Gateway / Monument
Rumi Darwaza
A majestic Nawabi gateway near Bara Imambara and one of Lucknow’s most recognizable landmarks.
Rumi DarwazaGatewayLucknow
Imambara
Chhota Imambara
The Husainabad Imambara, an ornate religious and architectural landmark commissioned by Muhammad Ali Shah.
Chhota ImambaraHusainabadAwadh
Historic Complex
Residency
A British Residency complex closely associated with the events of 1857 in Lucknow.
Residency1857Historic
Clock Tower
Husainabad Clock Tower
A tall clock tower in Husainabad and a prominent marker of Old Lucknow’s heritage route.
Clock TowerHusainabadOld LucknowColonial Heritage
La Martiniere College / Constantia
A historic educational campus centred on Constantia, reflecting European and Awadh architectural influences.
La MartiniereConstantiaColonial
Palace Ruins
Dilkusha Palace
Ruins of a palace near La Martiniere, showing a blend of Nawabi and European styles.
Dilkusha PalaceAwadhHeritage
Historic Site
Sikandar Bagh
A historic garden associated with Wajid Ali Shah and the events of 1857.
Sikandar Bagh1857Wajid Ali Shah
Tomb
Maqbara Saadat Ali Khan
A royal Awadh tomb in the Qaiserbagh area associated with Saadat Ali Khan.
Saadat Ali KhanTombQaiserbagh
Tomb / Heritage
Nadan Mahal
An old tomb complex in Yahiyaganj, part of the layered heritage of Old Lucknow.
Nadan MahalYahiyaganjOld Lucknow
Imambara
Sibtainabad Imambara
An imambara in Hazratganj associated with King Amjad Ali Shah and Awadh heritage.
SibtainabadHazratganjImambara
Kothi / Heritage
Bibiyapur Kothi
An Awadh-period kothi on the Gomti bank, linked with Nawabi leisure and courtly life.
Bibiyapur KothiGomtiAwadh
Church
All Saints Garrison Church
A historic church in Lucknow Cantonment linked with colonial religious architecture.
ChurchCantonmentColonial
Religious Site
Hanuman Mandir Aliganj
A revered Hanuman temple in Aliganj, popular for Tuesday worship and local devotion.
Hanuman TempleAliganjReligiousMarket / Urban Experience
Hazratganj
Lucknow’s central market promenade known for shopping, food, cafes, cinema and urban heritage.
HazratganjMarketFoodFood / Market
Chowk and Aminabad Food Streets
Old Lucknow’s Chowk and Aminabad are known for kebabs, nihari, sheermal, chaat, attar, chikankari and paan.
ChowkAminabadFoodA LITTLE OFF THE USUAL ROUTE
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Food of Lucknow
Lucknow is famous for kebabs, sheermal, nihari-kulcha, biryani, makhan malai, basket chaat, kulfi and old-city food walks.
Aminabad / Chowk
Galawati Kebab
Soft Galawati kebabs with paratha are the most famous face of Awadhi cuisine.
Chowk
Nihari-Kulcha
Slow-cooked nihari with kulcha is a signature old Lucknow food experience.
Chowk / winter markets
Makhan Malai
A delicate winter dessert made from aerated milk cream, also called nimish.
THROUGH ANOTHER TRAVELLER’S EYES
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A LITTLE PLANNING GOES A LONG WAY
Before you set off.
October to March is best for imambaras, Residency, Hazratganj, Chowk and parks. Winter food walks are especially good.
April - June · 35°C-44°C
Summer
Afternoons are hot; plan heritage walks morning or evening.
July - September · 29°C-35°C
Monsoon
Rain and humidity are common; parks and riverfronts look greener.
October - March · 12°C-27°C
Winter
Best time for heritage, markets and Awadhi food walks.
Rail
Rail Connectivity
- Lucknow Charbagh / LKO — Major rail gateway of Lucknow.
- Lucknow Junction / Gomti Nagar — Important stations for regional and long-distance travel.
Air / Road
Air and Road
- चौधरी चरण सिंह अंतरराष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डा — लखनऊ और मध्य उत्तर प्रदेश का मुख्य हवाई अड्डा।
- आगरा-लखनऊ और पूर्वांचल एक्सप्रेसवे लिंक — आगरा, दिल्ली-NCR और पूर्वी उत्तर प्रदेश के लिए प्रमुख सड़क संपर्क।