The city of Nawabs and kebabs, Lucknow is a place where one can enjoy all facets of life right from culture, food, shopping and leisure activities to spirituality, art and history. A unique blend of oriental, colonial and ancient architecture, it is the capital of Uttar Pradesh which proudly upholds the essence of India’s heritage. The locals will welcome you warmly and you’ll have a hassle-free experience exploring the often overlooked places to visit in Lucknow. You can immerse yourself in the city’s rustic grandiosity through its boulevards, monuments and gardens or visit the many famous places in Lucknow such as Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara and a Mughar gateway Rumi Darwaza. Other options to explore are Bhool Bhulaiya, a maze of tunnels with views of the city and the Victorian Husainabad Clock Tower.
Lucknow
1. Rumi Darwaza
When you want to witness the grandeur of the Awadhi style of architecture, make your way to the Rumi Darwaza, an imposing gateway located between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara. This gateway built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula is about 60-feet tall and is generally used as the logo for Lucknow city. Since the gate is modeled after the Sublime Porte in Istanbul, it is sometimes referred to as the Turkish Gate.
2. Indira Gandhi Planetarium
A visit to the Indira Gandhi Planetarium must be on your list of things to do in Lucknow, especially if you are a science enthusiast or traveling with your kids. The planetarium is designed in such a way that it resembles the planet Saturn, which makes it different from all other planetariums in the country. With its high-tech projection system and daily screenings that reveal the wonders of the universe, it is a great place to spend a day learning a thing or two about celestial bodies.
3. Nawab Wahid Ali Shah Zoological Garden
Nawab Wahid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, more popularly known as Lucknow Zoo, is counted among the best places to visit in Lucknow for nature lovers and family holidaymakers. Established in 1921 over 71 acres of land, the place is home to over 440 mammals, 340 bird species, and several species of reptiles and many other wonders of the wild. While here, you can enjoy toy train rides and paddle boating, take a look at the British-era vintage train displayed in the zoo, and visit the butterfly park and nature interpretation center. Your little ones can also have a great time at the children’s park.
4. Gomti Riverfront Park
Gomti Riverfront Park has been one of the main tourist places in Lucknow ever since its establishment, thanks to its pristine location and scenic surroundings. Known among the top picnic and recreation spots in the city, the park stretches over 2 km across the banks of the Gomti River. One of the key attractions here is the musical fountain and the park looks stunning in the evening hours when the whole area is lit up. Equipped with jogging tracks, cycling tracks, play areas for children, etc. the park makes for a great spot to spend some time with your loved ones in the evenings.
5. Jama Masjid
Another gem in the list of Lucknow tourist places in the Jama Masjid. Like all other masjids in the country, it is a spiritual center for Muslim devotees. But that’s not all. This 19th-centuary edifice is a visual treat and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the city. A key highlight here is the giant pillars that feature Hindu and Jain carvings.
6. Chandrika Devi Temple
Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Chandi, a form of Durga, the Chandrika Devi Temple is among the must-visit temples in Lucknow. The shrine, which is located on the banks of River Gomti, is believed to be about 300 years old. Goddess Chandi, the presiding deity of the temple, is worshipped here in the form of a stone with three heads. Known for its spiritual vibes, the temple is visited by devotees all through the year and especially during the festival of Navaratri.
7. Husainabad Clock Tower
Built-in the year 1881, Husainabad Clock Tower is adjudged as the tallest among all the clock towers in India. it was built as a replica to the Big Ben clock tower of London. Richard Roskell Bayne designed this structure, 67 metres (220 ft) in height, and it reflects Victorian and Gothic style structural designs.
8. Moti Mahal Palace
Built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, the Moti Mahal is popularly known as the Pearl Palace. This historical monument located on the banks of river Gomti is constructed next to Mubarak Manzil and Shah Manzil. A former residence of the Nawabs of Lucknow during the time, Moti Mahal was initially a part of the Qaisar Bagh complex.
Lucknow is popular for its rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders. The city apart from the above-mentioned tourist places in Lucknow are famous for amazing Awadhi cuisine which is a must try for any foodie.