10 Best Places to Visit in Lucknow is the town of Nawabs and kebabs, where you can enjoy all aspects of life, from culture, food, shopping and leisure activities to spirituality, art and history. The capital of Uttar Pradesh, which proudly upholds the essence of India’s heritage, is a rare mix of Oriental, colonial and ancient architecture. The locals will warmly welcome you and you will have a hassle-free experience discovering the places to visit in Lucknow that are often missed. Via its boulevards, monuments and parks, you can immerse yourself in the rustic grandeur of the city or visit the many famous places in Lucknow, such as Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara and Rumi Darwaza’s Mughar Gateway. Bhool Bhulaiya, a labyrinth of tunnels with city views, and the Victorian Husainabad Clock Tower are other possibilities to explore.
Bara Imambara, Lucknow
One of the prominent monuments in the city is Bara Imambara. It’s often referred to as Asfi Imambara. It was constructed by the fourth Nawab of Awadha, recognised as the Asaf-Ud-Daula, in the year 1784. It is one of the most beautiful places for Muslims who come here to celebrate the Muharram festival each year. This bara imambara has a way to go within 1024, but it has only 2 ways to go outside. It is one of Lucknow’s most spectacular and wonderful locations, which is the biggest building in the world that is unsupported by the beams. It was designed as an engineering marvel and a fine Mughal architectural specimen. It has Bhool-Bhulaiya and with flowing water, it has a step well. This place also has centuries of faith, such as the Asifi Mosque, Shahi Bawani, Rumi Darwaja, etc. It is also a great photographic spot.
Chota Imambara, Lucknow
It’s one of the oldest and prettiest buildings in ancient Lucknow. Also recognised as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, Chota Imambara is This building is generally referred to as the palace of lights, which during special occasions represents the exotic decorations and chandeliers. It is built on a high platform and is beautifully decorated with calligraphy and floral designs. Most tourists are attracted to the architectural vision of the site. It is also the perfect location for portraits and also for exploring.
British Residency, Lucknow
The British Residency is also named the Residency and the Residency Complex and is a complex of buildings that once served as the British Resident General’s home. Constructed in the last quarter of the 18th century, during the Indian Revolt of 1857, the place was home to over 3,000 British inhabitants. At present, under the Archeological Survey of India, the Residency is in ruins and is a protected monument.
Rumi Darwaza, Lucknow
The Rumi Darwaza is situated in the heart of Lucknow, which has a loom over Lajpatnagar’s busy daily traffic, which looks like an old guardian angel who saw the town rise and fall. It is an imposing gateway built in 1784 by the Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula Patronage. The Turkish Gate is also known as Rumi Darwaza. This Rumi Darwaza is a fine example of architecture from Awadhi. The height is around 18 metres for this Rumi Darwaza. On top of Rumi Darwaza, there is only one giant lantern that would illuminate the structure at night, and these lights would enhance the beauty of this Darwaza at night. As a word Roma, the word “Rumi” comes from modern-day, this term was used to be Istanbul, the capital city of the Eastern Roma Empire.
Chattar Manzil, Lucknow
Another must-visit tourist spot in Lucknow is the Chattar Manzil or Umbrella Palace, which once served as the residence for the Awadhi rulers and their wives. The building features an umbrella-shaped dome, just as the name implies. The structure shows elements from different architectural styles, the European style being the most significant of them. The building currently serves as a government office, and because of its architectural elegance, it is visited by tourists.
Dilkusha Kothi, Lucknow
The remains of a house that was built in the early 19th century are situated on the banks of the River Gomti, Dilkusha Kothi. Designed in the baroque English style of architecture, the house once served as the Nawabs’ hunting lodge and summer resort. Except for the external walls, a few towers, and a lush garden, nothing much is left of the house today. Dilkusha Kothi, however has won a spot in the list of Lucknow tourist places due to its historical significance and architectural grandeur.
Husainabad Clock Tower, Lucknow
Husainabad Clock Tower is another heritage monument situated adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza, dotting Lucknow’s cityscape. Founded at a cost of 1.75 lakhs by the Hussainabad Trust in 1881, this 221-feet structure is modelled after London’s Big Ben Clock Tower. The clock is built with 12 petals like a flower and its pendulum is 14 foot long. It shows the Gothic and Victorian styles of architecture as the highest clock tower in the country.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow
A visit to the Indira Gandhi Planetarium, especially if you are a science enthusiast or travelling with your children, must be on your list of things to do in Lucknow. The planetarium is built to imitate the planet Saturn, which distinguishes it from all other planetariums in the country. The high-tech projection system and regular screenings that show the wonders of the universe, It’s a perfect place to spend a day learning about celestial bodies or something.
Ambedkar Park, Lucknow
One of the most popular places to see in Lucknow is Ambedkar Memorial Park in Lucknow as well. It is also known as Prateek Sthal Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan. An region of one hundred and seven acres surrounds the park.
There are museums and galleries in the park that commemorate the lives of Ambedkar and other great Indian freedom fighters. The entrance to the park is a remarkable one as sixty two magnificent stone elephants line both sides of the road.
Nawab Wahid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, Lucknow
For nature lovers and family holidaymakers, Nawab Wahid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, more popularly referred to as Lucknow Zoo, is counted among the best places to visit in Lucknow. Established on 71 acres of land in 1921, the place is home to over 440 mammals, 340 species of birds, many species of reptiles and many other wildlife wonders. If you can enjoy toy train rides and paddle boating here, take a look at the antique British-era train seen in the zoo, and visit the Butterfly Park and Interpretation Center of Nature. Your little ones will have a fun time at the kids’ park as well.